For 14 years, Grace Nagawa braved severe menstrual cramps and excruciating pelvic pain. She kept hoping to get better but it instead progressed into Endometriosis, a disease that affects the uterus, tubes and ovaries. 

Nagawa, a nurse, got relief in 2021 when she was operated on. 

“When I came out of the theatre I felt like a huge load had been taken off me. The pain ceased and for the first time in 14 years, I saw normal blood. Before, it was black,” she says.

The doctor also put her on hormonal therapy and a special diet.
 
“I have focused on my diet and lifestyle and it has kept me going. I have more energy and more pain-free days,” she says.

Women should eat more fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Joseph Muhumuza, a fertility specialist and laparoscopic surgeon says, diet plays an important role in managing endometriosis.  

He says those with the condition should aim at taking in foods that help to reduce inflammation hence decreasing the symptoms of the disease. 

“Endometriosis is an estrogen hormone-dependent disease. So, the more estrogen you load, the higher the chances of the disease progressing,” he explains. 

Therefore, a diet that reduces estrogen levels is important.
For example, have more fruits because they contain antioxidants like vitamin E, C and D plus essential minerals that reduce inflammation. 
Relatedly, consume more vegetables. 

In fact, according to Dr. Muhumuza, one can never have enough fruits and vegetables plus beans and other legumes which are great sources of plant proteins. 

However, when it comes to animal products, he advises avoiding red meat and dairy products because they are associated with increased levels of estrogen. 

Also, avoid non-saturated fat and gluten, a protein found in many grains, including wheat. Instead, choose white meat like fish and rabbit meat.