DIM: Control Estrogen with Cruciferous Veggies in a Pill

Which would you rather do – eat two pounds of broccoli everyday for the rest of your life or take two little pills each day? Either way is a positive step to controlling estrogen dominance, but if you think the first choice would be difficult, then consider taking DIM, a small pill packed with the power of cruciferous vegetables.

What is DIM?

Plant indoles, also known as glucosinolates, are found in cruciferous vegetables, which have proven to aid in prevention of several types of cancers and provide other health benefits as well.  One of those indoles is DIM, technically known as diindolylmethane.  DIM is  naturally occurring in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga and turnips.

DIM is particularly helpful to people who have estrogen dominance because it stimulates the aerobic metabolism of estrogen.  It helps shift the production of estrogen metabolites away from 16-hydroxy, which is the bad form and believed to promote cancers, to 2-hydroxy, the beneficial form that is anti-carcinogenic.  This improves your estrogen metabolism ratio and,  in turn, makes you less estrogen dominant. For more information on the importance of estrogen metabolism, see The Link Between Estrogen Dominance and Breast Cancer.

Although the connection between plant derived DIM  and estrogen metabolism was discovered more than 10 years ago, scientists are just now beginning to grasp the important role it can play as an estrogen balancer for both men and women and also in reducing women’s fibrosis conditions such as fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroid tumors and other related conditions.

DIM for Women

Women who suffer from estrogen dominance are faced with numerous symptoms ranging from PMS to breast cancer.  For a complete list of the problems women with excess estrogen may encounter, check out the post Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance in Women.  In order to bring these problems under control and prevent more from developing, getting your hormones in balance is an important step.  DIM is a healthy, efficient way to do that naturally.

DIM is also Beneficial for Men

Women are not the only ones who suffer from estrogen dominance.  Men can also experience the condition, particularly as they near middle age.  When a man is estrogen dominant, the body produces a protein that testosterone will bind to, so it is no longer in its ‘free’ beneficial form, but is considered ‘bound’.  Bound testosterone acts very similarly to estrogen and promotes excess weight gain, impotence, lowered libido, man boobs, depression and prostate problems.  Research  strongly suggests that estrogen plays a significant role in the development of prostate cancer, so it is crucial that men keep a healthy hormonal balance.    Taking DIM results in a healthy balance of testosterone and estrogen, allowing more free testosterone to circulate in the body.

DIM and Weight Loss

Since excess estrogen in the body contributes to weight gain in both men and women, particularly in the mid-section around the abdomen, thighs and hips, DIM could be helpful with weight loss as well.  When there is more ‘good’ estrogen metabolites and ‘free’ testosterone in the system, the body increases metabolism and releases fat cells it has been storing in those extra rolls of fat.  Of course, it works even better when paired with a healthy, low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular exercise. DIM also helps support lean muscle development when combined with weight training.

Does DIM have Side Effects?

There are a few concerns that should be taken into consideration before taking DIM.

If you are taking certain medications, such as Coumadin, theophylline, dilantin, tegratal or other anti-seizure medications, DIM should be avoided as it could alter the medicine’s clearance.

DIM may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.  It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Occasionally individuals taking DIM  may experience nausea and headaches, though those problems are usually eliminated when the dose is lowered.

Anyone taking prescription medications or who is pregnant should consult their physician before taking DIM or any other supplements.

How to Take DIM

DIM is taken in an absorbable formulation, like liquid gel caps.  It is recommended that women start with a daily dose of  15 mg actual DIM in that absorbable formulation and that men start with 30 mg per day.  The dose can be increased up to 3-4 times that amount if necessary.

Where to Get DIM

There are numerous sources for DIM.  You can order it from many sites online or check at your health food store for a local supply.  You can get a bottle with 120 tablets (a 60 day supply for women taking 2 capsules a day) for around $30.

Maintaining a healthy hormonal balance is vital to your health.  So would you rather eat the two pounds of broccoli everyday or take DIM?

Related posts:

1. Excess Estrogen and Weight Gain
2. Five Natural Ways to Lower Your Estrogen Levels