Jessie Madrigal is a writer who was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2016. Below is an excerpt from an article in Endometriosis News.

• I quickly learned how certain foods dictate the symptoms we suffer, or worsen our condition...Gluten consumption, coffee and dairy , red meat, and the list goes on.

• It’s OK not to go cold turkey. I haven’t wiped out all of my favorites. Sometimes it’s cheese on my fries, others times it’s spoiling myself with a sourdough-based pizza. As long as I consider these as treats, it’s fine. Also, coconut-based ice cream is the work of gods.

• The effects may not be immediate. It took two months before I noticed any big changes to my general health. My energy levels are higher, the usual midday slump seems to have gone and during my period I now only spend one day in bed on average, instead of three or four.

• It won’t make you unsociable. You can still go out and enjoy life, but it’s helpful if you plan your outings. Look up menus online for gut-friendly options, and be prepared to talk about your dietary needs with others.

• It can be pretty tasty. Recently discovered a recipe for a vegan nut butter pie that tastes like Oreo cookies. Plant-based food has come a long way since we first began hearing about it. Recipes by fellow endo-sufferers, like Jessica Murnane, and countless gluten-free and veggie cookbooks make producing delicious dishes easy.

• As it works, it becomes easier. It’s not so much a diet, but a change in lifestyle. After four months, I don’t miss the bloating or the stabbing pains in my stomach. The increase in my energy levels makes me see the light at the end of the tunnel.