Millions of women suffer unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Complaints of night sweats and sudden waves of heat that can make even the coolest room seem like a sauna are common among women 45 and older. There are prescription drugs for these symptoms, but many women prefer to use Best Soy Products For Hot Flashes. Research has revealed how and why soy helps relieve these problems.
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.
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 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.
Soy supplements do more than control symptoms. When the body is starved for estrogen, it will accept estrogen-like substances from plastics and other chemical products. These mock hormones are carcinogenic, so giving the body beneficial phytoestrogens helps prevent the absorption of other, potentially harmful chemicals. The ability of the human body to absorb estrogen-like chemicals is one reason why plastic manufacturers have developed more inert forms of the useful and ubiquitous material. Since breast and ovarian cancers are very real threats, it's wise to protect the body by a regular intake of supplementary soy.
If you would rather not take pills, you can eat soybeans and soybean foods. The fermented foods like tempeh, tofu, and miso eaten in oriental countries are believed to contribute to the lower rates of cancer in these countries. However, the isolated proteins used in energy bars and soymilk are not fermented and are less beneficial.
Westerners are not familiar with the fermented foods of the Far East. Supplements have become more popular than the ethnic foods. However, it might be wise to acquire a taste for miso soup and other soy-based delicacies. Foods often contain the whole soybean, which some feel is more healthy than using supplements that isolate and offer only part of the bean.
Remember that soybeans grown in America are almost always genetically modified, unless they are labeled 'organic'. The genetic modification is done to allow huge amounts of herbicides to be applied to the crop, which is another health hazard. Organic crops are grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, and reputable supplement manufacturers will use no other.
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.
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 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.
Soy supplements do more than control symptoms. When the body is starved for estrogen, it will accept estrogen-like substances from plastics and other chemical products. These mock hormones are carcinogenic, so giving the body beneficial phytoestrogens helps prevent the absorption of other, potentially harmful chemicals. The ability of the human body to absorb estrogen-like chemicals is one reason why plastic manufacturers have developed more inert forms of the useful and ubiquitous material. Since breast and ovarian cancers are very real threats, it's wise to protect the body by a regular intake of supplementary soy.
If you would rather not take pills, you can eat soybeans and soybean foods. The fermented foods like tempeh, tofu, and miso eaten in oriental countries are believed to contribute to the lower rates of cancer in these countries. However, the isolated proteins used in energy bars and soymilk are not fermented and are less beneficial.
Westerners are not familiar with the fermented foods of the Far East. Supplements have become more popular than the ethnic foods. However, it might be wise to acquire a taste for miso soup and other soy-based delicacies. Foods often contain the whole soybean, which some feel is more healthy than using supplements that isolate and offer only part of the bean.
Remember that soybeans grown in America are almost always genetically modified, unless they are labeled 'organic'. The genetic modification is done to allow huge amounts of herbicides to be applied to the crop, which is another health hazard. Organic crops are grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, and reputable supplement manufacturers will use no other.
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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