Phytoestrogens have been mislabeled as estrogenic compounds in food that harm both male and female health, and may increase the chance of estrogen receptive cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer. Thankfully, research has proven this to be false.
The modern name for phytoestrogen is SERM, which stands for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. Research shows that SERMs have a regulating effect on estrogen’s function in the body. If there is too much estrogen in the body the SERM will block the estrogen receptor site to prevent over-stimulation from the body’s natural estrogen. This is why research shows that regular consumption of phytoestrogen rich foods reduce the chance of estrogen receptive breast cancer and endometriosis, both of which are estrogen dominant conditions.
The opposite also holds true. If someone is estrogen deficient, such as a women in perimenopause or menopause, the SERM will actually stimulate the receptor site, acting like the estrogen that naturally occurs in the body. This is why phytoestrogens are shown to improve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Men have naturally occurring estrogen in their body, just like women do. Phytoestrogens regulate estrogen stimulation at the receptor site in men as well. This means phytoestrogens are helpful for men, and prevent too much naturally occurring estrogen from overstimulating the receptor site.
Nature often produces medicinal compounds, like phytoestrogens, that have a regulating effect on the body, and thus have few side effects compared with pharmaceuticals. The best sources of phytoestrogens are flax seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, peaches, berries, cruciferous vegetables.
To learn more about phytoestrogens and optimal health please message me. I hope to talk with you soon!
