Controlling endometriosis effectively can be achieved by using drug therapy, but a lot of women are turning to good nutrition as a way to supplement treatment and build a stronger and healthier body.

While treatment and results vary, there are many women who report improvement and reduced severity of symptoms by simply changing their diet.

But before you scour the supermarket for the right foods and supplements, here are some things you should know.

No food or diet regimen is a cure for endometriosis:

Some researchers think that too much estrogen causes all the trouble, while others believe a weak immune system is to blame. Whatever may be the real cause, it is important for women to stick to a well rounded diet and nutrition program to ensure a truly healthy body that can efficiently regulate hormones, sustain the immune system and control symptoms of endometriosis.

Using diet and nutrition to control endometriosis symptoms:

Ralph Golan, M.D., author of Optimal Wellness, suggests a diet of whole foods. He also recommends women stay away from fats, salt, sugar, dairy products and caffeine. These types of food deplete the body's store of B vitamins and can prevent the liver from functioning properly. The liver is essential for regulating the body's hormones and B vitamins to help lower levels of estrogen.

Another change to diet that might be an effective way of controlling endometriosis is to cut down on red meat and meat products. Hormones are often given to animals that are raised and slaughtered commercially, not to mention the saturated fats that are found in meat.

Naturopathic physician Barbara Silbert of Massachusetts suggests replacing meat with soy products such as tofu and miso, and including foods that are rich in fiber in the diet. Soy products contain compounds that regulate levels of estrogen in the body and a high fiber diet helps ease any pain from bowel movements if endometrial tissue affects the area.

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Use B vitamins:

One of the keys to controlling endometriosis is to target a suspected culprit of the condition and that is excess estrogen. B vitamins are known to regulate estrogen and help alleviate symptoms associated with endometriosis and other conditions such as PMS and fibrosystic breast syndrome.

B vitamins, specifically Vitamin B6, riboflavin and thiamin have been found to be effective in controlling recurrent endometriosis. These are being promoted as supplements to medical therapy. Some experts suggest that women suffering from endometriosis take more than the recommended daily values for B vitamins to ensure efficacy. You should speak with your own personal doctor before you begin taking any vitamins and suppliments, to be sure this is right for you.

Natural sources of B vitamins are the simple way to include this nutrient in the diet. Some rich sources include:
• fish
• legumes
• rice
• pasta
• whole-grain bread and cereals
• leafy vegetables.

Using antioxidants:

Known antioxidants such as beta-carotene, selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are effective in preventing tissue damage. They also help improve the immune system, reduce cramps and bleeding during menstruation. These supplements, when combined with changes in diet, can help to control endometriosis and the chronic pain associated with it. Antioxidants can also be found in other natural sources.

Some good sources of antioxidants are
• spinach
• broccoli
• celery
• cantaloupe
• cucumbers
• almonds
• safflower oil and sunflower oil.

Now you have some easy, all natural suggestions you might use to help in controlling endometriosis for you. Be sure to speak with your own doctor about your unique health situation so that you can make the right choices for