Customer Reviews

Endometriosis: A Key to Healing Through Nutrition

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I got this book as soon as I found out it existed! I have the 1999 version, and I loved it, I took it wherever I went for reference. I haven't finished reading the new one yet, but it seems just as well done as the first, but with more information. I've been using the nutrition/supplement method for my endo and have seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of pain I experience, with some monthly cycles being totally pain free, with no medication. I also had chronic colitis at the start of the treatment, which has all but vanished. I've recommended the first book to many, for both overall health and fertility reasons, and I will definitely be recommending this one now. As a matter of fact, I bought two when I ordered it, one for a friend!

I read the first edition and I had to write a review (I never do) but in doing so, I could help others with this horrible disease. The information in this book changed my life completely. I have had two surgeries for endo and countless ob/gyn visits - I finally followed the book's nutritional advice and after 3-4 weeks, my pain disappeared. Not only that, 4 months later, I became pregnant and now I am a mother to a beautiful baby girl. My energy is 100 times better - I felt so helpless before but now I feel so empowered. I have never felt so healthy! Please read - there is hope for you!!!

The diet and nutrition advice in this book have helped me tremendously. Previously, surgeries offered short-term relief but my endo (stage 4) always comes back. I became unable to tolerate any hormone or drug therapy because of the side effects. I was afraid my life would just be ruled by this awful thing and started looking for anything to help take back my health.
Since going wheat-free and reducing my intake of processed foods and chemical additives, my pain has been reduced by 80%. And this despite my overwhelming skepticism that something like a diet could work! There's still some pain, but I no longer need prescription pain medication and no longer plan my life around my endo. While a wheat-free diet requires some effort and planning, the results have made everything worthwhile. I cannot imagine going back to living a life ruled by pain.
--UPDATE October 2008: For what it's worth, I wanted to add that while I had tremendous improvements following the wheat-free diet, I have experienced even more positive changes after I went completely gluten-free 6 months ago. Again, it's not easy and maybe it's not the answer for everyone, but it's been well worth the effort for me. I am still so grateful to Ms. Mills and her book for starting me on this path. I don't know what condition I'd be in today if not for this book.

Just few weeks on this diet gave me my life back - no more bloating, being tired, and not having energy and most of all I can manage pain - I don't crawl in tears on the floor anymore and miss days of work because I cannot move. I was very skeptical about no wheat no diary and no sugar diet - my first reaction was - what am I going to eat!? I discovered whole new world of foods and recipes and don't even miss the junk that I was eating. It's been 4 months and this is amazing - if you want your life back - read and follow this book!

After many years of hormone treatments, I was encouraged to find a new and fresh perspective on treatment for endometriosis. This is a great resource for those with endo., however I did not find it to be an easy read. It has a lot of information and takes somewhat of a scientific approach (a scientist I am not). If you can approach the book with a positive attitude seeking to really change your diet, then it is definitely the book for you. If you are half heartedly looking at the book and do not have a desire to drastically change your diet, then you may want to rethink the purchase.

Although I have not had a laproscopy, my doctor strongly suspects that I have endometriosis. Faced with monthly vicodin, missed work, hormone therapy, and future surgery, I was deperate to find a better way. This book filled in a lot of gaps for me about the disease in general, and gave suggestions for a possible nutritional connection (and certain food allergies/intolerances). My doctor was extremely skeptical and dismissive, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I've been on a wheat-free diet for three months now, and the difference in the severity of pain and other symptoms is amazing. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone with endometriosis. I now feel empowered, and that I am finally in control of this disease.

I have used this book as a reference for several years. It contains a lot of very scientific information, which I actually like to read because I want to understand the disease that at times has burdened me with pain daily. I agree with those who say this book can be life changing; through this book I realized my wheat sensitivity/intolerance. I don't mind going out of my way to eliminate that ingredient, because I feel so much better without it!

This book is the best I've found for recommending a supplement program for women with endo. She does not recommend brand names, just strengths/dosages, so it makes it difficult. You have to find brands that contain the right amounts on your own. Quality supplements are important. I take 7 vitamins/minerals every morning, but it is worth it, as I feel much better when I'm on them.

I have found vitacost to be a good place to purchase my supplements, along with many organic personal care items and greener cleaners, which are all recommended for women with endo. I also highly recommend consulting with a Dr. who specializes in bio-identical hormones (check out books by Dr. Michael E. Platt for more info.) Another option is to find a physical therapist who specializes in women's health, who can provide myofascial release for adhesions and help manage pelvic pain. You CAN live with endo without having to frequent the OR. I know - I had three surgeries for stage 4 endo before I tried finding alternative ways of coping.

I live a much more comfortable life now that I've modified my diet, added supplements, use bio-identical progesterone, and have weekly appointments with my PT. I credit this book with giving me the 'kick' I needed to become an advocate for myself. Please note that I deducted 1 star because Ms. Mills contradicts herself frequently with her dietary recommendations. After reading through this book several times, it's unclear if she recommends eating soy or not. Same with dairy, wheat, and sugar. There are paragraphs that tell you not to eat these foods, but then she includes them in recipes. I have figured out by trial and error what affects me, and maybe that's her point - everyone is different so do what works for you. When you figure out your sensitivities, find cookbooks geared towards eliminating the offending foods, and cook in quantities over the weekends (Gluten Free Gourmet and Grain Free Gourmet cookbooks are good places to start.) The baked goods will be different from anything you've ever eaten, but you will get used to it, and even love it, when you realize how much better you feel. Ingredients for gluten free and grain free baking can be costly, look for flour blends that are already mixed, like the multi blend flour from Authentic Foods.

Overall, this is a great book for those wanting to know about their disease and how to help control their symptoms. I got wordy with my review, but that's because I've spent so much time trying to help myself - I hope that time spent can help others as well.

Because a lot of the information available on endometriosis is unclear and occasionally contradictory -- and because there is so much controversy about the causes and treatment of endometriosis -- it's especially important for women to educate themselves on their options. This book is extremely useful in that respect: it provides accessible information and useful, practical steps to take. Far from blaming women for having endo (as one of the previous reviewers suggests), this book was the first thing I read that made me feel optimistic -- that made me feel like I could actually do something to help myself.

I haven't had the book very long so I can't vouch for how well the recommendations work. I want to mention, though, that the reviewer who faulted this book for "blaming" women has posted almost exactly the same review (nearly word for word) for at least one other endo book, and I wonder whether she actually read either of them.

I HAVE SUFFERED FROM ENDO FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS OF MY LIFE. I WAS DIAGNOSED AT 16 AND HAVE USED THE CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES, AND SURGERY. RECENTLY I EXPERIENCED MY PERIOD LASTING 21 DAYS AND THE DOCTOR DISCOVERED A UTERINE FIBRIOD TUMOR IN ADDITION TO THE ENDO GROWING ALONG (WHAT HE BELIVES BY SYMPTOMS) MY COLON AND BLADDER; AND ADHESIONS ON MY RIGHT SIDE OF MY PELVIC CAVITY. THIS BOOK HELPED ME TO CHANGE MY DIET AND ADD EXERCISE AND SUPPLEMENTS TO TRY TO EASE MY SYMPTOMS BEFORE MY NEXT LAPOROSCOPY/LASER SURGERY. MY DOCTOR IS SUGGESTING HYSTERECTOMY, SINCE IT IS ADVANCED, BUT I AM ONLY 26 AND WOULD LIKE TO PUT THAT OFF AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.THIS BOOK HELPED MY PHYSICAL PAIN, BUT MORE THAN THAT, IT HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A DISEASE WITH NO CURE THAT MANY WOMEN SUFFER FROM. JUST BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW ANY, DOES NOT MEAN I AM ALONE. CHRONIC PAIN AND INFERTILITY CAN CAUSE EXHAUSTION, DESPAIR DEPRESSION, AND EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY. THERE IS HELP, AND IT IS WITHIN YOURSELF. YOU CAN DO SOMETHING MORE THAT MEDICATION AND SURGERY, THIS BOOK HAS GUIDED ME TO FEELING THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DAILY PAIN THAT I HAVE HAD IN YEARS. THANK YOU DIAN.

I bought this week 2 weeks after my laparoscopy, on the same day I had my follow up appt with my gyno, who told me I had endometriosis. My gyno could not get me out of her office quick enough, and couldnt answer any of my questions like 'does it come back? how do i stop it coming back? how do i manage the symptoms? what are my options?' The only thing she could tell me is that it was pretty certain i would be seeing her on a yearly basis for regular laps. Needless to say, i am finding a new gyno, but I still needed answers.
Dian's book answered all of my questions and more. The detailed information in the book on the body, the nervous system, the digestive system, and how everything was affected by endo, made perfect sense alongside the symptoms i have been suffering without explanation or end in sight. I had already been trying to eat well, but her strict dietary suggestions were what i needed to start and commit to a whole new way of eating.
4 weeks later, ive lost 5 kilos, my pelvic pain is gone, my digestive problems are easing, and ive just had my first period since the lap, which i was warned would be longer, painful, heavier than normal - nothing! No pms symptoms, no cravings, nothing! i guess this is what normal feels like! its fantastic. I know ive got a ways to go, but for the first time in years, i have answers and soolutions, and i am actually getting better and going forward, not backward. its a nice feeling.