• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Nutrition Fertility Topics

Endometriosis and Its Link to The Microbiome

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

When educating yourself about naturally supporting your health, I venture a guess that you’ll come across mention of the “microbiome” and the importance of the health of your gut. Research looking at the health of the microbiome in relation to the symptoms and severity of endometriosis have increased, and it’s clear that they’re linked. Let’s explore the connection.

The Endometriosis – Microbiome Connection

There are microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc. – all over and in our bodies! Did you know that? While this sounds a bit like a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing because these microorganisms make up the human body’s microbiome. Have you heard the term “microbiome”? If not, it’s important to know that we need our microbiome for so many beneficial body processes, many of which are often suppressed or out of whack when battling endometriosis.

Endometriosis in brief…

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dominant fertility health condition that creates a situation of “congestion” with excess tissue growth in the uterus, and many other areas of the body. These tissue deposits grow and bleed in response to hormonal changes – estradiol – throughout the menstrual cycle, can cause internal damage, excess inflammation, and form scars. It’s believed to be both an estrogen-dominant and inflammatory fertility health issue often accompanied by suppressed immunity, pain and irregular bleeding, digestive issues, constipation, nausea, feelings of bloat or fullness in the abdomen, etc.

What is the microbiome?

A simplified definition of our microbiome is the collection of genetic material that makes up the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses living in and on the human body. It is the human body’s ecosystem.

Our microbiome is very important to us because “The bacteria in the microbiome help digest our food, regulate our immune system, protect against other bacteria that cause disease, and produce vitamins including B vitamins B12, thiamine and riboflavin, and Vitamin K, which is needed for blood coagulation” (The Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health at the University of Washington).

Without proper digestion, immune response, and vitamin production/synthesis, the body isn’t able to properly fight pathogens or excess inflammation and symptoms of fertility health issues like endometriosis.

Natural Therapy Plan to Boost The Microbiome

When battling endometriosis, it is very important to work to boost the immune system function, help quell excess inflammation, and support healthy digestion. The awesome part is that there are many natural therapies that can help!

1. Feed your microbiome. It’s a must!

The easiest and #1 way to feed the microbiome is to ensure your digestion or “gut” is healthy. Much of digestion, immune response, and vitamin production/synthesis mentioned above happens in our “gut”. Below are ways to do this:

  • Eat fiber-rich foods – dark leafy greens, broccoli, quinoa, chia and flax seeds, beans
  • Eat prebiotic foods – onions, garlic, burdock rt. (Gobo), jicama, fresh dandelion greens, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, radicchio and endive
  • Eat fermented foods – kimchi, lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables, non-pasteurized yogurt, cheese, and kefir and sauerkraut
  • Take probiotics – choose probiotic supplements marketed to support digestion and immunity, that list the genus, species and strain of each probiotic, are refrigerated, not pasteurized and say “contains live cells.”, and contain at least one billion colony forming units (CFU’s)
  • Use bitters – “Adding bitters to your everyday routine is one of the best ways to optimize your digestion before and after meals… Bitters support gut health by balancing the secretion of stomach acid and the release of bile, both of which are responsible for the breakdown of food and the absorption of fats and essential nutrients.” – Aisling Badger of Urban Moonshine
  • Avoid toxic foods – gluten, conventional grain-fed dairy, processed foods, refined white sugar (perhaps all sugar) and unhealthy oils (saturated oils and oils from GMO grains)

2. Support a healthy inflammatory response.

A healthy inflammatory response means the body is easily able to fight invaders and handle physical stressors trying to suppress health and healthy body system function. Consider the following:

  • Systemic enzymes – Systemic enzymes support a healthy inflammatory response within the body, encourage healthy circulation, and manage healthy tissue formation throughout the reproductive system.
  • Antioxidants – These amazing nutrients are the body’s defense system, helping neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the harm they cause, and helping to build a strong and healthy immune system and immune response.
  • Turmeric – This culinary herb is most notably an herbal anti-inflammatory, enhancing the body’s ability to suppress inflammation, is analgesic or pain relieving and a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to help the body fight free radicals.

3. Manage Your Stress!

Chronic stress can quickly run down the body and contribute to hormonal imbalance. It takes energy away from the systems of the body we do not need to stay alive; one of them being the reproductive system. There are thankfully many activities that can help each of us manage our stress. Given it’s such a personal quest, stress management, I encourage you to refer to our guide Top 10 Mind and Body Therapies to Help With Fertility Stress.

Natural Support For Endometriosis
Supporting the health of the microbiome is one important part of helping the body return to health with endometriosis. It is best to combine these tips with a complete natural fertility program as discussed in our guide 5 Steps to Reversing Endometriosis Infertility.

Learn more about products mentioned here:
FertilicaTM Choice Enzymes
FertilicaTM Choice Antioxidants

References

  • Briden, L. (n.d.). Endometriosis, Immune Dysfunction, and the Microbiome. Retrieved from: https://www.larabriden.com/presentations/endometriosis-microbiome.pdf
  • Yang, J. (July 16, 2012). The Human Microbiome Project: Extending the definition of what constitutes a human. Retrieved from: https://www.genome.gov/27549400/the-human-microbiome-project-extending-the-definition-of-what-constitutes-a-human/
  • Badger, A. (April 19, 2017). Feed Your Microbiome! Retrieved from: https://www.urbanmoonshine.com/blogs/blog/feed-your-microbiome
  • Dove, M. (December 2, 2015). The Foundation for a Healthy Inflammatory Response*. Retrieved from: https://blog.gaiaherbs.com/2015/12/02/the-foundation-for-a-healthy-inflammatory-response/
  • Hair, M. & Sharpe, J. (n.d.) Fast Facts About The Human Microbiome. Retrieved from: https://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/downloads/FF_Microbiome.pdf
  • Moncrieffe, H. (n.d.). Regulatory T Cells (Tregs). Retrieved from: https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/cells/regulatory-t-cells-tregs
  • Willett, E. (n.d.). The Benefits of Turmeric for Fertility Health Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/turmeric-for-fertility.html

« Previous Post
Video: Herbs & Supplements To Learn if You Have Endometriosis
Next Post »
Detecting Ovulation: How to Get Accurate Results

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jul 4

Open
At 40, after having three children through medical intervention due to an absent menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), Traci decided to find a different way to conceive her fourth child. Through her research on natural options for overcoming fertility challenges she found us and learned ways to address her personal fertility issues. This is her story…
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 29

Open
Q: Will the Fertility Cleanse bring back a missing period?
​
​Swipe through the slides for our answer...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 27

Open
I believe things are placed on our hearts for a reason, not because we are supposed to suffer without them. While the journey to the outcome may not look exactly how we imagined, know that if it is in your heart, you can accomplish it. Just be open to the journey.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us