by Cassandra Gilmore

Created on: December 17, 2008

When I was diagnosed with endometriosis several years ago, there were only two options. The first was hormones, which was a very scary thrill ride for my poor children and husband. After calling my doctor and telling him I was scared I was going to kill the kids, anti-depressants were added. These worked great for shutting off all emotions and the next eight months were exceptionally unmemorable.

The second option was surgery to remove the endometrial implants and cauterize my ovaries. When the pain and growths returned three months later, I felt horribly betrayed by science. I demanded a hysterectomy. I didn't care if I grew a mustache or a potbelly. I wanted a cure! My doctor refused, saying what I still remember today, " I can't put your ovaries back in once they're gone. I know you feel bad now, but imagine feeling like this for the rest of your life." WHOA. That stopped me in my tracks.

Unfortunately, my doctor had no other options but to "manage" my pain. All he could do was prescribe painkillers. I took them when I could, but I still had a life to live. Driving my kids to soccer or going to work while high on Vicodin just wasn't an option. (I get pretty weird on narcotics) However, since I've always been a closet hippie, I turned to natural remedies and nutrition to manage my health. Here are some of things you can do naturally to manage your endometriosis.

Nutrition

What you put into your body affects your performance. Assume your body is a car. You can clean your engine with fuel additives, improve your performance with premium gasoline, and changing the oil once in a while prolongs its life. Now imagine what happens when you add sugar to the gas tank. Yep, that's right, it grows tumors. Not really, but it sure screws it up, right?

Your body is no different when it comes to food. Endometriosis can be exacerbated by high levels of hormones. Red meat, poultry, and dairy are full of them. So, don't eat them! Substitute other veggies such as eggplant and squash for meat in recipes. They will help heal you.

Soy is a major part of my battle plan against endometriosis. Tofu is a great meat substitute and soy milk is great on cereal. The soybean has lots of proven benefits for leveling out those hormones. It helps lessen the painful bloating that is my worst symptom of endometriosis, as well.

Exercise

Yes, exercise is touted as the cure for everything from athlete's foot to leprosy, I know. However, after years of yo-yo workout commitment, I can tell the difference

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