Dealing with Sugar and Endometriosis

Let’s Talk Sugar, Hormones, and Endometriosis !!!

It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth for chocolate, especially during certain times of the month. Dealing with sugar and endometriosis used to seem impossible to me.  However, over time I have learned how sugar can cause havoc on my hormones and also keeping me from reaching my goals.   When it comes to endometriosis my goal is to keep my body balanced, so that means keeping my hormones in check as much as possible.

Most of us consuming natural sugars from foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. Our body is able to digest these foods slowly which provides a steady flow of energy to our cells. The problem occurs when we consume too much added sugar.

According to the American Heart Association, American adults consume 77 grams of sugar per day.  That’s 60 lbs of added sugar per year.  (WOW!!!!)

Why is added sugar bad for us?
When we consume an excessive amount of added sugar we are increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation.  Sugar intake can cause our stress hormone, cortisol to be released.  Over time excess amounts of cortisol can lead to blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, immune issues, fertility problems, hormonal issues, increased anxiety, and poor sleep. We all know that inflammation is a chronic issue when it comes to endometriosis. So being able to keep our inflammation under control is essential.

Where is sugar hiding?
Sugar is found in foods like pasta, white bread, soda, fruit drinks, cereals, cookies, cakes, and processed foods.   It is important to learn to read labels. Be careful with ingredients such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, barley malt, dextrose, molasses, corn sweetener, corn syrup.

Make some adjustments.

Now that we know why we need to be avoiding added sugars, let’s chat about some helpful tips that can keep you balanced.

1. Eat breakfast within 90 minutes of waking up.
2. Stay well hydrated. Need a change?  Try adding some fresh fruit to your water for some natural flavor.
3. Keep your meals balanced. Each meal should balance with high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, vegetables, healthy fat. Check out one of my favorite meals.
4. Fiber-rich foods, which help detoxify the liver. The liver also helps with the detoxification of excess estrogen.
5. Keep healthy snacks on hand such as fruits, homemade snacks, etc.

Endometriosis can cause symptoms in itself, but we can learn to help. Check out Tips to Reducing Sugar with Endometriosis.  My personal goal is to make sure that I am keeping my body balanced as much as I can through nutrition, fitness, stress management, and lifestyle changes. My mission is to help you through your own journey. Read more here.

Health & Happiness

Disclaimer

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29772560/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7598077/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29225114/          

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21752898/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-lower-cortisol#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12