Phytoestrogens

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Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

Eugene Shippen, author of The Testosterone Syndrome, also emphasizes eating more soy, as it contains phytoestrogens that can block the action of the body's own estrogen, which is more powerful. He recommends eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, as these vegetables help rid the body of excess estrogen.43 Maintaining an adequate level of dietary fiber is also important for clearing estrogen from the body. Since environmental estrogens and other toxins are a factor in male hormonal imbalances, you should reduce your exposure to these substances.

Other than soy, foods high in phytoestrogens include flaxseeds, whole grains, and nuts and seeds.33 If you're not fond of soy or are concerned about eating it, other dietary approaches exist. Ellen Brown and Lynn Walker, Pharm.D., M.Ac., DHM, authors of Menopause and Estrogen, suggest the following foods to help balance estrogens: raw fruits, fresh fruit and vegetable juices (especially green juices), leafy green vegetables, garlic, figs, dates, cabbage, avocados, grapes, apples, beets, spirulina, chlorella, seaweed, wheat germ, and wheat germ oil.

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Composition, red blood cell uptake, and serum protein binding of phytoestrogens extracted from commercial kudzu-root and soy preparations. J Med Food 2002;5(3):109-123. Benlhabib E, Baker JI, Keyler DE, et al. Effects of purified puerarin on voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in P rats receiving free access to water and alcohol. J Med Food 2004;7(2):180-186. Benlhabib E, Baker JI, Keyler DE, et al. Kudzu root extract suppresses voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in P rats receiving free access to water and alcohol. J Med Food 2004;7(2):168-179.

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Soy products that contain phytoestrogens are probably better than hormone supplements, he said. Some researchers speculate that they may impart many of the benefits of estrogen without the cancer dangers. Okinawans eat an average of three ounces of soy products per day. Tofu, their main source of soy, may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Greg Plotnikoff recommended that consumers select fermented soy products over nonfermented soy products whenever possible. "The medical literature demonstrates comparatively much better nutritional content in fermented soy," he said.

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The phenolic phytoestrogens are members of the flavonoids, the largest single family of plant substances, which has over 4,000 individual members. The term flavonoid derives from the Latin flavus meaning "yellow" because the flavonoids are responsible for the yellow, red, white, and blue pigments in plants.

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Plant foods also contain estrogen-like compounds, referred to as phytoestrogens (phyto means "plant"). However, we can control these dietary sources of estrogen if we avoid these foods or minimize our intake of them. More insidious is flood of synthetic estrogen-mimicking chemicals, known as environmental estrogens or xenoestrogens, which are increasingly pervasive in our food, air, and water. Herbicides, pesticides, by-products of plastics manufacturing, and many other synthetic chemicals mimic estrogen once they enter the body.

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Phytoestrogens, which are compounds found naturally in food, can stimulate the body's own estrogen receptors. phytoestrogens are found in soy products and herbal products like Dong Quai and Black Cohosh. An adequate intake of phytoestrogens will minimize the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. In Asian countries, where the intake of fermented soy products* is very high, women suffer virtually no adverse symptoms of menopause. phytoestrogens contain compounds that have no propensity to increase the risk of breast cancer, and many studies show that they may reduce the risk for cancer.

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Phytoestrogens are forms of estrogen that are much weaker than the body's estrogens, but that are capable of blocking the stronger, more damaging estrogens (they can fit into the same receptors in breast cells that estrogens can, thus preventing the estrogen's ability to dock there). phytoestrogens also expand the length of the menstrual cycle, possibly lowering the lifetime exposure to estrogen. Q Burdock root, dandelion root, milk thistle, and red clover all protect the liver and aid in cleansing the bloodstream.

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Phytoestrogens can therefore help balance either excess estrogen or insufficient estrogen. But unfermented soy products have more powerful estrogenic properties and can lead to further imbalances and unwanted effects Bottom line: If you're going to eat soy, do as the Asians do. Don't overdo it and make sure it's fermented. Yogurt Enzymes and Bugs for Heartburn IN 1983, ONE OF MY favorite writers, Nora Ephron (you may know her films Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally), published a novel that was in fact a thinly disguised autobiography. She called probioti it Heartburn.

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We mentioned it earlier: in addition to their effects on the activity of proteins involved in the growth of breast cancer or prostate cancer cells, phytoestrogens may also act as antiestrogens, thereby decreasing cell response to these hormones. The principle is the following: genistein is able to bond to an estrogen receptor site, STRUCTURE OF SEX HORMONES AND PHYTOESTROGENS CH3 OH Figure 24 but this affinity is weaker than that of estrogen for estrogen receptors, and does not induce as strong a response as that provoked by the hormone itself.

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Evaluation of laboratory test/scans for LH, FSH, serum estrogen (E2), DHEA, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, and calcium balance Diet and Lifestyle Phytoestogens: Increasing phytoestrogens in the diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. Phytoestogens are a diverse group of chemical compounds that act as hormone regulators; they have a mild estrogenic activity yet also block endogenous estrogens. In this way, they up-regulate deficiency states and down-regulate estrogen excess. Soy is probably the best known nutritional source of phytoestrogens.

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The amount of phytoestrogens that are in a day's worth of soy infant formula equals 5 birth control pills," says Mike Fitzpatrick, a New Zealand toxicologist.40 A study reported in The Lancet41 found that the "daily exposure of infants to isoflavones in soy infant-formulas is 6?1-fold higher on a bodyweight basis than the dose that has hormonal effects in adults consuming soy foods." This dose, equivalent to two glasses of soy milk per day, was enough to change menstrual patterns in women.

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Because soy foods are so rich in phytoestrogens, it's best introduce them slowly, and to monitor your response. Those with a severe deficiency of progesterone may not benefit, or could even experience health problems as a result. In conventional agriculture, genetically modified strains of soy are often cultivated, and the crop may be heavily treated with herbicides. It's best to consume organic soy products whenever possible.

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However, in further analysis of the data in this trial, researchers credit constituents in soybeans other than phytoestrogens for the therapeutic effect.5 In one controlled clinical trial, high intake of phytoestrogens from soy and flaxseed (page 517) reduced both hot flashes and vaginal dryness; however, much (though not all) of the benefit was also seen in the control group.6 In another double-blind study, 100 mg per day of isoflavones extracted from soy was effective in relieving hot flashes.

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There's a growing concern among a small number of scientists that we don't have a handle on the potential long-term effects of what seems to be an ever-greater level of phytoestrogens and soy in our diet. plants are good at birth control—but they're great at poison. Most of the toxins they produce aren't directed at humans, of course; they don't really have to worry about us too much. The real problem that plants have is all those committed vegetarians grazing and buzzing and flying around that rely solely on them for food.

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Whole grains (and legumes) are unique to other whole foods because they are naturally low in fat and cholesterol free; contain 10 to 15 percent protein; and offer loads of fiber, resistant starch and oligosaccharides, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and, often, phytoestrogens. With all those nutrients in one package, it's no wonder whole grains provide so many health benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and some cancers.

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Yes, soy contains phytoestrogens, but that can be a good thing or a not-so-good thing, depending on many factors, not the least of which are your age and sex. The Israeli Health Ministry recently issued a health advisory that strongly recommended that the consumption of soy foods be limited for young children and adults and that soy formula be avoided altogether by infants.

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They stopped the estrus cycle (similar to menstrual cycle) in females "at concentrations approximately two-hundredfold lower than classical phytoestrogens." One compound also curtailed male sexual behavior and both substances contributed to the growth of breast and prostate cancer cell cultures. The crushed corncob used at Baylor was likely shipped from central Iowa where many of the animal reproductive problems were reported. Researchers isolated the same compounds from store-bought fresh corn, corn tortillas, and genetically engineered corn.

Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease Dr. Sharon Moalem See book keywords and concepts

When animals eat too much of a plant that contains phytoestrogens, the overload of estrogenlike compounds wreaks havoc on their reproductive capability. There was a sheep-breeding crisis in Western Australia during the 1940s. Otherwise healthy sheep weren't getting pregnant or were losing their young before giving birth. Everyone was stumped until some bright agricultural specialists discovered the little culprit—European clover. This type of clover produces a potent phyney, duu, v-an iuu utj lie a rava; toestrogen called formononetin as a natural defense against grazing predators.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

The use of hops and phytoestrogens in general in cancer prevention is currently controversial due to an apparent concentration-dependent proliferative effect on human cell lines. Hops also caused preferential inhibition of diacylglycer-ol acyltransferase (DGAT) inhibition in one in vitro study. The effect of hops on blood glucose levels is unclear. Hops has been used historically for reproductive conditions including premature ejaculation, as an anaphrodisiac in men, and for dysmenorrhea in women, but clinical evidence to support its use as a phytoestrogen is limited.

Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness Tori Hudson, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Like data on breast cancer, data on women of different cultures support the conclusion that soy phytoestrogens are not an estrogen stimulus for the endometrium. Rather, they probably act as an estrogen antagonist and are associated with low rates of endometrial cancer in countries where soy phytoestrogen intake is high.45 Based on these studies, my recommendation to those with uterine fibroids is to eat a diet high in soy products; however, my current cautionary advice would be to avoid the use of red clover.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

Evaluation of the estrogenic effects of legume extracts containing phytoestrogens. J Agric Food Chem 2003;51(8):2193-2199. Carai MA, Agabio R, Bombardelli E, et al. Potential use of medicinal plants in the treatment of alcoholism. Fitoterapia 2000;71 Suppl LS38-S42. Cervellati R, Renzulli C, Guerra MC, et al. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of some natural polyphenolic compounds using the Briggs-Rauscher reaction method. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50(26):7504-7509. Chen J, Xu J, Li J. [Effect of puerarin on fibrinolytic activity and lipid peroxide in patients with coronary heart disease].

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Vegetables, fruits and phytoestrogens in the prevention of diseases. J. Postgrad. Med. 50, 145-149. 47. Jacobs, D. R., Anderson, L. E, and Blomhoff, R. (2007). Whole-grain consumption is associated with a reduced non-cardiovascular, noncancer death attributed to inflammatory diseases in the Iowa Women's Health Study. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 85, 1606-1614. 48. Seaman, D. R. (2002). The diet-induced proinflammatory state: A cause of chronic pain and other degenerative diseases? /. Manipulative Physiol. Ther. 25, 168-179. 49. Rose, D. J., DeMeo, M. T., Keshavarzian, A., and Hamaker, B. R. (2007).

There is considerable interest in whether compounds of plant origins with estrogenic properties, called phytoestrogens, affect breast cancer risk. Among these is indole 3-carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables after they are cooked or crushed. There is evidence from studies of breast cells in culture that this compound can affect the estrogen receptor, ER-oc. It can alter the estrogen and the DNA binding regions of the ER, leading to decreased response to estrogen in estrogen-responsive cells [49].

Quantitation of phytoestrogens in legumes by HPLC. J. Agric. Food Chem. 42, 1905-1913. 12. Karr, S. C, Lampe, J. W., Hutchins, A. M., and Slavin, J. L. (1997). Urinary isoflavonoid excretion in humans is dose-dependent at low to moderate levels of soy protein consumption. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 66, 46-51. 13. Maskarinec, G., Franke, A. A., Williams, A. E., Hebshi, S., Oshiro, C, Murphy, S., and Stanczyk, F. Z. (2004). Effects of a 2-year randomized soy intervention on sex hormone levels in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 13, 1736-1744. 14. Marini, H., Minutoli, L.

Phytoestrogens and prostate cancer risk. Prev. Med. 41, 1-6. 232. Founder, D. B., Erdman, J. W., Jr., and Gordon, G. B. (1998). Soy, its components, and cancer prevention: A review of the in vitro, animal, and human data. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 7, 1055-1065. 233. Messina, M. J. (2003). Emerging evidence on the role of soy in reducing prostate cancer risk. Nutr. Rev. 61, 117-131. 234. Aronson, W. J., Tymchuk, C. N., Elashoff, R. M., McBride, W. H., McLean, C, Wang, H., and Heber, D. (1999).

Recent results from several types of studies, including cell culture, clinical, and laboratory animal studies, have produced evidence suggesting the possibility of an adverse effect of soy phytoestrogens on risk and progression of breast cancer, when amounts greater than that provided by the typical Asian diet are consumed, that is, three servings per day [149].

Although a few epidemiologic studies assessed the intake of dietary phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones, and found inverse associations with prostate cancer risk [62, 224, 229, 230], analytical epidemiologic data on this topic are limited [231]. The mechanism for a protective effect of soy products on prostate carcinogenesis could entail the estrogenic effects of isoflavones, though other actions of these compounds, such as inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of angio-genesis, have also been proposed [232, 233].

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Menopausal Symptoms A major 2005 summary and review of data from studies analyzing efficacy, risks, and benefits of HRT options (and evidence-based clinical guidelines) found that the only complementary therapies studied in any meaningful way for menopausal symptoms were products containing phytoestrogens, such as black cohosh. Clinical trials with Dong Quai for menopausal symptoms showed no benefit greater than placebo, the authors concluded.

The effects of phytoestrogens on bone. Nutr Res 17:1617-1632. 1997. Anderson J, Blake JE, Turner J, et al: Effects of Soy protein on renal function and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 68(6 suppl):1347S-1353S. 1998. Anderson J, Johnstone BM, Cook-Newell ME. Meta-analysis of the effects of Soy protein intake on serum lipids. N Engl J Med 333(5):276-282. 1995. Anderson J, Smith BM, Washnock CS: Cardiovascular and renal benefits of dry bean and Soybean intake. Am J Clin Nutr 70(3 suppl):464S-474S. 1999. Anderson JW, Fuller J, Patterson K, et al.

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