For those of you who dont know me let me give you a brief explanation. I am 29 years old and a newly wed wanting to start a family soon. I have Stage IV Endometriosis which required a laparotomy this past September 2010, for CO2 excision of deep endo implants that were all over every pelvic organ. I also had to have two sections of my bowels removed because the endo had penetrated though the bowel walls. Needless to say the past 4 months have been extremely difficult for me. I have a group of 3 endo specialist I work with: Dr. Rakesh Mangal who is an OBGYN RE, Dr. John Mathias who is a Neuro-Gastroenterologist and Dr. Bart Pickron a Colonrectal Surgeon. They are all located at The Women's Hospital of Texas in Houston. They all encourage and support me to do things naturally through diet, acupuncture, progesterone cream therapy and yoga. The below is my diet that was given to me by them.
Here is their scientific article on their theory and research about how endometriosis is a disease of insulin sensitivity.
I know so many doctors out there are so oblivious to what really goes on with women, especially women with endometriosis. I went through over 10 doctors since the age of 13 before I found Dr. Mangal! So I thought I would share with you their opinions. The diet has really been helping me out. I started it about 3 months before my surgery and have continued it since. I will be on this diet for the rest of my life. I don't even really like looking at it as "diet" it definitely more a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. But I am honestly feeling better. This diet is almost the same diet doctors like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr Arthur Agatston and Dr. Christiane Northrup are touting for heart health, overall women's health, overall human health, weight loss, beautiful skin and longevity of life!
Also here Is the Endo support group Facebook Page I started.
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Let me touch specificslly on Dr. John Mathias, of Houston, TX. He is one of my doctors that has been treating me for my endometriosis. He is a neuro-gastroenterologist that specializes in bowel endometriosis. He believes women with endometriosis suffer from the biochemical abnormality of hyper secretion of insulin, resulting in the production of excessive pathway 2 prostaglandins that cause seizure activity of the enteric system.
He suggests that bowel symptoms may decrease when foods that encourage the production of bad prostaglandins (the chemicals in our bodies responsible for cramps, spasms, and excitatory transmissions) are reduced or eliminated. These foods include: red meat, alcohol, chocolate, and soy. Basically, the control of insulin and blood sugar is extremely important to control inflammation in the entire body.
“Omitting foods that are neural stimulants (caffeine and tramline), reducing glycolic carbs (the stimulus for insulin release), supplementing with Omega 3 (precursor of pathways 3 prostaglandins) and Omega 9 (the governor of insulin release) fatty acids, and providing neural stability with Gaga-Agonist (ex: Klonopin and Periactin in minute amounts) results in control of the disabling symptoms of this common disease involving the hallow viscera (intestines and fallopian tubes).”
“There also has to be some mechanism with wheat in regards to endometriosis. Wheat has been genetically modified and there are two hormones out of two, the genome. There is also problems with gluten sensitivity, and more people are becoming gluten sensitive and I find that when I’ve taken wheat out of the diet, in 80% of the women with endometriosis, their pain subsides.”
I also have Celiac Disease so I can’t have gluten at all. Dr. Mathias does allow whole grain bread in moderation but I had to cut that entirely out. I also have IBS-C and I am Lactose Intolerant so I can’t have any dairy, although Dr. Mathias does allow Skim Milk and soft cheeses in moderation. I think my “tweaked” diet is a lot better because most endometriosis specialists suggest no gluten and no dairy anyways. The below is Dr. Mathias’s low glycemic (less than 50), non neural-stimulating diet modified to fit my other diseases. A positive thing about his diet is he allows clear liquors like vodka and white wines (in extremely moderate amounts) but I hate both of those. I am more a tequila girl and even then I probably drink maybe once every few months.
The following diet is most successful when accompanied with laser excision laparoscopy of all the endometriosis.
This diet is almost the same diet doctors like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr Arthur Agatston and Dr. Christiane Northrup are touting for heart health, overall women's health, overall human health, weight loss, beautiful skin and longevity of life!
FOODS OK TO EAT (when possible try to get Organic)
PROTEIN:
-Chicken, Fish (Cod, Salmon, Tuna, ect), Turkey, Shellfish,
-Eggs
-Almonds
-Cashews
-Walnuts
-Pecans
-Almond Butter
CARBS:
-Quinoa
-Quinoa Pasta
-Smuckers Low Sugar Jelly
-Old Fashion Oatmeal (NOT instant, the one that takes 5 minutes)
All Fresh Veggies -except the ones on NO list but esp:
-Artichokes
-Asparagus
-Avocado
-Bell Peppers
-Broccoli
-Brussel Sprouts
-Cabbage
-Cauliflower
-Cucumber
-Garlic
-Green Beans
-Green Leafy Veggies
-Lemons and Limes
-Mushrooms
-Olives
-Onions
-Squashes
-Tomatoes
Fresh Fruit: Lowest on Glycemic Index (lower than 50)
-Berries
-Cherries
-Kiwi
-Apples
-Peaches
-Pears
-Pineapples
-Plums
DRINKS:
-WATER- filtered
-Propel
-Lifewater with erythrotol
-DECAFFIANTED Teas (no soy)
-Almond Milk
OTHERS:
-All Herbs
-All Spices
-Homemade Soups- but don’t use bullions
-Oils: Olive or Peanut Oil
-Condiments: Hot sauce, Mayo, Mustard
-Salad Dressing: Olive Oil & Vinegar
-Sweeteners: Truvia, Stevia, Agave Nectar
Supplements:
-Pharmaceutical Grade Multi Vitamin- 2x a day
-Pharmaceutical Grade Omega 3- 3x a day
-Liquid Minerals- 2 Tablespoons in the morning
-Omega 9-Olive Oil- 1 Tablespoon with every meal
-Probiotic
Medications:
-Klonopin
-Periactin
____________________________________
FOOD FOR MODERATION (MAYBE 3x a week, no more)
CARBS:
-GLUTEN-FREE Whole Grain Bread
- NO rice/corn/yeast/modified starches in breads or pastas
Veggies:
-Sweet Potatoes
-Lentils
-Peas
Fruits:
-Grapes
-Oranges
-Watermelon
DRINKS:
-Top Shelf Quality (100% Agave) Tequila
OTHERS:
-Butter (Dairy Free & Soy Free)
-Fructose
-Ketchup
-Spicy Foods
_______________________________________
FOODS NOT OK TO EAT
*Note: Tyramine foods have an astris-Tyramine is an excitatory transmitter that affects the nerves
PROTEIN NOT ALLOWED:
-NO Dairy
-NO Caviar
-NO Pork
-NO Red Meat
-NO Tofu
-NO Soy
-NO processed meats*
CARBS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Wheat/Gluten/Yeast
- NO breads or pasta containing gluten/rice/yeast/modified starches
- NO Refined Sugars
- NO Malto-dextrins
- NO Dextrins Rusk
- NO Rye, Ryvita, rye breads
- NO Rice, Rice pasta, Rice cakes, Rice noodles, or Rice Cereals
Veggies NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Avocadoes*
- NO Beets
- NO Corn, Corn pasta, Corn tortillas, or Corn Cereals
- NO Eggplants*
- NO Popcorn
- NO Carrots
- NO Russet or Russet Potatoes- only Sweet Potatoes
- NO Flat Beans (example Black, Butter, Kidney, Pinto)
Fruit NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Bananas*
- NO Mangoes
- NO Papaya
- NO Cranberries
- NO Dates
- NO Figs*
- NO Prunes*
- NO Raisins*
- NO Dried Fruits*
No Processed Food of any kind*
DRINKS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Beer
- NO Coffee
- NO CAFFEINE AT ALL
- NO SOFT DRINKS
- NO Flavored Water
- NO store bought Fruit Juices (homemade with no sugar is ok)
- NO Gatorade
- NO Liquor - except for what is on moderation list
- NO Red Wine
OTHER FOODS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Chocolate*
- NO Honey
- NO Margarine
- NO Sugar Substitutes ex Splenda
- NO Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds
- NO Corn, Safflower, Sunflower or Vegetable Oil
ALWAYS BALANCE YOUR DIET WITH A PROTEIN, LOW GLYCEMIC CARB, AND RECOMMENDED OIL. GLYCEMIC INDEX SHOULD BE BELOW 50.
I am in currently in the same process with Dr. Mathias as you were back in 2011. I was wondering where you found extra resources/information to help you transition your life as well as understand everything. In the doctors office I feel like I understand things and as soon as I walk out the door it gets all jumbled and confused. I have tried searching the internet for help and have found nothing. Can you help point me in the right direction?
ReplyDeleteHello. I would be more than happy to share with you any info that may help?
DeleteHave you had surgery with Fr Mangal yet?
My pain has been dramatically reduced since my surgery. I was finally able to get pregnant a min of 4x but unfortunately miscarried them all. I think that has more to do with the fact that endometriosis is auto immune disease meaning I have a cascade of other autoimmune diseases prob contributing to the miscarriages. But I see a Reproductive Immunologist this month so we are excited. :)
Back to the pain being alleviated: Since my major surgery with Dr Mangal I have not needed RX pain pill or even OTC pain pills. But I am pretty sure that it is because I drastically changed the way I eat (mostly vegan, soy-free, Caffein-free, processed sugar free, gluten-free, mostly grain-free), I do yoga religiously, use essential oils, take a natural progesterone supplement, do guided meditations when I am in any sort of pain and or use my TENS machine :) so all that plus my surgery has def changed my life. The surgery alone prob wouldn't have been able to help as much as combining all the above.
A good resource I used at first was www.endo-resolved.com. The author of that website also wrote an 2 e books that are super helpful. You can find them here: http://www.endo-resolved.com/bothbooks.html
The other book that is very informative and I highly recommend is "Endometriosis: A key to healing through nutrition" by Dian Shepperson Mills.
Also the Facebook group I founded called Texas Endometriosis Support might be helpful for you.
How are you doing?
I had surgery with Dr. Mangal right before Thanks Giving. After surgery I met with Dr. Mathias by recommendation from Mangal. I have been working on this diet and new medications since Dec 7th. Over the holidays it was very hard for me to follow such a strict diet due to traveling but I tried my best. Since being back I have been very diligent to follow his plan and medications. Since being diligent on my diet my ulcerative colitis symptoms have returned, my energy level has dropped significantly and over all wellness is low. Mathias also had me do a glucose and insulin test but somehow we only received the glucose results. Those results showed that I had a sever drop in my glucose (55) when he told me the levels should be above 70. This is confusing because he is still wanting me to stay away from all types of sugar and said I was pre diabetic. This confuses me since the research I have done states that I would be hyperglycemic and would need to make sure my sugars stay at a normal level or symptoms would begin. I guess I am just very confused because I feel like after surgery, changing lifestyle (diet) and adding in a lot of medication I should be seeing some improvement.
ReplyDeleteBack history: I have been battling not only endometriosis but also multiple auto immune diseases since 2008. I have been on constant treatment and medication since diagnosed. I don't have any children but my boyfriend and I have the intentions on starting to try in a few years.
Also I am an information junkie. If I don't understand what's going on or what the treatment plan is fully I don't feel like I can be 100% at making the right choices. That is why I am looking for more resources so I can better understand and hopefully start to feel better.
Hi! Goodness I am so sorry your going through so much. I must tell you I also felt bad before I felt better.
DeleteThis article helps explain things better than I ever could:
http://www.perfectlyproduce.com/blog/2015/04/why-we-temporarily-feel-worse-when-eating-healthy/
Thank you for the website. It clarified a lot about my diet change and what to expect. I just came back from my appointment and just like every other appointment, I am more confused afterwards than I was going in. We mentioned that we have tried to do our own research and he hated that idea. I understand that we can be receiving misinformation but what else can we do when we don't understand the disease, the treatment, the side effects, etc. My anxiety is only getting worse and each time I leave the office I have more pills to take. Today I am feeling like I might stop this treatment until I can get more information/understanding of what is all going on. I just feel lost, confused, and broke.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me apologize for not getting back with you sooner! I totally understand where you are coming from. It's so much information. If your like me I have to hear it as well as see it all laid out for me to understand. Did you end up continuing treatment or stopping? A valuable thing I learned through all this and I am not sure if it will help, this disease is basically for life. We unfortunately have to do or own research. I joke that I feel like I have a PhD in "Geordanna's health" because it has literally been 5 years since I started on this quest and I prob devote a minimum of 3-5 hours weekly learning about things from how our western diet is so f*cked up to how to read my own lab results to learning what lab tests I should even get! It's exhausting but at the same time empowering. I go into every doctors office we'll informed and ready to hold my own. I used to get intimidated by doctors but not anymore! It's my health and no one understand better what I go through than myself.
DeleteDr. Mathias changed my daughters' lives. Endometriosis runs rampant in my family (my two older sisters both had hysterectomies when they were 26, one with three children, one with none) and both of my daughters were diagnosed extremely young. Emily was 13 and Caitlin was 11. We had seen every recommended "best" doctor in Texas, Emily had spent time in the Dell Children's Hospital -- no one could figure it out! A kind oral surgeon, whose own child had suffered similarly, sent us to Dr. Mathias. We knew within the first ten minutes with him that we had found the place. My daughters are now 22 and 20 and can largely control their symptoms with birth control, diet, low dose Klonopin, and Tramadol. He's a miracle worker, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about success stories. Makes my heart happy. :) Ugh I feel for your sisters :( I have no doubt had I been born just a generation before I would have had a hysterectomy in my 20s too. I am glad your daughters have found relief! I actually had to get off my birth control in college because the side effects were to much for me. I still take hormones but I take bioidentical hormones. I see a great BHRT functional medicine practitioner, Kala DeHaan at www.pinklinkmedical.com. I am actually helping her run the practice a little. She is so open and receptive. And I have not had to have an prescription pain meds for a couple years now :) Dr Mathias also randomly recommended a book I still to this day love. The Miracles of Water by Emoto. It isn't about endometriosis specifically but it is still very valuable info to have. He actually told me about it when I was asking him to explain how and why is machine works the way it does. :)
DeleteHi! My name is Hilary, and I was diagnosed with endometriosis back in 2011 and had my second laproscopic surgery in 2012 by Dr. Mangal then followed up with Dr Mathias and was put on the same diet. I became pregnant in 2013 and my life totally changed fore the better. I completely stopped taking all thev pain meds they had prescribed and switched to a 100% organic diet. I didn't fully follow the diet Dr. Mathis recommended but I feel soo much better! I nursed my daughter for 2 years which delayed the return of my period (thank god) and as soon as she weaned I did a parasite cleanse and a liver cleanse..currently in the process of doing a heavy metal cleanse. Just eating fresh organic foods has changed my life. The only symptoms I have from my endo is extreme bloating and anemia. I really should go gluten free but man its hard lol. Did you guys have less severe bloating with the gluten free diet? I also held onto weight for dear life while breastfeeding and since ive stopped i lost most but cant shake this belly fat. I think it may be an insulin issue from the endo : /
ReplyDeleteTHIS.IS.AWESOME.So happy you were able to have a baby! :) I have also not needed prescription pain meds for the last couple years since surger. Diet really makes a huge difference. I did the cleanses too. I am actually about to start doing coffee enemas. I have been doing quite a bit of research since being diagnosed with Lyme a few months ago. They seem promising. Yes I def has less bloating with gluten free. I even had less anxiety and brain fog once i went gluten free. Yes stubborn belly fat is indicative of hormonal issues/ insulin resistance. Maybe try going to see a functional medicine doctor that specializes in bioidentical hormones, PCOS, thyroid ect. I have a great one I can recommend. She is a really good friend, Kala DeHaan at www.pinklinkmedical.com
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great article. I also had the same treatment from the aforementioned doctors back in 2009 for endometriosis. These (3) doctors where my dream team. Since following the regimen that Dr. Mathias recommended, I too have been feeling exceptionally better post surgery. I haven't went back too these doctors post surgery, since the diet is working. Do you recall the name of the liquid minerals suggested and the name of the Company that produces this product? I don't recall.
Yay! Glad they helped you too! Darn no, I don't remember the liquid minerals brand
DeleteI'm seeing Dr. Mathias too, the minerals are by Vital Earth Minerals and it's the Fulvic Complex. They seem to really help me.
DeleteGlad to hear the diet is working. I'm a month in and having a hard time sticking with it.
The minerals are by vital earth minerals and it's the fulvic mineral complex. Hope that helps! Glad to hear the diet is working, I'm a month in and struggling with the diet.
DeleteThese are the ones he uses now. He's changed them in the last year or so.
ReplyDeletehttps://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Y9T1DW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi! Thanks for this post. I have had 2 endo excision surgeries in the last couple of years by a world renown endo surgeon at Stanford. I had great success with pelvic pain relief but still experience upper abdominal pain. I recently moved to Houston, so while searching for endo doctors and Dr Mangal I saw your post. I was really intrigued by the recommendation of low dose klonopin. Low dose klonopin nightly and progesterone oil seem to help me. I have never told a doctor that klonopin helps with my pain. I am afraid they will pin me for an addict. So the low dose klonopin for treatment of abdominal pain with endometriosis really struck a chord with me. I just left a message with Dr Mathias office to call me for a new patient appointment. I am so thankful you wrote this article. It has given me a ray of hope again that there is a doctor out there that can help me with this exhausting abdominal pain!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know my posts helped you in some way. :) you are not alone sister!
ReplyDeleteDr. Mathias and this diet helped me tremendously. Thanks for posting this. I too came online trying to find the name of the liquid minerals he uses. I can't remember.
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteAfter a history of painful, heavy periods and having had an ovary removed,I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Because that my remaining fallopian tube was blocked, the only chance I and my husband had of conceiving was through IVF.
The condition meant that fertility treatment was very painful in spite of the treatment it wasn't successful .
"From the age of 17 or 18, I had very bad periods, but my GP seemed uninterested. At 21, I had emergency surgery for appendicitis and awoke to discover I had also had an ovary removed, due to a large cyst. Although I had a histology (examination with a microscope of tissue removed during surgery), endometriosis (a condition in which endometrial cells, which normally line the uterus, implant around the outside of the uterus and/or ovaries, causing internal bleeding, pain and reduced fertility) was not diagnosed until much later.
With all these challenges, the possibility of getting pregnant was very difficult...I read an article of how Rahany Herbal Center, that helped a woman to conceive with the use of the herbal treatment...I contacted the address rahanyherbalcenter@yahoo.com....I ordered for the herbs and it worked. I conceived through the use of the herbs as instructed also. Contact rahanyherbalcenter@yahoo.com for help.
What are the name of the liquid minerals that are used? I am a former patient of Mathias. He really helped me. I had what was the worsted case of colitis that my small town hospital had ever seen. I went from several severe hospital trips a year to one every 3 to 5 years.thanks
ReplyDelete