Vegetables and fruit may keep the uterus healthy and
protect against endometriosis

The endometrium is the name given to the membrane which lines the uterus or womb in women.

Endometriosis is a condition which affects as many as 5 in every 100 women and it is where the endometrium grows outside the uterus and attaches to organs in the abdominal cavity such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes and less commonly on the bladder, bowel, lungs, arm, thigh and other locations. This tissue develops into lesions/growths and responds to the menstrual cycle as if it were still in the uterus.

Each month the misplaced tissue builds up and sheds, but the blood and tissue has no way of leaving the abdominal cavity thus resulting in pools of blood and inflammation that forms scar tissue causing pain, infertility and bowel problems. Infertility can be caused by the scar tissue blocking the fallopian tubes and interefering with ovulation or through the development of ovarian cysts.

The causes of endometriosis are unknown but there are several theories that suggest possible causes such as a genetic predisposition, immune system or hormonal problems or exposure to the pesticide dioxin. Interestingly, diet has not been linked to this condition yet many women with endometriosis suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities and frequent yeast infections.

A new study from Italy has linked diet to endometriosis. This study was published in the journal Human Reproduction in August 2004 (19(8):1755-9) by Parazzini et al. They investigated the medical records, lifestyle and diets of more than 500 women with endometriosis and compared them to a control group of 500 women. They found that high consumption of fruit (especially fresh) and vegetables (especially green leafy types) had a lower risk of developing this condition by up to 40%. In contrast, a high intake of red meat and ham appeared to increase risk by 80-100%. Milk, liver, carrots, cheese, fish and wholegrain foods, coffee and alcohol were not linked to this condition.
The authors conclude that their study suggests a link between diet and risk of endometriosis.

Read an article published in the Age about this study

Last updated: July 2004