Endometriosis linked to inflammatory bowel disease.

Endometriosis UK have just reported news of new research which shows that endometriosis is linked to inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or colitis.  This supports the growing belief that endometriosis has inflammatory aspects and a disorder of the immune system.  Endometriosis also shows some signs of being an autoimmune disease.

The Research

A study published in the December 2011 edition of the British Medical Journal Gut has found that women with endometriosis have a 50%-80% increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or Colitis. 

The Danish study, conducted over 20 years and surveying nearly 37,000 Danish women who had been admitted to hospital as a result of suffering from endometriosis. It states that the average time lag between the diagnosis of endometriosis and development of diseases such as Crohn’s was 10 years.

Lifestyle implications

The lifestyle implications of this new research suggests that it would be prudent for endometriosis sufferers to adopt a diet that is non-toxic and anti-inflammatory.  A diet such as ‘The Perfect Health Diet” would be ideal. The Perfect Health Diet, devised by Jaminet and Jaminet, is a version of the paleo diet that is low carb, moderate protein and high fat.  By avoiding common food toxins and maximising both macro- and micro-nutrients, balancing omega 3 to 6 ratios, the diet is both tasty and easy to follow whilst helping avoid inflammatory, auto-immune and other chronic disease states.

Getting plenty of sleep, keeping stress levels in control and light but regular exercise would also be indicated.