The stickiest-ickiest days of summer are here, and there's nothing more refreshing than kicking back with a frosty beverage and a good book. For the latter, we've got you covered. Here are eight essential reads for endo warriors that will lift your spirits, increase awareness and offer useful advice on everything from diet and exercise to inspiring stories you’ll totally relate to.
The Doctor Will See You Now by Dr. Tamer Seckin
“The Doctor Will See You Now” addresses the real-life struggle of endo women while offering sage advice from the top expert in the field of endometriosis. This essential read also provides diet recommendations and surgical options. Most important of all? Essential hope every endo warrior can thrive on.
Ask Me About My Uterus by Abby Norman
Mainly curated from author Abby Norman’s journal entries and from her interviews with endo women, Ask Me About My Uterus chronicles Norman’s tumultuous journey from sinewy dancer to lethargic college dropout as she was repeatedly hospitalized and misdiagnosed before learning she has endometriosis. This extremely well-written prose proves medical knowledge is power and like any good protagonist, Norman finds her way back in control of things.
Whole New You by Tia Mowry
Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2006 via laparoscopy after a decade of suffering, Tia Mowry was inspired to pen a clean-eating cookbook to help other women with endo ease their symptoms by making better choices in the kitchen. Mowry, who shot to fame in the 90s with her twin on the hit sitcom, “Sister, Sister,” provides more than 100 tasty recipes focused on anti-inflammatory eating, tips for eating on the go, a 10-day menu plan to kick-start healthier eating habits and more.
Doing Harm by Maya Dusenbery
In her riveting read, “Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick,” Dusenbery interweaves women’s personal stories with scientific and sociological research and interviews with doctors. She digs down deep to demonstrate how women with endometriosis and other illnesses have been dismissed, discarded and ignored by the medical system.
Alone in the Crowd: Living Well with Endometriosis, by Ania G.
Psychologist, certified holistic health counselor and founder of EndoPositive International, Ania G., survived Chernobyl’s nuclear disaster at the tender age of eight. After getting diagnosed with endometriosis, she was inspired to write a book to uncover misconceptions and myths about the disease as well as empower other endo women who were suffering in silence.
The Endometriosis Health & Diet Program: Get Your Life Back, by Andrew S. Cook and Danielle Cook
Split into three parts, “The Endometriosis Health & Diet Program: Get Your Life Back" offers more than 100 easy-prep recipes, explains the medical side of endometriosis, and how lifestyle factors may impact the disease. It also focuses on the importance of detoxification and stress reduction, the benefits of exercise for endo and which foods can reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Rewired Life: A Journey To Untangle Chronic Pain And Endometriosis, by Audrey Michel
Author, speaker, and spiritual growth coach Audrey Michel was 14 when she first received her endometriosis diagnosis. Her book tells the story of surviving 17 years of chronic endo pain before discovering the benefits of acupuncture, chiropractic care, kinesiology, spirituality and the delicate art of finally listening to her body. She’s now living pain and symptom-free and wants to motivate other endo warriors with her tale of perseverance.
The Endo Patient's Survival Guide By Andrew S. Cook MD Facog, Danielle Cook MS Rd and Libby Hopton MS
When battling endo, we could all use a friend who just “gets it,” and this book is ultimately that paper companion. From diagnosis to treatment, dietary and supplement options, “The Endo Patient's Survival Guide: A Patient's Guide to Endometriosis and Chronic” is a practical approach offering tips, facts and treatment options for women with varying levels of endo knowledge.