Can a low-gluten diet reduce endometriosis symptoms?

A low-gluten diet may reduce endometriosis symptoms in some people, although the effect is not the same for everyone and the scientific evidence is not very strong or unambiguous.

Observational studies and anecdotal experience suggest that women with endometriosis sometimes experience improvement in symptoms when they eliminate or severely restrict gluten from their diet. A similar effect has also been seen when dairy is eliminated from the diet.

Gluten can cause inflammatory reactions or gut problems in some people. Because endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, reducing inflammatory foods (such as gluten and dairy in sensitive individuals) can help.

It is important to know that not everyone with endometriosis is sensitive to gluten. A gluten-free diet is not automatically healthy – it is important to approach it in a balanced way with sufficient fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is best to consult a dietitian or doctor who has experience with endometriosis to determine whether this is right for you.

Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2831953

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-04-17 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025