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The Relationship Between Soy and Estrogen Dominance
October 28, 2009 by Dee
Filed under Estrogen Dominance Causes
During the last decade or two the use of soy milk, tofu, endamames and other soy products has been strongly encouraged, promising to deliver a number of health benefits. It has been touted as a near perfect food. Unfortunately, further study has shown there is a flaw in that theory.
Why Soy Promotes Estrogen Dominance
So what’s wrong with soy?
It has now been found that soy is an active promoter of estrogen dominance, which, as we know, not only causes numerous uncomfortable and life disrupting symptoms but can also lead to diseases such as breast cancer and other potentially fatal conditions.
Here’s the problem. Soy is a phytoestrogen-containing substance. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring estrogen-like compounds found in a variety of foods, spices and herbs and are especially prevalent in soy. Although phytoestrogens are weak compared to real estrogen and xenoestrogens, it is still additional estrogen that a body already laboring from the effects of too much estrogen does not need. If consumed on a regular basis, soy can boost estrogen levels significantly.
Other Negative Effects of Soy
Adding fuel to the estrogen dominance fire is not the only negative effect of soy. It also has several other undesirable effects on your health.
Soy contains high levels of phytic acids. Phytic acids impair your body’s ability to absorb needed minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc. Without those essential minerals, our bodies can face serious consequences. A lack of minerals can affect nerve function, brain development, wound healing, reproductive health and other bodily functions.
Soy also has a negative affect on the thyroid because it contains goitrogens, a substance which interferes with the absorption of iodine. Soy inhibits the production of the active thyroid hormone known as T3. The lack of T3 can cause hypothyroidism, which causes fatigue and weight gain in adults and stunted growth in children. Goitrogens also encourage the development of goiters.
High levels of aluminum are found in soy as well. Aluminum is toxic to the nervous system and also causes damage to the kidneys.
Soy is also rich in enzyme suppressors which makes it more difficult for your body to digest proteins and some carbohydrates. When food is not digested well, bacteria found in the large intestine attempts to finish the job, resulting in bloating, discomfort and gas.
If You Must Eat Soy, Choose Fermented Soy
Dr. John Lee, a pioneer in the study of estrogen dominance, recommended that if soy products are used in your diet at all , you should choose only fermented soy, such as miso, tempeh and natto. These products should be used in strictly limited quantities.
Anyone prone to estrogen dominance should avoid soy completely. It is just one of the steps you can take to return your body to its natural hormone balance while encouraging optimal health.
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