Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects many women. Menstrual pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues are unfortunately part of everyday life for these patients. While medical treatments exist, many women are also turning to more natural solutions to relieve their symptoms. Among these, hydration seems to play an important role. But is it really effective against endometriosis? Here's a closer look.
Endometriosis, a disabling disease
Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue (normally present inside the uterus) outside of it. This tissue then reacts to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, causing bleeding and inflammation. The main symptoms are chronic pelvic pain, heavy and painful periods, pain during intercourse, and fertility problems.
This disease affects approximately 176 million women worldwide. Unfortunately, it remains too often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. In fact, it takes an average of 7 to 10 years to obtain a diagnosis, which delays treatment and relief for patients.
Although medical treatments exist (contraception, anti-inflammatories, surgery, etc.), many women are also turning to more natural solutions to relieve their symptoms. Hydration appears to play an important role among these.
Why is drinking plenty of water beneficial for endometriosis?
Water is essential to our bodies. It represents 60% of our body weight and is involved in many vital functions. But what about women with endometriosis specifically?
Better elimination of toxins
When you have endometriosis, your body experiences chronic inflammation. This inflammation leads to the production of free radicals and toxins that worsen symptoms.
Drinking plenty of water helps flush these toxins through the urinary and intestinal tracts. This helps reduce inflammation and therefore relieve pain.
Better blood circulation
Water also plays an important role in blood circulation. In fact, blood is made up of 92% water. When you're dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker and circulation more difficult. This can worsen pain associated with endometriosis.
Conversely, drinking enough water helps thin the blood and improve circulation. This promotes tissue oxygenation and reduces inflammation.
Better tissue hydration
Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. However, this tissue needs to be well hydrated to function properly.
Drinking plenty of water helps keep these tissues better hydrated. This can help reduce pain and bleeding.
Better intestinal transit
Women with endometriosis often also suffer from digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, etc.). However, water plays an essential role in the proper functioning of intestinal transit.
Drinking enough helps facilitate transit and reduces digestive symptoms that can aggravate pain related to endometriosis.
How much water should you drink to relieve endometriosis?
There's no hard and fast rule, but experts recommend drinking between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day for women with endometriosis. This helps maintain proper hydration and promotes the elimination of toxins.
Of course, this amount can vary depending on several factors:
- Your physical activity
- Room temperature
- Your weight
- Your general health
It's also important to drink regularly throughout the day, rather than drinking a lot at once. This allows for better absorption by the body.
Other tips for relieving endometriosis naturally
In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are other natural solutions to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis:
Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (oily fish, fruits and vegetables, spices, etc.) can help reduce inflammation linked to endometriosis.
Practice regular physical activity
Physical activity, especially yoga or walking, helps stimulate blood circulation and release endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones.
Use essential oils
Certain essential oils, such as lavender, ginger, or peppermint, have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used in massage or diffusion.
Try meditation and relaxation
These practices help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen endometriosis symptoms.
Although endometriosis is a chronic condition, there are many natural solutions to relieve daily symptoms. Drinking plenty of water is one of them and can be very beneficial, provided it's done regularly and in a way that's tailored to your individual needs.