Adenomyosis is a common benign gynecological disease characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial glands and stroma into the myometrium, leading to the thickening of the uterine wall and abnormal uterine contraction. It is mostly seen in women of childbearing age, especially those aged 30 to 50 who have given birth, with an incidence rate of 10% to 15%. For patients with adenomyosis, dietary regulation is an important auxiliary measure for disease management, as improper diet may stimulate the ectopic endometrial tissue, aggravate symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and affect the quality of life.
Clinically, many patients with adenomyosis have no obvious symptoms, but most of them will experience typical manifestations such as progressive dysmenorrhea, increased menstrual volume, prolonged menstrual period, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Some patients may also have symptoms such as lower abdominal distension, lumbosacral pain, and even infertility. Dr. Emma Wilson, a gynecologist specializing in benign uterine diseases, points out that adenomyosis is closely related to the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Therefore, patients must pay attention to dietary taboos to avoid foods that may increase hormone levels or stimulate the uterus, so as to effectively control the progression of the disease.
The growth of ectopic endometrial tissue in adenomyosis is affected by sex hormones. Eating foods rich in estrogen or progesterone may promote the proliferation of ectopic tissue, leading to the enlargement of the uterus and the aggravation of clinical symptoms. In addition, irritating and greasy foods may also induce uterine contraction, worsening dysmenorrhea and abdominal discomfort. Based on this, the specific dietary taboos and recommended foods for patients with adenomyosis are as follows:
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Avoid hormone-containing foods and health products. Such foods will disrupt the balance of sex hormones in the body and promote the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue. Specifically, it is necessary to fast from royal jelly, donkey-hide gelatin, red dates, longan, and bird's nest, as well as health products with added estrogen. At the same time, avoid eating poultry and livestock fed with hormone-containing feed, such as some fast-growing chicken and pork.
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Avoid spicy and irritating foods and beverages. Spicy foods such as chili, prickly ash, raw green onions, raw garlic, and mustard, as well as irritating beverages such as liquor, strong tea, and coffee, can stimulate the pelvic cavity and uterus, cause congestion and edema of the uterine myometrium, and aggravate dysmenorrhea and abdominal distension. Patients should try to eat light and mild foods to reduce the stimulation of the uterus.
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Avoid hair-trigger foods. Hair-trigger foods may induce or aggravate inflammation, which is not conducive to the recovery of the condition. Common hair-trigger foods include mutton, shrimp, crab, eel, salted fish, snakehead, and other seafood and meat. Patients should choose mild and non-irritating ingredients for their diet.
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Avoid high-fat and fried foods. High-fat foods can promote the synthesis and release of estrogen in the body, which is not conducive to the control of adenomyosis. Therefore, patients should avoid fried foods, fatty meat, animal offal, butter, and other high-fat foods, and choose low-fat cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stewing.
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Recommended foods. Patients should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, celery, asparagus, cucumber, winter melon, tomatoes, apples, pears, and strawberries, which are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber and help maintain the body's metabolic balance. In addition, you can properly eat lean meat, chicken, quail eggs, crucian carp, tofu, kelp, and other foods with high protein and low fat to supplement the body's necessary nutrients and enhance immunity.
Dr. Emma Wilson further reminds that dietary adjustment is only an auxiliary means to control adenomyosis. Patients still need to go to the hospital for regular re-examinations to observe the size of the uterus and the severity of symptoms. For patients with severe dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual volume, or infertility, they should follow the doctor's advice for standardized treatment, such as drug treatment or surgical treatment. At the same time, maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding overwork, and keeping a relaxed mood are also very important for the management of the disease.