Around 1.5 million people have been issued a warning ahead of December 25. With the festive season in full swing, some people may find themselves in bed due to four items they consume at this time of year.
QENDO, which was established in 1988, aims to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis, which affects around 1.5 million people born with a womb, according to Endometriosis UK. Now, it also supports people with adenomyosis, PCOS and infertility.
In a message titled ‘An Endo Friendly Christmas‘, the experts warn people who have endometrosis should avoid or cut down on foods that are high in fat, gluten or dairy. It also warns people that some drinks could also cause issues as these items are known to trigger endometrosis symptoms, which can increase pain, leaving many bedbound.
Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Doctor Peta Wright from Eve Health, shared with the experts at QENDO that if you have this condition, you need to be “extra vigilant with self-care, especially during busy times such as the holidays when the usual routines that may help to keep you well can go out the window.”
To help prevent pain, she urges people to avoid too much alcohol or caffeine late at night. The expert added: “Christmas treats are inevitable, but being mindful to minimize inflammatory foods which can be high fat, gluten or dairy for some women and to ensure you are eating an abundance of healthy fats, vegetables and fruits will help to support a healthy gut and immune system and reduce inflammation and IBS symptoms which can increase pain.”
In other bits of advice, Jess, President at QENDO, warned people: “If you’re drinking this Christmas, follow up with a glass of water. We know fizzy, citrus, alcoholic drinks can aggravate our symptoms.
“Diluting with water can help ease any impact. Better still, switch the drink to a mint, watermelon water instead.”
It’s also advised to have at least one endo-friendly food option for each meal. “Flares are common this time of year. With all that Xmas food, you don’t want to be spending the festive season in a ball because of something you ate.”
Kristen, it’s fundraising coordinator added that people could opt for mint tea. This “helps digestion” and avoids bloating aka that “dreaded endo belly.”
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. It can have a big impact on your life, and there is no cure, but there are treatments that can help, including surgery.
Endometriosis signs and symptoms
Symptoms can occur during or out of your period. There is no cure or one treatment for all. Because of this, you can manage symptoms through diet, exercise, medication and surgery.
The most common signs and symptoms are:
- severe period pain that stops you from doing your normal activities
- heavy periods – you may need to change your pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes
- pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area)
- pain when you poo or pee
- pain during or after sex
- bloating – often called ‘endo belly’
- nerve pain
- restless legs
- leg pain
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood
- difficulty getting pregnant
- low mood or anxiety
If you need support with endometriosis, you can visit ‘Living with Endometriosis’ online help page via Endometriosis UK here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
