Eat right campaign

The EndoDiet team

EndoDiet, Take Charge, Eat Right campaign was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 7 March 2016. The campaign aimed to promote healthy eating and creativity in the preparation of food to combat endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the tissues lining the uterus (endometrium) are found outside of the uterus. The misplaced tissues can develop into growths or lesions.

“One in ten women suffers from endometriosis that could lead to infertility. Several studies have found a connection between unhealthy diets and the chronic condition. Changes in lifestyle and diet can reduce the risk of getting endometriosis,” said EndoDiet Chairperson Alyssa Lai Shiang Tzyy.

From left: Campaign advisor Penny Lim, FCI lecturer Surita Morgan, Dr Natasha, Malaysian Chinese Medical Association (MCMA) member Dr Kamal Kuek bin Abdullah, FCI Dean Dr Chin Yee Mun, and Ng officiating the event

“During menstruation, the blood and tissue shed from the endometrial growths have no way of leaving the body and leads to internal bleeding and inflammation,” said Kuala Lumpur Fertility Centre Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Natasha Ain binti Mohd Nor.

Some of the symptoms to watch out for are painful periods (dysmenorrheal), heavy periods, painful bowel movements during periods, fatigue, and infertility. “Patients are advised to avoid food items such as wheat, red meat, caffeine, dairy, refined sugar, chocolate, eggs, and soy,” advised International Medical University (IMU) Dietitian and Clinical instructor Ng Kar Foo.

Alyssa (left), explaing the recipes in the EndoDiet cookbook to Dr Natasha (second from left), FCI lecturer Surita Morgan (center) and Ng (right)

According to British nutritionist Dian Shepperson Mills’ research, 20,000 women have said that dieting brought on improvements, such as reduced pain, reduced bloating, normalised oestrogen levels, relieved cramps, balanced hormones, boosted immune systems, and increased fertility.

“All these unruly eating habits are slowly and silently taking a toll on us. Half the time, we don’t even realise how detrimental it can be on our lives. I hope today’s campaign will help us regain and take charge of our lives,” Alyssa said.

EndoDiet, Take Charge, Eat Right campaign was organised by final year Media and Creative Studies students in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Endometriosis Association (MyENDOSIS).