Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women. Show all posts

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Herbs for Endometriosis

Endometriosis, which is afflicts almost 10 percent of U.S. women, can be quite painful. Its symptoms include severe cramping, excessive menstrual bleeding, and intestinal gas, sometimes accompanied by depression and insomnia. The scarring that results from the misplaced tissue can lead to painful intercourse, infertility and bowel inflammation. Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai Ultimate contains ingredients with high ORAC values. The ORAC values (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) method has become the international standard for measurement of antioxidant capacity and other chemical substances.

Antioxidants are known to counteract the damage-causing free radicals which cause oxidative stress in the body. This oxidation has been a major factor in the progression of aging and disease. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage which obviously lowers the risk of these diseases and improves the immune system.Resvita


The causes of endometriosis remain a mystery. Curiously, European women rarely get it. We do know that one of the risk factors is an abundance of estrogen. That is why endometriosis occurs mostly in women between the ages of 25 and 40, when estrogen accumulates at its highest levels. Endometriosis is exacerbated by anything that irritates the uterus, such as a pelvic infection, constipation, uterine fibroids or cancer, or the presence of an IUD or a tampon. Even ingesting caffeine, alcohol or fried foods increases the problem.


Imbalances in hormones within the body can be prompted by eating certain meats-such as beef derived from diary cows reared using excess use of hormones, eating the meat of chickens reared using hormone cocktails etc. Eating meat derived from such sources can place extra hormones in the body and these in turn can stimulate the excess release of these hormones in our bodies-adding to the imbalance and possibly triggering endometriosis. The occurrence of a retrograde menstruation in the body of certain women is still the most well received theory about the origin of endometriosis, when certain periods of the menstrual cycle are accompanied by the presence of excessive cramps, some endometrial tissues can be forced out from the cavity of the uterus and this can rise through the fallopian tubes covering them with abnormal growth. The endometrial tissues are carried by this "retrograde flow" and the abnormally placed tissues now quickly attaches itself to all the other organs and proceeds to multiply causing endometriosis.

Medical science offers us many theories about the cause, but no cure for this poorly understood disorder. Often, the recommended treatment for endometriosis is oral contraceptives, a hysterectomy or hormone therapy with a drug such as danazol or leupron, which suppress estrogen and initiates a false menopause complete with hot flashes, vaginal dryness and a decreased sexual drive.

Thankfully, many of the symptoms of endometriosis can be improved with herbs, but you must be patient. Many women who chose to treat this disorder herbally find that successful treatment takes weeks. For best results, work with a natural health care professional who has experience with this disorder and can help you develop a complete healing campaign that includes dietary changes. Acupuncture may also be of benefit.

Anyone who is considering beginning a course of alternative treatment should discuss this with their usual medical health care provider. Your doctor must know when you begin any therapies that may interfere with your other treatments. Some women report that natural remedies take longer to work than conventional drugs, but can be soothing.

Phytotherapy — a gentle approach to a complex issue. If you are like most of the women I see, you can probably benefit from an approach that incorporates phytotherapy. We’ve found the following medicinal herbs to be beneficial for women with symptoms of estrogen dominance:

Black cohosh
Ashwagandha
Chasteberry

Since an overabundance of estrogen is one contributing factor of endometriosis, vitex berries, which balance a woman's hormones, are a valuable herb in any endometriosis formula. Female Balance Ultimate contains this herb which is also known as "chasteberry".

Chasteberry has been used for centuries in Western and Chinese Medicine to treat female conditions, including endometriosis. Combined with Dong Quai it makes a powerful treatment for balancing hormones and reducing the pain of endometriosis. When Chasteberry is combined with Wild Yam it relaxes the uterus, reducing cramps and spasms.

In Europe, it's approved by the German Commission E for family physicians and gynecologists to use for menstrual conditions. In fact, a German study reported that 52% of women taking this herbs reported a complete reduction in symptoms. Another German study reported 93% of women noticing a significant decrease in PMS symptoms.

Dong Quai is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat female reproductive health complaints, including endometriosis, fibroids, PMS and infertility. Women with endometriosis find significant relief of their pain when taking dong quai, especially when mixed with the herb chasteberry, black cohosh or ginseng. All of these ingredients are contained in Female Balance. Female Balance Ultimate

Psychiatrists in China reported that Wild Yam reduces anxiety levels, and its anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic effects are excellent for maintaining uterine health. When combined with Chasteberry and Cramp bark, Wild Yam is a powerful natural remedy for immediate relief from endometriosis symptoms. Wild Yam is present in Female Balance.Female Balance Ultimate

Chinese researchers have found that motherwort increases the volume of blood circulation and stimulates uterine activity. The herb can help with such endometrial symptoms as late periods and clotted or sluggish menstrual flow.Female Balance Ultimate

Supplement the diet with fish or flaxseed oil to help to reduce pain symptoms and decrease inflammatory response.Fish Oil COQ10 with Omega 3

Vitamin E oils helps in easing fatigue and cramping which occurs during menstruation.

Nutritional supplements can help balance hormones and reduce estrogen levels. When used properly, they can dramatically reduce bleeding, pain, and cramps that may accompany fibroids and endometriosis. Taking supplements, however, does not mean that you can ignore your diet. The best approach for fibroids, endometriosis, and optimal health is to include healthy foods and follow an estrogen lowering diet.

Food and Nutrition: Supplement the diet with vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids. (Vitamin C and B6 are in Female Balance)















There is increasing evidence that chronic exposure to the environmental chemicals dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of endometriosis. Vitagreen is an important detoxification formula that can be used in conjunction with Female Balance. It can also be used separately if any of the ingredients in Female Balance are contraindicated for you or conflict with any medications you are already on.




The following ingredients are in Resvita Resveratrol in wine may reduce the growth of endometriosis, according to a 2009 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists study. Vitamin C - is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body. Vitamin A - is another immune system booster Vitamin E - plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system Selenium - when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster. Endometriosis may be improved by grape seed. Endometriosis is primarily affected by the release of prostaglandins. Grape seed extract may be able to intervene by blocking the release of chemical, which causes pain and inflammation; grape seed is found in Resvita and Privita. Conventional treatment of endometriosis usually begins with estrogen suppression, which prevents the endometrium from growing. Drugs such as danazol, Lupron, or Arimidex are used, along with NSAIDs to decrease inflammation. Laparoscopic cautery is the next step, with hysterectomy being reserved for severe cases. A naturopathic doctor will also guide the patient in reducing estrogen, which stimulates endometrial growth, while increasing progesterone and androgens, which promote endometrial atrophy. However, naturopathic approaches are tailored to the individual because there is a great variety in how endometriosis presents. The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.




 PriVita is an herbal aromatase inhibitor and estrogen blocker.  Estrogen-dominant disorders such as endometriosis, cysts, fibroids and breast cancer respond to excess estrogen in the body. Treatment of these disorders, therefore, involves blocking the action of estrogen of the affected tissues.