In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, host Tasha Jennings speaks with Alex Crisp, a MasterChef Australia star and dedicated ambassador for Endometriosis Australia. In light of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Alex opens up about her challenging journey to diagnosis after years of debilitating pain which took 13 years to identify as stage five endometriosis. Together we explore the transformative power of food and nutrition in managing endometriosis symptoms and the importance of awareness and early diagnosis.

We unpack how Alex utilises food not only as a source of nourishment but as a crucial part of her management plan for endometriosis. Discussing the role of diet in controlling inflammation and hormone regulation, Alex shares insights into her personal experiences with food's impact on her health. The discussion highlights the need for wider understanding and better diagnosis processes, as well as Alex's advocacy work as a means to support and empower others in the journey towards health and wellness amidst chronic illness.

ABOUT MY GUEST

Alex Crisp is an esteemed Australian chef and a former contestant from the popular television show, MasterChef Australia. Besides her culinary achievements, Alex is a dedicated advocate for endometriosis awareness. Diagnosed with stage five endometriosis in 2020 after enduring years of debilitating symptoms, she has transformed her life through the effective use of food as a tool to manage her condition. As an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia, Alex leverages her platform to raise awareness and support others in similar situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Alex Crisp discusses the lengthy and challenging journey leading to her diagnosis with stage five endometriosis after 13 years of debilitating and misdiagnosed symptoms.
• The power of food and nutrition is highlighted as a significant part of managing endometriosis, emphasising the importance of a diet that reduces inflammation and balances hormones.
• Misdiagnosis of endometriosis symptoms is common, leading to years of untreated pain and suffering for many women worldwide.
• The episode shares Alex's advocacy work with Endometriosis Australia, focusing on raising awareness and supporting others with similar struggles.
• Mental well-being and self-advocacy play critical roles in managing chronic health conditions like endometriosis, stressing the importance of trusting one’s instincts and seeking multiple medical opinions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Food has very much been the backbone of everything in my life... and being able to whip something up in the kitchen... it's literally like, you know, how different foods can trigger different reactions in your body." – Alex Crisp
• "Painful periods are not normal. Endometriosis is definitely a very experienced condition." – Alex Crisp
• "It's very much a subconscious thing... give her some credit, give her a cuddle and uplift her and recognize that what she's going through is hard and in a way it's really validating." – Alex Crisp
• "One conversation to change your life and I'm kind of living proof of that. So people get talking." – Alex Crisp
• "Trust your gut for a start. And second, it's get, you know, don't settle at one opinion. You hunt it until you feel satisfied." – Alex Crisp

Resources:

1. More about Alex - https://alexcrisp.com.au/ https://endometriosisaustralia.org/alex-crisp/
2. Follow Alex on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexcrisp__/?hl=en
3. Alex Crisp's recipes for managing endometriosis symptoms - https://endometriosisaustralia.org/alex-crisp-masterchef-recipes/
4. Tasha Jennings' free endo foods guide is available at www.tashajennings.com/endofoods.

Mentioned in this episode:

Top 10 Foods to Boost Fertility with Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, 1 in 7 women in Australia, causing pain, infertility and emotional distress. Yet diagnosis can take an average of 7 years.