Article author: Lucie Plechatá, Femvie ambassador
The start of a dietary journey
I have always loved food and have never significantly restricted myself. For a long time, I thought that diets were only for people who needed to lose weight or had digestive problems. Although I had a positive relationship with food and thought we ate healthily at home, my weight was critically low for a long time. Today, I know that my diet in childhood and adolescence was not entirely exemplary.
Immediately after becoming independent from my parents, thanks to my work in a health food store, I started to take an interest in healthy eating. I was amazed at how many types of food I had never tasted and how much I actually didn't know about nutrition. It soon became clear to me that my diet lacked protein and quality fats, but was rich in carbohydrates and simple sugars. With new knowledge, I started to build a healthier diet, and thanks to this, I finally started to gain weight. I gained a wonderful 12 kilograms, which was a really great success for me!
Fighting Ankylosing Spondylitis
By that time, however, I was unfortunately already battling ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and joints. At my young age of 21, it began to intensify, eventually resulting in a terrible attack where I stopped being able to walk and was unable to take care of myself. Fortunately, I was put on biological treatment, which is currently considered the most effective therapy on the market – it does not cure the disease, but it slows its progression, reduces inflammation, and alleviates symptoms.
Weeks passed on the treatment, but I felt only about a fifty percent improvement. At that time, I began to understand that pharmacological treatment alone would not save me, and I had to start doing something myself to improve.
"So what do you (not) eat?"
I researched and discovered the autoimmune protocol (AIP), Whole30, and other types of anti-inflammatory diets. At first glance, they seemed great to me because of the promised health benefits. But I jumped into them alone, with my limited knowledge of the laws of nutrition and how the body works. Therefore, if I could recommend one thing, it would be an experienced nutritionist who can help you put together a personalized meal plan and guide you through the whole change.
But I'm quite stubborn, and even though I felt I could handle it myself, I sometimes ran into trouble. In my library today, you'll find a mountain of books on nutrition, and in my repertoire of favorite conversation topics, diet is at the top. Despite all this, I can't definitively answer the question, "So what do you (not) eat?".
Considering I've sifted through all this on my own, I think I understand my diet... ahem, my own body and what my diet does to it, very well. My current diet is the result of years of experience, learning to respond to what makes me feel good and what doesn't. It depends not only on the type of food, but also on the quantity, preparation method, quality, or combination with other foods.
And still no relief…
The change in diet significantly contributed to alleviating the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, but unfortunately, it wasn't a complete happy ending. Even though I had observed which foods worsened my back and joint pain, it didn't affect my digestion. I suffered for years with intestinal problems until I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. However, neither a dairy-free nor a FODMAP diet brought me complete relief.
A longed-for diagnosis
Towards the end of 2023, I experienced a phase where I felt sick from absolutely everything. I suffered from severe bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. I was afraid to eat anything. In addition, menstrual and non-menstrual pain, fatigue, cyclical problems, painful intercourse, and bleeding outside the cycle escalated – you might already guess what I'm talking about. My appetite left me day by day; it was a very difficult period.
Unfortunately, gastroenterology never found anything. The resolution came with the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis, which also affected the bowel. Years of my troubles finally had a name and an explanation for why nothing was ever found during colonoscopy – the endometriosis was outside the bowel, not inside. Therefore, a change in diet could never fully relieve me, because the adhesions of endometriosis disrupted the natural peristalsis of the bowel, and inflammation was at work on it from the outside. The relief that I wasn't crazy and wasn't imagining my problems was soon overshadowed by fear of the planned surgery and resection of the affected part of the bowel.
Low-residue diet
And that brings me to my least favorite, yet crucial diet – the low-residue diet. It is used, for example, before a planned colonoscopy, when it is necessary to exclude hard-to-digest or indigestible food components like seeds, nuts, or peels.
I followed it for a planned bowel resection a week before surgery and four weeks after. The diet isn't great, but honestly, the risk of a colostomy terrified me so much that I tried to do everything I could to ensure my bowels were as well-prepared as possible. In the end, a colostomy wasn't needed, I was successfully a piece of affected bowel shorter, and a mountain of hope fuller.
What to eat and not to eat with endometriosis?
And now what? How to eat to minimize the risk of endometriosis growth and alleviate its symptoms? Everyone writes about "endo-diet," but everyone interprets it a bit differently. And I actually think there's nothing wrong with that at all – except that everything can be wrong.
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I will repeat myself, when planning a major dietary adjustment, I really recommend establishing cooperation with a nutritionist who knows how to compose a diet so that you don't harm yourself even more with the change or develop an unhealthy relationship with food. You can usually find a nutritionist who is fully covered by insurance, so finances should not be an obstacle. |
But in the past, I made a mistake and embarked on a diet alone, without expert guidance. Its goal is to limit foods that promote inflammation and, conversely, include those that have anti-inflammatory effects. It usually involves eliminating highly processed foods, sugar, red meat, and often also dairy products and gluten. An endo-diet can be approached in a lighter mode, for example, in an 80/20 style, meaning 80% adhere to strict endo-diet principles and 20% allow for foods that are not entirely "permitted." The second option is a radical "all or nothing" approach, which, however, can lead to malnutrition, anxiety, and an unhealthy relationship with food if the meal plan is not properly constructed. And that's exactly what we don't want with any health diet, so never go through it alone.
I soon realized that the "all or nothing" approach was actually harming me – and not just in terms of diet. I returned to foods that I know definitely don't hurt me, and shifted my focus primarily to my psyche. That was causing me more problems than an occasional treat full of sugar and gluten. It doesn't mean I don't care about my diet, but I approach it more gently and try to treat myself with love – because care is what a sick body needs most.
More from the Real Talk series: How I reset my nervous system (with endometriosis in the background)
It's not just about diet
Finally, I would like to add that diet is a great tool to alleviate unpleasant symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases, but nothing should be overdone. Alleviating the symptoms of systemic diseases like endometriosis requires a comprehensive approach. Even if you don't adhere to all dietary changes one hundred percent, I believe you will see improvement – every step forward counts. And most importantly, remember that each of us is unique: what works for you may not work for another woman, and vice versa.
This article is based on the author's personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. If you are experiencing similar issues, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Every body is different and requires an individual approach.
Are you looking for a space where you can openly discuss women's health? Join our new Facebook community – a place for sharing experiences, understanding your own body, and mutual support. Whether you're dealing with endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, or going through menopause, you're not alone. ❤️
What else to read on Femspace?
- Endometriosis: A New Perspective on Pain, Diagnosis, and a Holistic Approach to Care
- Painkillers are not as effective for women. Why?
- Bloating before menstruation: causes and tips for PMS relief
- 5-minute massage for menstrual pain relief
More from the Real Talk series:
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Endometriosis Support Complex — a specially formulated supplement for women with endometriosis
- 📖 Guide: Anti-inflammatory diet for endometriosis — 6 + 1 ways to naturally reduce pain through nutrition
- 💊 Magnesium — supports muscle relaxation and cramp relief
- 🩹 Menstrual patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
- 🎯 Endometriosis Support Pack — a complete set for daily support
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Endometriosis manifests as severe painful menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, fatigue, and digestive problems. The only way to definitively confirm it is laparoscopy. If symptoms limit your daily life, consult a gynecologist.
How long does it take to get a diagnosis?
The average time from the first symptoms to the diagnosis of endometriosis in the Czech Republic is 7–10 years. Many women are long dismissed with the claim that painful menstruation is normal.
Can endometriosis be treated naturally?
Endometriosis cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can be naturally alleviated with an anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, exercise, and stress reduction. Natural support does not replace medical care but can significantly improve quality of life.
Are organic menstrual products better for women with endometriosis?
Yes. Conventional tampons and pads can contain pesticides and chemicals that irritate sensitive tissue. Femvie's organic cotton products are certified and free of harmful substances.
