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The supplements that I take as someone with endometriosis

Updated: Oct 3, 2024

As part of managing my endometriosis, I use supplements to offer additional support to my body. These supplements either help me meet my daily nutrient requirements or serve as herbal remedies that complement my lifestyle. My two key health management goals are:


  1. Reducing inflammation

    • This is especially important because endometriosis is an inflammatory disease

    • To help with joint pain

    • To reduce chance of flares


  2. Promoting General Health and Wellbeing

    1. There are certain nutrients commonly mentioned in reference to endometriosis, either because they can be beneficial or because they have been reportedly found in lower levels in people with endo. I take supplements to cover a handful of reasons:

      1. Immune health

      2. Antioxidant support

      3. Overall wellbeing


Reducing Inflammation

For inflammation, I swear by ginger shots and turmeric supplements.


Ginger:

I use MUJI ginger shots throughout the day, taking small amounts to ensure a consistent intake of ginger goodness. The convenience of MUJI’s ready-made shots works well for me, but making your own is another great option if you prefer DIY. It's something I’ve been meaning to try myself for years but keep putting off!

ginger
Turmeric:

I take turmeric supplements every night before bed and have noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality. I have this belief that while I’m sleeping, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are helping support my body’s healing process. My brand of choice is the Vitabright Turmeric Capsules as it offers a huge 4-month supply for less than £20, which is super cost-effective while also being organic, Soil Association-certified, and includes black pepper for better absorption. Another favourite of mine is Opti-Turmeric, which claims to be 185 times better absorbed and 7 times faster in uptake due to its advanced liquid form. However this is a more expensive at option as I take it every night so I alternate between this and my larger bottle from vitabright.



Opti-Turmeric Link: https://amzn.to/47XM29H

Vitabright Link: https://amzn.to/4dorqbo



Overall Health

Probiotics:

First thing in the morning, I take a probiotic for gut health, which I consider essential for good health. I use Symprove, a unique water-based live-bacteria supplement as well, I think it superior to other brands. It stands out to me because it's been shown to reach the gut alive, unlike many others on the market. Plus my family has used Symprove for years so I reached out to get a discount code as I believe in it so much.


symprove

Symprove Link: Click Here

Use SMARTENDO50 for 50% off for 3 months!


Iron:

As iron is lost when we bleed, including menstrual bleeding, I take an iron supplement during my period to avoid excessive depletion. However, I don’t take iron throughout my entire cycle because too much iron isn't ideal. I use Spatone iron-rich water, which I mix with orange juice for added vitamin C, as this enhances iron absorption.


spatone

Spatone Link: Click Here


Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc and Vitamin D:

All of these vitamins and minerals have been featured in articles or medical papers relating to endometriosis for different reasons. To summarise very briefly and highlight some of the reasons I choose to take these as supplements:

  • Magnesium: Is great for sleep and I have noticed that it has improved my sleep quality. It also supports heart health and immune function.

  • Calcium: As someone approaching 30 and having previously been on hormone therapy, I’m mindful of maintaining calcium stores for bone health as I age. Our bodies begin absorbing less calcium after 30, yet if your diet is deficient, your body will reach to your bones for calcium instead, so I’m taking steps to ensure I build up sufficient reserves now.

  • Zinc: plays a key role in reproductive health and hormone regulation.

  • Vitamin D: Is recommended by the UK government during the autumn and winter months due to a lack of sunshine. Vitamin D is also crucial for the immune system, healthy bones, teeth, and inflammation regulation.

I take these nutrients in a combined supplement at night. I used to struggle with zinc supplements causing nausea, but this formula doesn’t have that effect, so I recommend it for anyone with a similar experience. Its also great to have all of these combined in one.

osteocare

Osteocare Link: Click Here


Omega-3:

Since the body can’t produce omega-3, I occasionally take an omega-3 supplement, especially when I haven’t eaten many omega-3-rich foods. Omega-3 supports brain health, reduces inflammation (including joint pain), protects the heart, and helps prevent conditions linked to deficiency. I don't have a particular brand of omega-3 that I swear by, however I prefer algae-sourced omega-3, as it’s both ethical and the original source of omega-3 that fish consume.



Other Supplements on My Radar

Supplements that I’ve either tried (and enjoyed) or am planning to try the based on promising research that I have read:

  • DIM (Diindolylmethane)

  • Quercetin

  • NAC (N-acetylcysteine)


If you’ve tried any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!



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