Phytoestrogens - Drug- free Support for Women

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" Phytoestrogens " - Drug-Free Support for Women

 

 

Phyto is from the Greek word " phyton " meaning plant. A phytoestrogen

is a naturally-occurring plant nutrient that exerts an estrogen-like

action on the body. Scientists have discovered hundreds of

phytoestrogens including beans,lentils,legumes, whole grains, seeds

and their oils, nuts (especially walnuts) and many other herbs as

well.

In a study conducted at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in

Winston-Salem, researchers found a significant reduction in

female problems when women supplemented their diets with dried

beans, legumes and lentils.

When presenting their findings at the American Heart Association's

annual scientific sessions, one spokesperson for the research group

noted that Japanese women, who consume relatively high amounts of

soybeans,

report only one-eighth as many female " symptoms " as American

women. (United Press, Nov. 10, 1996)

 

The major phytonutrients that have been studied for their

estrogen-like activity are two classes of nutrients known as

isoflavonoids (most notably genistein and daidzien, from beans)

and lignans (from raw nuts and flax seeds.)

These nutrients are converted by the flora, the beneficial bacteria

of the digestive tract, into compounds that have estrogen-like

actions.

To derive the most benefit from these phytonutrients the flora of

the intestinal tract must be in a healthy balance.

Unfortunately, the intestinal flora is killed off by many drugs that

women commonly use, especially birth control pills and certain

antibiotics.

 

Herbalists have discovered that many of the herbs traditionally used

by women for the health concerns unique to women contain some of the

highest amounts of these beneficial " phytonutrients " .

 

The list includes Vitex (chasteberry), red clover (Trifolium

pratense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),

Kudzu root (Puerariae lobata), and many others.

Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is not a phytoestrogen but

contains a phytonutrient that is a precursor for 'progesterone',

which is also important for balancing women's glandular systems.

 

New Dietary Guidelines Include non-gmo Soy:

 

 

The 5th edition of the " Dietary Guidelines for Americans " , released

this year by the United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS), includes organic non-gmo soybean-based foods as a means to

meet the dietary

recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid. The guidelines provide

recommendations based on current scientific knowledge about how diet

may improve health and reduce risks for major chronic diseases. The

2000 Guidelines recognize one cup of a calcium-rich soy-based

beverage as equal to one serving from the dairy group, and 1/2 cup

of non-gmo tofu as equal to a serving in the

meat and beans group.

 

Phytoestrogens Reduce Risk for Cancer

 

In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives

(103;Suppl 7:103-112;1995), researchers reported that, in addition

to their benefits for the glandular system, phytoestrogens have been

shown to have antioxidant activity and can influence intracellular

enzymes, protein synthesis, growth factor action, and cell

proliferation in a way that makes them " strong candidates for a role

as natural cancer-protective compounds. "

 

The authors point out that countries or regions that consume the

highest amounts of phytoestrogens also tend to have the lowest

cancer rates.

In another study published in the Journal of Epidemiology (Sept.

97) foods high in phytoestrogens were found to have a protective

effect against endometrial cancer. In this nine-year study involving

over 800 women, those who ate a diet rich in phytoestrogens showed a

54 percent reduction in the incidence of this cancer.

 

 

Phytoestrogens Reduce Risk for Stroke

Stroke is the third most common cause of death for middle-aged and

older women. A 50-year-old women has about a one in five chance of

suffering a stroke in her remaining lifetime. One of the most common

causes of stroke is blockage due to atherosclerosis of the carotid

arteries in the neck—the arteries responsible for a major portion of

the blood flow to the brain.

 

 

Estrogen Replacement Therapy is commonly prescribed for Menopause.

 

Unfortunately, doctors prescribing ERT usually rely on drugs such as

Premarin. The good news for women who

are looking for a more natural way is that a team of medical

researchers has reported to the American Heart Association's Annual

Conference of Cardiovascular Disease that the phytoestrogens in soy

protein provide just as much protection from atherosclerosis as ERT

drugs, and without the harmful side-effects associated with such

drugs.

 

 

Menopause

Menopause refers to the time in a woman's life marked by the

permanent cessation of menstrual activity. It can occur between 25

and 58 years of life. The menses may stop suddenly, but usually

there

is a gradual decrease each month until final cessation occurs; or in

many cases the interval between periods gradually becomes longer

until complete cessation occurs.

Natural menopause occurs in 25% of women by age 47, in 50% by age

50, 75% by age 52 and 95% by age 55. Menopause due to surgical

removal of the ovaries occurs in almost 30% of U.S. women past the

age of 50.

 

Menopause may be accompanied by hot and cold flashes, feelings of

weakness, irritability, and in some cases mental depression. These

changes are brought about by a natural decline in the secretion of

hormones by the woman's body. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is

the medical treatment for these symptoms. However, most doctors

routinely prescribe powerful synthetic hormones such as Premarin

that

lead to many undesirable side effects. About nine million women now

use Premarin for hormone (estrogen) replacement. The women

experience problems, and all experience an increased risk for

certain types of cancer.

 

Premarin is derived from the urine of pregnant mares. There are

over 50 horse estrogens in Premarin—not one of which is naturally

found in a woman's body. To manufacture the drug, between 75,000 and

85,000 mares are kept on some 500 farms in North Dakota and Canada.

 

 

To collect their urine, these mares are confined in stalls

throughout the duration of their pregnancy. Water is restricted

because a concentrated urine is desired. Exercise is also denied. As

soon as they give birth, they are immediately impregnated again.

Premarin production is bad news for the mares that " donate " it.

Many women, particularly those who have experienced its undesirable

side effects, have concluded that it may not be the best choice for

them either.

 

Some of the potential side-effects of HRT with drugs

such as Premarin are:

 

a.. Depression

 

b.. Headaches or Migraines

 

c.. Breast tenderness

 

d.. Hair loss

 

e.. Nausea or vomiting

 

f.. Unusual vaginal bleeding

 

g.. Jaundice

 

a.. Candidiasis (systemic yeast infections)

 

b.. Weight gain

 

c.. Loss of libido (sexual drive)

 

d.. Blood clots

 

e.. Increased risk of gall bladder disease

 

f.. Increased risk of uterine and breast cancer

 

 

Phytoestrogens Offer Alternatives to Drugs Like Premarin!

Many women have discovered a better way, using a natural

nutritional approach for the changes that accompany menopause.

Several of the herbs that have proven to be the most useful are

discussed below:

 

 

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is probably the most widely-

used herb for female concerns—from dysmenorrhea or difficult

menstruation to menopause—and with good reason for the research

supporting the benefits of this herb is substantial. Black Cohosh is

native to Eastern North America and has been valued by Native

Americans and American colonists alike for the nutritional support

of the female reproductive system, particularly to relieve menstrual

cramps, and to aid amenorrhea.

 

It was also used for fever, sore throat, bronchitis, hysteria, itch,

lumbago, malaria, nervous

disorders, snakebite, uterine disorders, St. Vitus' dance (chorea)

and yellow fever.

 

The German Commission E (the German equivalent of the FDA) approved

black cohosh for dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. The herb is

widely used in Europe for the treatment of PMS and for juvenile

menstrual problems and even as a support for women who have had a

hysterectomy. Black cohosh is considered an emmenogogue, or a

substance that promotes menstrual flow, but it is also successfully

used by women with excessive menstrual flow, since it has a

*balancing* effect on a woman's glandular system.

 

No adverse drug interactions have been identified with black

cohosh.

The herb has even been used in conjunction with conventional

estrogen replacement therapy without any problems. In fact, studies

indicate that black cohosh may actually reduce some of the negative

side effects associated with conventional drug estrogen replacement

therapy.

 

The constituents of black cohosh do not enter into breast milk.

There are no contraindications for lactation nor any problems found

for nursing children.

Effects on the nervous system: Black cohosh binds to serotonin

receptors in the brain which may be helpful for individuals

suffering from depression.

 

One study of over 900 peri-, pre- and post-

menopausal women with mood disorders found a synergistic effect

between black cohosh and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), the

herb most commonly used by individuals suffering from mild

depression. (Liske et al. 1997)

 

 

Wild Yam is also known to nourish the female reproductive system-

Not to be confused with tuberous sweet potato yam, wild yam is

widely used in the world today to supply nutrients essential for

optimal glandular function. It nutritionally benefits the urinary,

nervous and respiratory systems as well.

 

Wild yam was commonly called Colic root and Rheumatism root a

hundred years ago in America. It is also

used in Chinese herbal medicine. It has traditionally been used for

hot flashes, irritability, depression, insomnia, and for other

symptoms of menopause.

 

 

Conclusion:

In this short article I have obviously only scratched the surface

on the subject of phytoestrogens. Many other herbs and foods could

have been mentioned. It is important to note that many natural

foods,

including organic whole grains and nuts, contains small amounts of

these beneficial nutrients, and a healthy mostly *plant*-based diet

(along with a healthy balance of intestinal flora) will go a long

way in helping a woman maintain a healthy and balanced glandular

system.

 

No doctor knows what is happening inside your body better than you

do. Listen to your body, to learn about the

natural alternatives, and to find the approach that works best for

you.

--

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements are not

intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Check

with your health professional before altering any treatment regimen

or if you suffer from a medical condition or take prescription drugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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