Nutrition and supplements for endometriosis – key ingredients for supporting symptoms & fertility

The nutrition and supplements for endometriosis 101

If we’re looking to factor endometriosis into our supplement regime, which key ingredients are particularly beneficial, especially if we’re looking to manage fertility concerns as well?

And, specifically, which supplements for endometriosis should we look for, to get real, targeted support?

We’re back with team Zita West Products, for a proper deep dive.

A senior nutritionist talks supplements for endometriosis

We’re joined by expert nutritionist, Isabelle Obert from Zita West Products who helps us uncover which supplements to take to support and relieve endometriosis symptoms.

Watch as we cover:

• Why targeted nutritional support is so key for managing day-to-day symptoms of endometriosis
• Foods to avoid or maybe just have less of, if you have endo
• The recommended dietary patterns for those with endometriosis

We also get into the nitty gritty key ingredients to factor into our supplement routine, including:

• How omega-3’s can support endometriosis
• The powerful antioxidants to try
• What to take for hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis
• What else we might want to keep topped up, nutrients-wise, if we’re tying to conceive with endo

For all the support in one, check out the Zita West Endometriosis Support Pack, plus the extended product range.

Shop now with 10% OFF, using code TRB10*.

Transcript

Eloise Edington: 

Hello, welcome to those who are joining. Today’s lunchtime live is with the fabulous Isabelle Obert, a very experienced nutritionist from Zita West Supplements. We’re going to talk about endometriosis, nutrition, and supplements to support symptoms, issues, and all the key ingredients you may need on your fertility journey. I’m going to welcome her now. This will be a very, very useful live, so stay tuned as we talk about endometriosis nutritional and supplement support. Hello, Isabelle!  

Isabelle Obert: 

Hi, Eloise!  

Eloise Edington: 

Hi! How are you?  

Isabelle Obert: 

Yes, I’m fine, thanks. How are you?  

Eloise Edington: 

Very well, thank you. Oh, hang on—I’m doing something… Okay, I can now see you. Sorry! I can see you.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Hi!  

Eloise Edington: 

We’re back for another lunchtime live, which I’ve just introduced with a warm welcome. If you could please tell everyone a little bit about your nutritional background, about the Zita West product range, and then we can talk about endometriosis and support.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Of course. I’m a nutritionist, and I’ve been working with fertility for about 20 years. I work with Zita West products, support them a lot, and use them frequently. They’re absolutely brilliant supplements, particularly for fertility and hormonal issues such as endometriosis.  

Eloise Edington: 

Yes, absolutely. It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month.  

Isabelle Obert: 

I have to say, it’s pretty shocking—the lack of diagnosis that people get and how many people struggle with endometriosis.  

Eloise Edington: 

It can take years for a diagnosis, can’t it?  

Isabelle Obert: 

Yes, absolutely. The diagnosis process can take years, and there are people who struggle with symptoms that may or may not be endometriosis. The symptoms—like very painful, debilitating periods—are often the most severe. You shouldn’t have to stay in bed for a day or two each month or rely on strong painkillers just to survive.  

Eloise Edington: 

Exactly. It can go undiagnosed for 10 years or more. I know someone who has been to A&E seven times, on morphine, and still hasn’t been diagnosed.  

Isabelle Obert:

That’s awful.  

Eloise Edington: 

Do you see many clients looking for nutritional support for endometriosis?  

Isabelle Obert: 

Yes, a lot. Many have been diagnosed but don’t know what to do next. Endometriosis is a hormonal imbalance and a pro-inflammatory condition. It’s very uncomfortable—not just during periods but also with bowel disturbances, pain, and other symptoms. It can also impact fertility, which adds a lot of worry. But there are definitely things you can do to help.  

Eloise Edington: 

Why is targeted nutritional support and supplementation helpful for managing day-to-day symptoms of endometriosis?  

Isabelle Obert: 

The biggest issue is pain, but the underlying problem is inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet is very important. Certain foods are more pro-inflammatory, and endometriosis can also lead to nutritional deficiencies like low vitamin D, magnesium, and antioxidants. There’s a lot of research on the microbiome, both gut and vaginal, and its link to endometriosis. Nutritional support can be very effective here.  

Eloise Edington: 

Tell us about the Zita West supplements range for endometriosis.  

Isabelle Obert:  

We have a fairly new Endometriosis Support Pack. It includes a multivitamin—the VitaFem—with active B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and more for hormone balance. It also contains vitamin D, as deficiency is common. Ideally, people should get tested to determine their specific dose.  

It includes FEMI, a probiotic targeting the vaginal and uterine microbiome, and the Ultra Omega, our new omega-3 product. This is particularly good for inflammation. Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and may reduce pain, endometriomas, and plaques. Ultra Omega is also highly absorbable due to phospholipids and is suitable throughout pregnancy.  

Eloise Edington: 

Having taken these products myself, I’m a massive fan. They’ve supported me throughout my nearly decade-long fertility journey, and it’s exciting to see these new products.  

Isabelle Obert:  

Thank you! In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need supplements, but we live in a world full of chemicals, pollution, and nutrient-depleted food. Our bodies, especially the liver, have to work harder. For endometriosis, which is oestrogen-dependent, managing high oestrogen levels is crucial.  

That’s where NAC (N-acetylcysteine) comes in. It’s a potent antioxidant, great for egg quality, managing pain, and potentially reducing the size of plaques. I’ve had clients tell me they’re now pain-free, which is amazing.  

Eloise Edington: 

That’s incredible. But as we’ve discussed, you need to pair supplements with a balanced diet.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Absolutely. Diet and lifestyle are the foundation. Supplements are there to give extra help when needed. For conditions like endometriosis, therapeutic doses of nutrients may be necessary in the short term. It’s about creating something sustainable and effective.  

Eloise Edington: 

For anyone watching back, please feel free to check out the Zita West supplement range through our link in bio. We have an exclusive discount code, TRB10, for 10% off all supplements, so do check it out—especially the choline, which is new, and the omega-3.  

What are the particular key ingredients for people suffering from endometriosis that others might not consider taking?  

Eloise Edington: 

Omega-3 is very high on the list. Vitamin D is another important one, though our needs vary between summer and winter. Many of us don’t get enough because we spend time outside covered in Factor 50, so supplementation can be really beneficial. Magnesium is another key nutrient.  

I’m very fond of NAC as well. For endometriosis, it’s very helpful. All of these are included in the Endometriosis Support Pack, alongside the multivitamin and FEMI. Not everyone wants to take lots of supplements, which is understandable, but there are some key ones worth considering—even short-term—to reduce pain and discomfort.  

Eloise Edington: 

I’ve carried on taking FEMI during pregnancy to keep things in the best condition.  

Isabelle Obert:

Absolutely. Although FEMI is designed to support the vaginal microbiome—important for fertility and implantation—it’s also beneficial for the health outcomes of both mother and baby. It’s particularly helpful for those prone to UTIs, thrush, or similar issues during pregnancy. FEMI can help reduce those risks.  

Eloise Edington: 

Yes, absolutely. Some people are much more prone during pregnancy for various reasons.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Exactly. These supplements can reduce the likelihood of those issues.  

Eloise Edington: 

Thinking about endometriosis, are these supplements ones people should consider even if they’re not trying to conceive?  

Isabelle Obert: 

It depends on whether you’re suffering. If you are, then absolutely. Many who suffer rely on strong painkillers because over-the-counter options like paracetamol often aren’t enough. However, long-term use of painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can have negative effects, such as impacting gut health and the gut lining.  

All the nutrients we’re discussing are naturally derived and available from food, though they’re in pill form here. They provide a more holistic approach to managing endometriosis symptoms. That’s really what we’re aiming for.

So in answer to your question, Eloise, is yes—if you are experiencing pain and discomfort, it’s absolutely worth considering supplementation, even if you’re not trying to conceive. It’s not just about fertility, though that’s an added benefit.  

Eloise Edington: 

Okay, so please do head to the link in our bio and check out the Endometriosis Support Pack.  

Someone has asked: if cholesterol is high—both LDL and HDL—with a total of seven, is Ultra Omega-3 okay to supplement?  

Isabelle Obert: 

Marvellous question! Actually, omega-3 can help reduce cholesterol levels, so it’s a great choice. Omega-3 and good fats from your diet can help. What you want to avoid are saturated fats.  

Also, I mentioned earlier about the importance of supporting liver function. For endometriosis, liver support is crucial because of the oestrogen dominance that often accompanies it. Oestrogen is metabolised through the liver and needs to be detoxified, which also applies to cholesterol. By supporting liver function, you can help with cholesterol levels.  

To answer your question, yes, Ultra Omega is a great option!  

Eloise Edington: 

Amazing. What’s in the Ultra Omega that makes it “Ultra,” if that makes sense?  

Isabelle Obert: 

It’s all about the new formula, specifically the presence of phospholipids. These enhance the absorption of omega-3s. It also contains choline, which is fantastic for liver support. Essentially, this enhanced formula makes it more bioavailable, meaning your body can utilise it more efficiently.  

Traditional omega-3 requires more processing in the body, so this version is particularly beneficial if you have a higher requirement or more inflammation.  

Eloise Edington: 

That’s why I’ve been so interested in taking it. Being pregnant with twins, my body needs extra support to process everything and maintain a good baseline.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Absolutely. You’re not just supporting your own brain—you’re creating two others! Your nutrient requirements are naturally higher, so having something highly absorbable is even more beneficial.  

Eloise Edington: 

In terms of micronutrients for endometriosis, we’ve covered a lot, but can we focus on NAC? It’s relatively new to the range and has a lot of scientific backing.  

Isabelle Obert: 

NAC, or N-acetylcysteine, is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, which is critical for liver detoxification. One of the liver’s pathways for detoxifying oestrogen and other toxins relies on glutathione. This makes NAC an excellent liver supporter and a potent antioxidant.  

NAC also has significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly helpful for endometriosis. I’ve seen great results with clients, especially when paired with magnesium, in reducing pain.  

From a fertility perspective, NAC is important for egg and sperm quality. While we can’t currently test egg quality, we know NAC can improve sperm DNA fragmentation. If it benefits sperm, it likely helps eggs as well.  

Eloise Edington: 

NAC has also been studied for recurrent miscarriage, hasn’t it?  

Isabelle Obert:

Yes, absolutely. There’s fascinating research on that topic.  

Eloise Edington: 

Someone has asked about the difference between NAC and glutathione supplements.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Great question! NAC is a precursor to glutathione, meaning it stimulates the body to produce its own glutathione. Some research suggests NAC may be more efficient than taking glutathione directly as a supplement, as the body naturally converts it. Plus, NAC has its own benefits beyond that.  

Eloise Edington: 

Brilliant. Please remember, you can follow the link in our bio for 10% off the entire Zita West range with the code TRB10.  

Going back to endometriosis and its link to hormonal imbalance, can you explain how supplements like VitaFem and FEMI help with that?  

Eloise Edington: 

All hormones—stress hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones—work synergistically. From a nutritional perspective, we aim to achieve overall balance rather than targeting one specific hormone.  

Hormone balance requires nutrients like B vitamins (especially B6), magnesium, iodine, selenium, and zinc—all of which are in Vitopherm. That’s why I love multivitamins as a starting point. They provide broad-spectrum support, and you can then add more targeted nutrients as needed.  

From a dietary perspective, balancing blood sugar is key. This means eating unrefined foods regularly and including protein with meals to avoid sugar spikes and crashes, which can disrupt hormonal balance.  

Liver function is also crucial. Supporting the liver helps detoxify old hormones, particularly oestrogen, which aids in achieving better hormonal balance. Staying hydrated is equally important to flush out toxins.  

VitaFem, FEMI, and other supplements we’ve discussed—like NAC and choline—play a big role in supporting these processes, helping to bring the body back into balance.  

Eloise Edington: 

All of these tips are so helpful for overall hormone balance as well. Thank you, Isabelle! Now, let’s move to the dietary side—foods to eat, foods to avoid—what are your recommendations?  

Isabelle Obert: 

When it comes to endometriosis, I often recommend a Mediterranean-style diet. It’s widely recognised as one of the healthiest for reducing inflammation, which is key.  

Here’s a breakdown:  

Foods to Avoid: 

  – Saturated fats (found in high-fat dairy and red meat).  

  – Processed foods.  

  – Refined grains—opt for whole grains instead.  

  – Some people find dairy or gluten challenging for their symptoms, though it’s not universal. Dairy contains oestrogen, which may exacerbate oestrogen dominance, but it can also have anti-inflammatory properties for some.  

  – Soy, being oestrogenic, may not suit everyone with endometriosis.  

Foods to Increase: 

  – Fibre-rich foods (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) to bind and eliminate excess oestrogen.  

  – Essential fats like those in oily fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.  

  – Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. These support liver function and promote proper oestrogen clearance.  

One standout compound from cruciferous vegetables is DIM (Diindolylmethane), derived from broccoli, which is often recommended for endometriosis due to its benefits for oestrogen metabolism.  

Eloise Edington: 

That’s so interesting! A friend of mine with endometriosis gets flare-ups whenever she eats sugar. It’s tough because sugar seems so harmless sometimes.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Yes, sugar is very pro-inflammatory, unfortunately. But if you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate could be a better option. It’s rich in magnesium, which is great for endometriosis, and has less sugar the darker it is. Plus, dark chocolate promotes anti-inflammatory gut bacteria.  

You could even make your own dark chocolate with cacao, honey, and coconut oil—perhaps adding nuts for those essential fats. Remember, it’s about balance. Occasional treats won’t harm, but chronic overconsumption can lead to a buildup of inflammation.  

Eloise Edington: 

That makes sense. Someone has asked if seed cycling could help with endometriosis or infertility. They’ve read it balances oestrogen and progesterone.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Seed cycling is an interesting topic! There’s no solid scientific evidence to support it, but it’s harmless and might work for some. It involves consuming certain seeds during different phases of your cycle—typically pumpkin and flaxseeds in the follicular phase (first two weeks) and sesame and sunflower seeds in the luteal phase (last two weeks).  

I’ve heard success stories from people who find it beneficial, so it’s definitely worth trying if you’re curious.  

Eloise Edington: 

Great advice. Is there anything else you’d recommend for those struggling with endometriosis or suspecting they have it?  

Isabelle Obert: 

If you’re in pain or discomfort or experiencing symptoms that others don’t seem to, always book an appointment with your GP. Severe pain, bowel discomfort, or anything out of the ordinary is not something you should tolerate—it’s not normal.  

There’s growing awareness around endometriosis, with specialist clinics and more attention during Endometriosis Awareness Month. The diagnostic process involves a laparoscopy, but if lesions are found, they can be removed, which may help with both fertility and day-to-day comfort.  

Eloise Edington: 

That’s so reassuring to hear. Thank you for raising awareness and providing such valuable advice on nutrition and supplements.  

Isabelle Obert: 

My pleasure! 

Eloise Edington: 

Don’t forget, you can head to our bio for 10% off the Zita West supplement range using the code TRB10. The supplements are designed to work synergistically, making it easier to manage your intake. And no fishy aftertaste from the new Ultra Omega! That’s such a plus.  

Isabelle Obert: 

Absolutely—it’s a game-changer.  

Eloise Edington:

Thank you so much, Isabelle, and thank you to everyone who joined us. We’ll speak soon!  

Isabelle Obert:

Thank you, everyone! Bye!  

Want to hear more from Zita West Products and the lovely Isabelle?

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