Doctors sometimes suggest diet
changes and nutritional supplementation for women suffering from
endometriosis. Although there is little evidence concerning the specific
benefits of nutritional yeast for endometriosis, a study
published in a 2004 issue of “Human Reproduction” found that women who
ate high quantities of beef and red meats had a higher risk of
contracting the disorder. By opting for vegetable protein sources, such
as nutritional yeast, you might be able to reduce some of the symptoms
associated with endometriosis.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a dietary supplement
grown from tiny mushroom-like fungi. According to the “Santa Monica
Daily Press,” one serving of fortified nutritional yeast contains 9
grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates and more than 150 percent of
your recommended daily intake of vitamin B-12 and riboflavin.
Nutritional yeast is a popular supplement for vegetarians, who may be
less likely to receive their recommended daily values of iron, protein
and B-12 vitamins. Women who curb their intake of ham, beef and red meat
products because of endometriosis may supplement their intake of these
and other nutrients by adding nutritional yeast to their salads, soups
and smoothies.
Endometriosis
According
to MayoClinic.com, endometriosis is a generally painful condition that
occurs when the endometrium tissue begins to grow outside your uterus.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may experience symptoms
in the area of your pelvis, ovaries, fallopian tubes and intestines.
Women with endometriosis may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms
and conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, bloating, painful sex,
menstrual pain and pelvic discomfort. In addition to diet and lifestyle
treatments, doctors may use hormone therapies and surgery to treat endometriosis.
Diet for Endometriosis Patients
Nutritional
yeast makes an ideal food supplement for endometriosis patients seeking
to replace their meat intake with other protein sources. In addition to
increasing your consumption of essential vitamins and minerals, the
Women to Women website recommends cutting dairy and meat products that
may be contaminated with growth hormones called xenoestrogen. Since
nutritional yeast is high in nutrients generally found in meat products –
such as protein and B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, B-6 and
B-12 – it can help you maintain the low-meat diet recommended for
endometriosis patients.
Safety Concern
Talk
to your doctor or dietitian before making any drastic changes in your
diet to reduce your risk of malnutrition or sudden weight changes. While
nutritional yeast may offer benefits on its own, it is best as part of a
diet high in whole grains, fruits, leafy green vegetables and lean
proteins. Since some cases of endometriosis can be severe, the general
recommendation is that you combine a healthy diet with hormone therapies or other medications recommended by your doctor.