Healing Endometriosis Through Nutrition

I am reading a book right now that I highly recommend to any woman with endometriosis. It is called Endometriosis: A Key to Healing and Fertility Through Nutrition by Dian Shepperson Mills. I have heard this book coined as the “Endometriosis Bible” by many endo sisters 🙂

I am glad that I picked it up because it is filled with so much valuable information about natural healing. The author is a nutritionist and has suffered herself with endometriosis.

I am a little more than halfway through the book and one theme that continues to show throughout is the importance of B vitamins for healing endometriosis.

B vitamins include B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), and B12 (Cyanocobalamin).

There are so many benefits to incorporating these vitamins in the quest for healing endometriosis. I’ve outlined some of them below.

Benefits of B Vitamins for Healing

• B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 all support antioxidant activity.

• B1, B6 and B12 demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects.

• B1, B2, B5, and B6 are needed for ovarian hormones. Low intake of these B vitamins may slow down the ripening of the egg before conception, thereby negatively affecting fertility.

• B1, B2 and B6 assist liver enzymes with the removal of bad estrogens (big bonus for endometriosis).

• B1 plays a key role in the reproductive system as it enriches the lining of the uterus.

• B2 turns fat, sugar and protein into energy.

• B3 assists in energy production and brain function. It helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

• B5 also assists in energy production and fat metabolism. It improves anti-stress hormones by supporting adrenal function.

• B6 is necessary for the formulation of progesterone and serotonin. Low levels of progesterone trigger estrogen dominance which adds fuel to endometriosis. Low levels of serotonin leads to depression.

• B6 also acts as a natural diuretic and helps alleviate bloating associated with PMS. It also improves immune function.

• B12 helps the blood carry oxygen. It is essential for energy and nerve health.

Food Sources of B Vitamins

B vitamins work best in conjunction with each other. They are water soluble so the body is unable to store them. This means they should be consumed everyday.

Below are some food sources of these valuable B vitamins. 

• B1 is available in peas, red kidney beans, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken, beans, potatoes, watercress, mushrooms, lettuce, cauliflower, tomatoes, brussels sprouts and cabbage.

• B2 is available in mackerel, mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli, muesli, leafy green vegetables, watercress, cabbage, black currants, beans, fish and tomatoes.

• B3 is available in mackerel, turkey, chicken, salmon, potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, fish, avocado, prunes, cauliflower, cod, and cabbage.

• B5 is available in eggs, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables, nuts, chicken, celery, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, beans, peas and watercress.

• B6 is available in bananas, turkey, cod, trout, salmon, sardines, herrings, mackerel, tuna, kale, red kidney beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, beans, chicken, peas, potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, onions and almonds.

• B12 is available in sardines, tuna, shrimp, herrings, mackerel, cod, chicken legs.

On the Positive Side?

There are so many benefits to B vitamins and I can see why Dian brings them up so much in her book. I am happy to see that a lot of the foods I eat have B vitamins in them.

To make sure I get my B vitamins everyday I’ve also been supplementing with Moringa which has B1, B2, B3 and B6. I do notice that this helps my mood and overall well being 🙂

Have you noticed a difference by supplementing B vitamins or including them everyday in your diet? I would love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Until next time “B” well.

Much love,

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