The Value Of Soy Products For Hot Flashes

By Annette Caruso


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.

These and other symptoms are caused by a decline in estrogen and other hormones. It is natural for estrogen to decline with age, but the body still needs estrogen to function properly. Progesterone, another hormone, can be used, but this hormone also may be deficient. The pituitary gland reacts by secreting LH, or luteinizing hormone, in an effort to balance the system. However, this hormone does not act like estrogen in the body, and too much of it causes blood vessels in the face, neck, and torso to swell. It also activates sweat glands. This results in excessive perspiration and hot flashes.

Soybeans contain substances called isoflavones which are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. These are considered bio-identical to estrogen and progesterone, which are naturally produced by the human body. The body can use the isoflavones as it does estrogen, which mitigates or eliminates temperature fluctuations, mood swings, and excessive perspiration. Soy is processed to yield concentrated forms of the plant hormones, which are sold as powders or capsules.

Genistein is one of the isoflavones that have been clinically proven to bind to receptors in human cells that absorb estrogen. Genistein should come from organic soy and be made by a reputable manufacturer. Many women take this supplement in capsule form as an easy way to get balance their systems.

There are other reasons for using soy foods and supplements besides suppressing annoying symptoms. When the system is low on needed hormones, it will absorb estrogen-like components of plastics and other modern chemicals. By consuming soy products, a woman can protect herself from these prevalent by-products of modern food packaging and processing. Since many of the chemicals are carcinogens, this is a wise practice.

Soy foods can be consumed, too; you don't have to take pills. However, it is the fermented soy that experts believe is beneficial and responsible for a lower rate of cancer in Japanese women. Soy milk is not as good a source of isoflavones as tempeh or tofu. The isolated soy protein found in energy bars is generally not fermented, although some of the higher quality products do contain fermented beans.

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.

Not all soybeans are healthy. Most of the beans grown in North America are genetically modified and are grown with heavy applications of herbicides. Reputable vitamin manufacturers and natural food producers will use only organic beans. The organic standards prohibit the application of chemicals to crops.

Supplements and ethnic foods should be part of a total health plan during menopause. Exercise, fresh air, lots of pure water, and a good stress reduction regimen are all important for well-being. Avoiding spicy foods, limiting caffeine, and eating fresh vegetables are other ways to a trouble-free transition from the childbearing years to the golden ones.




About the Author:



0 التعليقات:

Post a Comment

 
Weight Loss Tips © 2010 | Designed by Blogger Hacks | Blogger Template by ColorizeTemplates