Uterine polyps are growths that attach to the inner wall of the uterus and extend into the uterine cavity. They are caused by an overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus, and are sometimes called endometrial polyps. These polyps are most common in women going through menopause, or post-menopause, but younger women may also get them. While the guidelines for uterine polyps aren’t as specific as those for colon polyps, a healthy diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in managing endometrial polyps.
Understanding Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, attach to the endometrium (uterus lining) by a thin stalk or a broad base and extend inward into the uterus. They can range in size from very small, like a seed, to larger, like a golf ball. Polyps can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting, or bleeding after sex.
The Role of Diet in Uterine Health
The food you eat has a direct impact on every aspect of your body. Certain foods and drinks contain nutrients that can improve vaginal health and, in turn, improve uterine health. Improving your diet is one part of a comprehensive plan to manage uterine health.
Key Nutrients for Uterine Health
Several nutrients play a vital role in maintaining uterine health and managing conditions like polyps and fibroids.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods and beverages are great for vaginal health, which in turn supports uterine health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can improve the balance of the vaginal microbiome. Foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, kimchi, pickles, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Prebiotics help stabilize vaginal pH, which promotes healthy bacteria growth. Foods rich in prebiotics include leeks, onions, garlic, oats, and bananas.
Fiber
High estrogen levels can worsen endometriosis symptoms. Fiber can help your body eliminate excess estrogen. Fiber helps you poop, which gives your body a chance to get rid of extra estrogen. Aim for about 35 grams of fiber each day. You’re probably on track if you’re pooping once a day.
Increase your intake by eating fiber-filled foods, like:
- Fruits and vegetables, focusing on the whole foods, not juice, which strips out the fiber
- Ground flaxseed, which is great to add to smoothies or home-baked foods
- Legumes, like beans, lentils and chickpeas
- Whole grains, including whole-wheat pasta and brown rice
Increase your fiber intake gradually. Adding too much at once can make bloating, gas and other digestive discomforts worse. Drinking plenty of water can also help to minimize these side effects.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids can calm inflammation from endometriosis. Good food sources of omega-3s include:
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
- Fatty fish, like salmon, sardines and tuna
- Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed
- Plant oils, including flaxseed oil and canola oil
Monounsaturated fats also have anti-inflammatory powers. They’re found in:
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Peanut butter
- Safflower oil
Magnesium
Magnesium can help ease muscle cramps, including menstrual cramps that can come with having endometriosis. Magnesium-rich foods include:
- Fruits, particularly bananas, papaya, avocados and blackberries
- Leafy greens, like arugula, dark lettuce, kale and spinach
- Legumes, like black beans and edamame
- Nuts and seeds, especially almonds and pumpkin seeds
Zinc
Zinc helps regulate your menstrual cycles, which is important for hormonal balance. It can help your body ovulate (release an egg). That includes foods like:
- Poultry, like chicken or turkey
- Red meat, but limit this to two low-fat servings per week
- Shellfish, including oysters, crab and lobster
- Eggs, but limit yourself to one a day
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, ask a healthcare professional about good sources of zinc for you and whether you could benefit from a zinc supplement.
Vitamins
Vitamins play a crucial role in managing gynecological diseases. Studies have shown that women with higher vitamin D levels had a decreased rate of endometriosis. Vitamins E and C can also reduce chronic pelvic pain and decrease inflammation.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods can negatively influence the progression of endometriosis and increase the risk of developing it. These choices can also affect how painful or well-managed the disorder is.
Highly Processed Foods
Processed and packaged foods aren’t healthy for anyone. And if you have endometriosis, cutting back on your intake can help. Processed foods are the ones that come in a box or bag and have long lists of ingredients. They don’t have the vitamin and mineral content you’ll find in fresh foods. Instead, they tend to be chock-full of things that may worsen inflammation and stir up endometriosis symptoms. That includes ingredients like:
- Simple carbs
- Sugar
- Salt
- Saturated fats
- Preservatives
- Food dyes
When you fill up on chips, cookies, microwave meals and more, you’re getting a big helping of inflammation-causing foods that can make endometriosis symptoms worse. And you leave less room in your belly for the nutrients your body needs.
Saturated Fats
It’s a good idea for your overall health to limit or avoid saturated fats such as those found in red meat, whole dairy, fried foods and processed foods. Foods rich in fat, mainly saturated fatty acids, increase the risk of insulin resistance and its related complications.
Trans Fats
A diet high in trans fat has been linked to higher rates of endometriosis diagnoses. Trans fat is found predominately in fried, processed, and fast foods. Microwaveable popcorn is a no-no for anyone trying to reduce fibroid risk because the flavorings that are added can contain trans fatty acids.
Food Triggers
Some people with endometriosis find that certain foods or drinks make their symptoms worse. And they’re not the same for everyone. Common triggers for people with endometriosis can include things like:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Gluten
- Dairy products
- High-sugar foods
Keep a food journal so you and your provider can identify any triggering foods. Note what you’re eating and any symptoms you’re experiencing. Share it with your team at your next appointment so, together, you can find patterns and consider that as part of your treatment plan.
Other Chemicals
BPA (Bisphenol A), commonly found in many plastics, has been linked to hormonal disruptions. BPA can mimic oestrogen in the body, potentially contributing to the growth of endometrial polyps and fibroids. Phthalates and parabens, found in personal care products and food packaging, can also disrupt hormonal balance.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and low in red meat, has proven to be beneficial in several aspects of human health in general and has also been studied in relation to fertility. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a higher chance of pregnancy and live birth. The high fat content of vegetable oil as part of this diet could be the driving force behind this association.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
To fight inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis, it’s best to consume a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that’s primarily plant-based and full of vitamins and minerals. Add these to your diet:
- Fibrous foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Iron-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, fortified grains, nuts, and seeds
- Foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, herring, trout, walnuts, chia, and flax seeds
- Antioxidant-rich foods found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, berries, dark chocolate, spinach, and beets
Natural Anti-Androgen Foods
Many natural anti-androgen foods have driven scientists’ attention to their effects on PCOS therapy. Considering the effect of high insulin levels on the production of testosterone and the high levels of this androgen in PCOS women, improving insulin sensitivity by changing the diet and lifestyle may be regarded as the first-line treatment in this disorder.
Some notable natural anti-androgen foods used in PCOS studies include:
- Soybean: comprises isoflavone and phytoestrogens, which are critical in modulating many androgens in the human body.
- Green tea: with a high amount of antioxidants promotes insulin sensitivity and lowers the levels of testosterone.
- Licorice: alleviates the symptoms of PCOS patients and reduces the levels of testosterone.
- Quercetin: as a bioflavonoid with antioxidant activity is effective in PCOS therapy.
The Importance of Gut Health
Our gut health is damaged by regular intake of alcohol, which can reduce the removal of estrogen through bowel movements. Probiotics and the gut microbiome play a role in infertility management. Lactobacilli are the most studied probiotic bacteria, and they show several mechanisms in protecting the vaginal environment, including production of lactic acid that deters pathogens by lowering the pH and yielding an acidic environment to the cervico-vaginal mucus; production of bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides and proteins that protect against microbial invasion; and enhancement of immunomodulation by producing H2O2 and stimulating anti-inflammatory action.
Other Lifestyle Factors
In addition to diet, other lifestyle factors can influence uterine health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body fat can produce additional oestrogen, exacerbating the growth of polyps and fibroids.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can affect hormone metabolism. High intake of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda, can place you at a higher risk of fibroids.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalance. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage may be beneficial.
Exercise
Exercise may help with the management of endometriosis. This is because exercise can reduce estrogen levels and release “feel-good” hormones.
Supplements
In addition to eating a healthy diet, supplements may be beneficial as well.
- Vitamin E and Vitamin C: Results showed a reduction in chronic pelvic pain and a decrease in inflammation.
- Zinc and vitamins A, C, and E: Women with endometriosis who took these supplements decreased peripheral oxidative stress markers and enhanced antioxidant markers.
- Vitamin D: Women with a higher vitamin D level and those who had a higher intake of dairy in their diet had a decreased rate of endometriosis.
Post-Surgery Diet for Stomach Polyp Removal
Stomach polyp removal is a common surgery for polyps that are large in size or have the potential to become cancerous. After surgery, patients have a low risk of polyp recurrence at the same site. Endoscopic removal also minimizes complications, and post-operative pain, and helps faster recovery.
What to Eat After Stomach Polyp Removal
A post-operative diet plan is crucial because the surgery is endoscopic and the polyp is located in the stomach wall. Sensitive foods can affect the wound and healing process. Therefore, after a stomach polyp removal, patients should follow a diet that includes:
- A soft or liquid diet that is not too hot: Porridge, warm broth, warm soup, etc. Juices from fruits and vegetables are also beneficial for the digestive system and prevent constipation.
- Protein and mineral supplements: These are essential for a fast recovery. Prioritize foods like meat, fish, eggs, milk, potatoes, and bananas.
In addition, patients should drink plenty of water.
What to Avoid After Stomach Polyp Removal
After a stomach polyp removal, the following foods should be avoided:
- Hard, chewy, and difficult-to-swallow foods.
- Highly acidic foods like fermented and sour foods (various types of fish sauce, pickled vegetables, etc.) can cause stomach ulcers and affect the post-operative wound.
- Processed and pre-packaged foods: This includes cold cuts, sausages, and pâté, as they contain many preservatives and are extremely harmful to the digestive system after surgery.
Patients should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.