Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and often infertility. It affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Many women with endometriosis try to manage their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes, like avoiding certain foods that may promote inflammation. Eggs are one food that some women with endometriosis choose to eliminate. But do eggs really affect endometriosis symptoms? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows on the outside of the uterus and on other organs in the pelvic region. This tissue thickens and breaks down each month in response to hormonal changes, but unlike the lining of the uterus it has no way to exit the body. This leads to inflammation, scar tissue formation, and adhesions.
The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. One theory is that during menstruation some of the tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis where it implants and grows. Genetics and immune system dysfunction may also play a role.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain between periods
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Painful bowel movements and urination during periods
- Infertility and pregnancy complications
Endometriosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of pelvic exam, imaging tests, and sometimes laparoscopic surgery. Treatment focuses on pain relief and hormone therapies to slow the growth of endometrial tissue. For women trying to get pregnant, surgery to remove endometrial deposits while preserving fertility may be recommended.
Are eggs inflammatory?
Some sources claim that eggs promote inflammation, especially in people with conditions like endometriosis that are already characterized by inflammation. Eggs do contain arachidonic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is linked to increased inflammation when out of balance with omega-3 fatty acids. However, the amount of arachidonic acid in eggs is relatively small compared to other foods.
According to an analysis by the United States Department of Agriculture, one large egg contains about 0.03 grams of arachidonic acid. For comparison, a 3-ounce serving of chicken or turkey contains about 0.12-0.24 grams. Even higher amounts are found in beef, pork, and shellfish.
So while eggs do contain some arachidonic acid, they are not a very concentrated source compared to other animal proteins. The small amount in eggs is unlikely to substantially worsen inflammation for most people.
Some sources also claim the cholesterol in eggs may increase inflammation. However, the link between dietary cholesterol and inflammation is controversial. Many studies have found no association between cholesterol intake and markers of inflammation.
Overall, there is no strong evidence that the small amounts of inflammatory fats or cholesterol in eggs significantly impact inflammation or endometriosis symptoms for most women.
Can eliminating eggs help endometriosis symptoms?
For some women, eliminating certain trigger foods from their diets may provide relief from endometriosis symptoms like pelvic pain. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
Eggs are sometimes included on elimination diets for endometriosis, but evidence is lacking to support eggs specifically as an endometriosis trigger. The few studies that looked at dietary patterns in women with endometriosis found no significant associations with egg intake.
However, since endometriosis manifests differently in each woman, some may find their symptoms improve after eliminating eggs. There are a few mechanisms by which eggs could potentially worsen some cases of endometriosis:
- Eggs have been associated with allergies and intolerances in some people, which could trigger an inflammatory response.
- Egg yolks contain estrogen compounds that may stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue.
- Eggs provide a rich dietary source of cholesterol, which can be converted to estrogen and potentially exacerbate endometriosis.
So while eggs do not seem to be a universal trigger, women may choose to experiment with eliminating them from their diets to see if it provides symptom relief. Those who suspect they may react poorly to eggs can try reintroducing them after a period without them and monitor for any effects.
Nutrients in eggs important for endometriosis
While eliminating inflammatory or hormone-stimulating foods may help some cases of endometriosis, it’s also important to ensure a diet contains adequate nutrients to support healing. Eggs are a nutritious food and source of several vitamins and minerals that may benefit those with endometriosis:
- Protein: Eggs provide high-quality protein needed for tissue repair and immune function. Lack of sufficient protein may exacerbate inflammation.
- Iron: Eggs contain iron, which is important for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding associated with endometriosis.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D regulates estrogen and prostaglandin levels. Low levels are linked to endometriosis risk.
- Omega-3s: Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties that may inhibit endometriosis tissue growth.
- Antioxidants: Egg yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
For those who can tolerate eggs without adverse symptoms, including them as part of a balanced anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial. However those who find eggs trigger symptoms should avoid them and ensure they meet nutrient needs through other dietary sources.
Anti-inflammatory egg alternatives
For women with endometriosis who want to avoid eggs but still enjoy “eggy” recipes, there are several anti-inflammatory egg replacements to try:
- Chia or flax eggs: Mix 1 Tbsp chia or flax seeds with 3 Tbsp water and let thicken for 5-10 minutes.
- Banana: Mash 1 ripe banana to replace 1 egg in baking.
- Applesauce: Substitute 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for one egg.
- Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup silken tofu as an egg replacer.
- Commercial egg replacers: Products made from potato starch, tapioca, and leaveners.
- Aquafaba: The viscous liquid from a can of chickpeas can mimic egg whites.
These alternatives provide a similar binding and leavening effect without the potential drawbacks of eggs.
The bottom line
In summary, evidence does not clearly point to eggs as a universal trigger food for worsening endometriosis. But some women may still choose to remove them from their diets to see if it relieves symptoms.
Potential reasons eggs could exacerbate endometriosis in some cases include intolerances to egg proteins, the estrogen content, and small amounts of inflammatory fats. However, eggs also provide beneficial nutrients that support healing like protein, iron, vitamin D, and antioxidants.
Each woman with endometriosis needs to determine if eliminating eggs seems to relieve her individual symptoms. Anti-inflammatory egg alternatives like chia seeds, banana, and tofu can be swapped in while preserving the nutrient benefit. Overall diet quality should also be optimized by emphasizing a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
The takeaway
- Evidence does not conclusively link egg intake to worse endometriosis symptoms.
- Some women may still find eliminating eggs beneficial if they provoke a personal inflammatory or allergic response.
- Eggs provide beneficial nutrients but alternatives can be used by those who react poorly.
- A balanced anti-inflammatory diet rich in produce, fiber, lean proteins, and omega-3s supports endometriosis healing.
Focus on an overall nutrient-dense dietary pattern without triggers rather than demonizing specific foods like eggs that are healthy for most. Work with a healthcare provider to determine if dietary changes like eliminating eggs seem to help your individual endometriosis case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eggs considered an inflammatory food?
Eggs contain small amounts of inflammatory fats like omega-6s and saturated fat. However, they are not considered a major source of dietary inflammation compared to meats, fried foods, excess sugar, and processed carbs. Most healthy people can eat eggs in moderation as part of an overall anti-inflammatory diet. Those with conditions like endometriosis that involve inflammation may want to monitor personal tolerance.
Should you avoid eggs with endometriosis?
There is no clear evidence that eating eggs worsens endometriosis for most women. However, some find eliminating eggs and other potential hormonal triggers provides symptom relief. Because endometriosis is so individual, it’s best to experiment with removing eggs for 2-3 months to observe any effects. Reintroduce later to confirm if eggs provoke inflammation.
What foods help fight endometriosis?
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, oily fish, nuts and seeds are anti-inflammatory foods considered beneficial for endometriosis. Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados support hormones. Lean proteins aid tissue repair. Foods high in omega-3s, antioxidants, fiber and phytonutrients may also help relieve symptoms. An overall balanced diet is most important.
What vitamins are good for endometriosis?
Vitamin D, omega-3s, vitamin E, and B vitamins have anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties that may help relieve endometriosis symptoms. An antioxidant blend with vitamins A, C and E provides cellular protection. Iron supplements can help offset heavy menstrual bleeding. Magnesium supports cramps and digestion. A multivitamin can help fill any nutritional gaps.
Can you reverse endometriosis with diet?
Diet alone cannot cure or completely reverse endometriosis once it has developed. However, an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fiber and beneficial fats may help relieve symptoms like pelvic pain and slow the progression. Dietary changes are often part of a multifaceted treatment plan that also includes medication, hormones and surgery.