Dietary changes may significantly reduce the pain of endometriosis for nearly half of those living with the condition, a new study suggests. This largest international survey on diet and endometriosis, involving 2,599 participants, found that 45% of those who stopped consuming gluten and a similar percentage of those who cut out dairy reported an improvement in their pain levels. Additionally, 43% of women who reduced their coffee or caffeine intake and 53% of those who curtailed their alcohol consumption also reported a reduction in pain.
Philippa Saunders, the senior author of the study and a professor of reproductive steroids at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the significance of these findings saying, “It really feels like we are on the cusp of something pretty big with understanding how diet affects endometriosis symptoms.”
Endometriosis, a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, affects one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. Despite its prevalence, research into the causes and treatments of the disease is limited, often leading to delayed diagnoses, as it takes an average of nearly seven years for women to be accurately diagnosed with endometriosis.
The study, led by Edinburgh University and published in the JAMA Network Open, investigated changes in diet and the use of dietary supplements among volunteers to see if these changes could improve symptoms. Researchers suggest that the changes in gut bacteria experienced by those who stopped consuming gluten or dairy and subsequently reported less pain, may be a key factor.
Reducing caffeine may also have an impact due to its effects on sleep, as being tired can exacerbate the sensation of pain. Cutting back on alcohol could lead to benefits as well, given that alcohol has effects on cells similar to those of the hormone estrogen, which fuels endometriosis. Nearly 40% of participants reported a reduction in endometriosis-related pain after eliminating processed foods such as ready meals, ice-cream, and sweets, known to alter gut bacteria. Additionally, almost a third of women experienced pain improvement by cutting out garlic and onion, which can relieve uncomfortable bloating associated with the disease.
While self-reported improvements suggest that dietary changes can have a positive effect, the study’s team advises individuals to consult with doctors before making significant changes to their diet. Although the study’s findings are promising, further research is needed, with scientists calling for larger studies that randomly assign participants to different diets and include measurements of inflammation and pain levels.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/05/major-endometriosis-study-reveals-impact-of-gluten-coffee-dairy-and-alcohol
