I Am the 1 in 10—What Should I Eat? A Research Review of Nutrition in Endometriosis Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What Was Reviewed?
The paper titled “I Am the 1 in 10—What Should I Eat? A Research Review of Nutrition in Endometriosis” provides an extensive review of the role of nutrition in the management and progression of endometriosis. The authors systematically explore various dietary factors and interventions, including antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, a low-nickel diet, and the Mediterranean diet, among others, in relation to their effects on inflammation, hormonal modulation, and oxidative stress in endometriosis patients.
Who Was Reviewed?
The review primarily evaluated research studies involving women diagnosed with endometriosis. It integrated findings from human clinical trials, observational studies, and in vitro research to synthesize current evidence on nutritional influences on endometriosis-related symptoms and disease progression.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
The review highlighted that endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory and estrogen-dependent condition where dietary modifications can play a pivotal role. It emphasized the following:
Antioxidants and Polyphenols: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and specific compounds like resveratrol, demonstrated anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects in reducing endometriosis severity. Polyphenols, especially phytoestrogens, can modulate estrogen activity, impacting endometriotic lesion growth.
Dietary Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to reduce inflammation and dysmenorrhea, while high consumption of omega-6 and trans fats increased risks.
Specific Diets: The Mediterranean diet, with its anti-inflammatory properties, low-FODMAP and low-nickel diets showed potential benefits in reducing gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. Gluten-free diets also alleviated pain in a subset of patients.
Dairy and Vitamin D: Dairy consumption, particularly calcium- and vitamin D-rich products, was associated with reduced endometriosis risk. Vitamin D showed immunomodulatory effects, improving inflammatory responses.
Red Meat and Iron Overload: Excessive red meat consumption elevated estrogen and prostaglandin levels, exacerbating endometriosis. The condition was also linked to iron overload in peritoneal fluid, contributing to oxidative stress and infertility.
What Are the Greatest Implications of This Review?
The findings underscore the potential for personalized dietary interventions in endometriosis management, emphasizing the integration of anti-inflammatory, low-toxin, and nutrient-rich foods. Clinicians can leverage these insights to recommend diets tailored to reduce inflammation, regulate estrogen metabolism, and mitigate oxidative stress, thereby improving quality of life and fertility outcomes for patients. Furthermore, the review reinforces the importance of microbiome-targeted dietary strategies in addressing endometriosis-related dysbiosis.
Low‑Nickel Diet (LNiD)
A low-nickel diet (LNiD) is a therapeutic dietary intervention that eliminates high-nickel foods, primarily plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, whole grains, and cocoa, to reduce systemic nickel exposure. It is clinically validated for managing systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS) and nickel-induced eczema. Its relevance is well-established in microbiome modulation, with studies demonstrating clinical benefits in conditions such as endometriosis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and GERD.