Endometriosis expert Kimberly Kushner offers a natural approach to healing, focusing on diet, supplements, and self-care.

 

Name: Kimberly Kushner

Day job: Naturopath & Clinical Nutritionist

Location: Sunny Queensland

 

Describe your work in one sentence…

I guide women with endometriosis to reclaim their lives through evidence-based natural medicine. I combine my clinical expertise as a naturopath with a deep personal understanding from my 24-year endometriosis journey.

 

Can you share your journey and its impact on your career?

My endometriosis journey began at age 11 in 2000 when my first periods were agonizingly painful. Despite my mother's reassurance that "periods won't hurt you," I faced years of debilitating symptoms - ranging from excruciating pain to severe digestive issues. By 15, I was already on multiple medications, including hormonal therapy and gastrointestinal medications, yet nothing addressed the root cause.

The most frustrating part was spending 12 years being bounced between doctors and receiving multiple misdiagnoses - from IBS to pelvic floor dysfunction. It wasn't until an unexpected encounter with my housemate's father, an OBGYN, that I was finally referred to an endometriosis specialist. My 2012 laparoscopy revealed extensive endometriosis and adenomyosis affecting multiple organs.

This challenging journey became my catalyst for change. Post-surgery, I chose a holistic path, committing to natural therapies instead of continuing with conventional medications. The success of this approach - including conceiving three children naturally and achieving nearly symptom-free periods - transformed not just my health but my entire life direction.

Today, as a dual-qualified naturopath and clinical nutritionist with 13 years of clinical practice, I've turned my 24-year endometriosis journey into my life's mission. I've developed a comprehensive protocol that has helped women with endometriosis improve their quality of life.

 

What misconceptions about endometriosis do you often hear?

First, there's a widespread belief that managing endometriosis is just about pain relief. While I deeply understand the desperation for pain relief - I’ve been there - focusing solely on painkillers is like constantly putting out fires without investigating what’s starting them.

Second, there's a misconception that hormonal medications are the only solution. However, these treatments often mask symptoms, allowing the condition to progress, and can have significant side effects.

Third is the belief that surgery alone will "cure" endometriosis. While surgery can be an important part of treatment, viewing it as the end of your healing journey rather than the beginning of your "new life" is a common mistake.

Other particularly frustrating myths are:

• "A hysterectomy will cure endometriosis" - This is false. Endometriosis exists outside the uterus, so removing the uterus doesn't address the underlying condition.
• "Pregnancy will cure endometriosis" - This outdated belief has led many women to pursue pregnancy as a treatment, only to find their symptoms return postpartum.

Do specific supplements or herbs help reduce inflammation or pain?

I've found several herbs to be particularly effective, including:

• Cramp bark and Wild Yam for uterine pain relief
• Turmeric and Frankincense for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Corydalis and Jamaican Dogwood for deeper pain management
• Dong Quai and Peony for hormonal balance
• Raspberry Leaf and Yarrow for uterine support
• Lemon Balm and kava for stress relief and pain-related anxiety

When it comes to nutritional supplements, I recommend:

• Magnesium: A crucial mineral for muscle relaxation
• PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide): A powerful natural compound that helps manage pain and inflammation
• Resveratrol: A potent antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation

 

What diet and lifestyle changes help you manage symptoms?

• Diet: I focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and strategically implement specialised diets (like low histamine or lectin-free) as needed. I also emphasise foods that support hormone balance and gut health.
• My Holistic Approach: My relationship with God is my foundation, providing strength and guidance throughout my healing journey. Regular time in nature is necessary for physical and mental well-being, stress management through mindful practices, gentle movement that respects my body’s needs, and simple pain management tools like heat therapy and massage.

 

Is there a link between gut health and conditions like endometriosis?

Absolutely - and this connection is far more significant than most people realise. My journey started with severe digestive issues that were misdiagnosed as IBS, which is, unfortunately, a common experience for many endometriosis patients. Through research and clinical experience, we now understand a strong connection between gut health and endometriosis.

Think of your gut as the control centre for many body functions. When gut health is compromised, it can trigger inflammation throughout the body and worsen endometriosis symptoms. Your gut bacteria play essential roles in hormone balance, inflammation control, and immune system function – all crucial factors in managing endometriosis.

My journey from severe digestive issues to optimal health has shown firsthand how addressing gut health can transform endometriosis management.

 

What key strategies do you use to optimise gut health in patients?

I take a comprehensive approach to optimising gut health, focusing on several key areas:

Support Gut Barrier Function:

• Identify and remove inflammatory triggers
• Include nutrients that support intestinal cell repair
• Address stress management (as stress directly impacts gut barrier function)

Enhance Microbiome Diversity:

• Implement personalised dietary modifications
• Include prebiotic-rich foods to feed beneficial bacteria
• Consider targeted probiotic supplementation when appropriate

Reduce Inflammatory Burden:

• Remove inflammatory dietary factors
• Support optimal hydration for detoxification
• Include gentle movement to promote anti-inflammatory processes and lymphatic clearance
• Address environmental factors that might be contributing to inflammation

Balance Immune Function:

• Support immune system regulation (e.g., histamine sensitivity)
• Address any underlying infections or imbalances
• Include immune-modulating herbs and nutrients when appropriate

 

MY CYCLE

• My period in 3-words: Managed, Mindful, Empowered
• Period self-care means: Honoring your body's wisdom and natural rhythms. It's about tuning in to your body's needs - whether rest, nourishment, or gentle movement - and responding with love and understanding.
• Period toolkit: I honour my body's natural cravings for nourishing foods, and I often prepare hearty, iron-rich meals like warming stews with good-quality red meat.
• Best period hacks: 
  -    Switch to non-toxic period care products (ditch conventional tampons!) 
  -    Use heat for pain relief (try the new rae Heat Pad)
  -    Focus on nutrient-dense, iron-rich foods
  -    Take magnesium (or try our magnesium Bubble Bath or Magnesium+ Spray!)
  -    Listen to your body's signals 
  -    Stay hydrated
• Contraception of choice: Natural fertility awareness - understanding your body's rhythms, tracking your cycles, and knowing your fertile window. 
• On day 1, you’ll find me... Living life! Unlike years ago, my period no longer dictates my schedule. You'll find me going about my day, whether seeing clients, spending time with my boys, or creating nourishing meals in the kitchen.