Unpleasant symptoms accompany menopause for millions of women. Sudden rises in body temperature and 'night sweats' are among the most common complaints. Prescription drugs and artificial hormones can help mitigate the severity of these symptoms, but they have side effects that cause concern. Many women prefer to use soy shakes for hot flashes and other signs of hormonal imbalance.
Hot flashes are caused by fluctuations in hormones. The two main hormones that are involved are estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen is low, as happens during pre-menopause and menopause, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone). This hormone causes the blood vessels in the face, throat, and upper body to swell. The rush of blood to these areas results in a rise in body temperature and also activates sweat glands.
Components of soy called isoflavones can replace the missing estrogen and thereby lessen or eliminate this uncomfortable reaction. The isoflavones are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that the body will accept. Soybeans are processed to concentrate these phytoestrogens, which are delivered in powders and capsules as supplements.
Genistein is an isoflavone which has been shown to bind to the receptors in the human body which capture estrogen. This substance is sold as a single supplement for menopausal women. It is called a bio-identical hormone, meaning it can replace natural human estrogen.
Mitigating the unpleasant effects of menopause is important, but there are even more compelling reasons to provide bio-identical hormones for the aging body. Estrogen-like substances in plastics can be absorbed by the body if there is a lack of the true hormone. These components of plastic have been found to be carcinogens. They are being studied as possible contributors to the growing rates of breast and ovarian cancers.
You don't have to take supplements if you consume soybeans as food. To get health benefits, it's important to use whole fermented soy. Tofu, tempeh, and miso are tasty ways to add fermented products to your diet. Soy milk, in contrast, is neither fermented or whole and is not a good source of isoflavones. Neither is the concentrated - or 'isolated' - protein found in energy bars. Look for fermented forms of the bean in the ingredients list of products you buy.
However, since westerners may not be familiar with or accustomed to fermented foods that boost the health of oriental peoples, supplements are valuable. There are many to choose from. Look for a reputable manufacturer and a product that has been clinically tested and proven effective.
It's important to get supplements and foods from reputable sources. Soy is commonly genetically modified and grown with huge applications of herbicides, so look for an organic label. Organic standards don't allow chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides to be used by farmers.
It's recommended that women eat whole, fresh foods, get adequate exercise, avoid spicy dishes and caffeine, and drink lots of water. A few simple steps and the right soyfoods or supplements can restore balance to your system and keep you free of hot flashes.
Hot flashes are caused by fluctuations in hormones. The two main hormones that are involved are estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen is low, as happens during pre-menopause and menopause, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone). This hormone causes the blood vessels in the face, throat, and upper body to swell. The rush of blood to these areas results in a rise in body temperature and also activates sweat glands.
Components of soy called isoflavones can replace the missing estrogen and thereby lessen or eliminate this uncomfortable reaction. The isoflavones are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that the body will accept. Soybeans are processed to concentrate these phytoestrogens, which are delivered in powders and capsules as supplements.
Genistein is an isoflavone which has been shown to bind to the receptors in the human body which capture estrogen. This substance is sold as a single supplement for menopausal women. It is called a bio-identical hormone, meaning it can replace natural human estrogen.
Mitigating the unpleasant effects of menopause is important, but there are even more compelling reasons to provide bio-identical hormones for the aging body. Estrogen-like substances in plastics can be absorbed by the body if there is a lack of the true hormone. These components of plastic have been found to be carcinogens. They are being studied as possible contributors to the growing rates of breast and ovarian cancers.
You don't have to take supplements if you consume soybeans as food. To get health benefits, it's important to use whole fermented soy. Tofu, tempeh, and miso are tasty ways to add fermented products to your diet. Soy milk, in contrast, is neither fermented or whole and is not a good source of isoflavones. Neither is the concentrated - or 'isolated' - protein found in energy bars. Look for fermented forms of the bean in the ingredients list of products you buy.
However, since westerners may not be familiar with or accustomed to fermented foods that boost the health of oriental peoples, supplements are valuable. There are many to choose from. Look for a reputable manufacturer and a product that has been clinically tested and proven effective.
It's important to get supplements and foods from reputable sources. Soy is commonly genetically modified and grown with huge applications of herbicides, so look for an organic label. Organic standards don't allow chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides to be used by farmers.
It's recommended that women eat whole, fresh foods, get adequate exercise, avoid spicy dishes and caffeine, and drink lots of water. A few simple steps and the right soyfoods or supplements can restore balance to your system and keep you free of hot flashes.
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