Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens

We are constantly assaulted by environmental oestrogens, from the food we eat and the chemicals we use.

Oestrogen mimickers in the form of chemicals (xenoestrogens), and foods and plants (phytoestrogens), mimic the action of oestrogen produced in cells and can alter hormonal activity.

It is important for all of us to be aware of the effects of oestrogens in our environment.

It should be of particular interest for anyone dealing with an o-dominance condition such as uterine fibroid tumors, fibrocystic breasts, glandular dysfunction, hair loss, weight gain, and depression, to name just a few.

Evidence is steadily growing that xenoestrogens and other hormone mimicking substances are implicated in a wide range of human and wildlife health problems. Oestrogen dominance from these environmental hormone disrupters are causing an imbalance of female hormones, creating a host of oestrogen dominance symptoms.

Girls and boys are reaching puberty too early as a result of these disrupters. Additionally, xenoestrogens produce hormonal stimuli that contributes to inappropriate growth of mammary tissue cells, resulting in a problem society is calling “man boobs.” Some theorize that oestrogen dominance in men is contributing to hair loss, atherosclerosis, prostrate problems, lowered libido, and impotency.

Xenoestrogens

Xeno literally means foreign, therefore xenoestrogens means foreign oestrogens. Some of the 70,000 registered chemicals for use in the United States have hormonal effects in addition to toxic effects. The synergistic effects of exposure to many xenoestrogens are well documented, but largely unknown. These substances can increase the oestrogen load in the body over time, and are difficult to detoxify through the liver. This further compounds the problem of oestrogen dominance.

To gain a perspective on how much exposure of chemicals is occurring, the NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have launched a study of blood and urine samples to determine the amount of exposure that Americans have to environmental oestrogens. The CDC will measure approximately 50 environmental estrogens in 200 persons to determine levels of exposure to the population.

Among the more familiar chemicals that will be tested for are: insecticides parathion and DDT and its metabolites; herbicides; fungicides; plant and fungal estrogens; and industrial chemicals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, PCBs and dioxins.

Byproducts of the plastic and pesticide industries—called organochlorines—are one of the largest sources of xenoestrogens. These compounds, also used in dry cleaning, the bleaching of feminine hygiene products and the manufacture of plastics ranging from yogurt containers to baby bottles, have been shown to exert hormone-disrupting effects. What’s more, organochlorines are known to accumulate in fatty human tissue and fluid such as breasts and breast milk. Caution dictates that women should try to eliminate these external estrogen sources through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes.

Plastics in our lives also expose us to the chemical bisphenol A, a breakdown product of polycarbonate, widely used in many plastics. Bisphenol A, found in the lining of many food cans and juice containers, escapes when polycarbonate is subjected to high temperatures. The estrogenic effects of bisphenol A became clear when men working in the plastics industry developed breasts after chronically inhaling the chemical in dust.

Other bad news from scientists have suggested that environmental oestrogens might be reducing sperm counts in men and causing breast cancer, fibroids and other reproductive diseases in women.

Xenoestrogens can be found in many of our meats and dairy products in the form of chemicals and growth hormones that are given to the animals. These can be quite powerful, and should be avoided where possible.

The information below makes suggestions to avoid substances that contain xenoestrogens. These substances can increase the estrogen load in the body.

• Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your food well to get rid of the pesticides. Bathe the washed food in a produce wash or ozonated water for 20 minutes before cooking.
• Have a good water filter for your source of water.
• Use only organic based whole foods when you can. Buy hormone free meats and dairy products where possible.
• Avoid plastic goods – they leach into the environment.
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers, and especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving.
• Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
• Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.
• If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away – do not drink the water either.
• Don’t use fabric softeners as it puts petrochemicals right on your skin.
• Use a simple laundry and dish detergent with less chemicals.
• Use organic soaps and toothpastes. Avoid fluoride.
• Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearal konium chloride. Switch to more natural products. Cheap brands usually have more toxic ingredients.
• Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers.
• Use only naturally based perfumes. Most perfumes are petrochemically based.
• Avoid surfactants found in many condoms and diaphragm gels.
• Avoid new carpet – it can give off noxious fumes.
• Avoid X-rays as much as possible.
• Be aware of noxious gas such as that from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, etc. Computer monitors can emit a high level of electromagnetic force (EMF). Read about the Aulterra Neutralizer for preventing EMF damage.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens (phyto meaning plant) are naturally occurring oestrogenic compounds that are found in a variety of plant foods such as beans, seeds, and grains. Their chemical structure resembles oestrogen. Phytoestrogens acting as estrogen mimics may affect the production and/or the breakdown of oestrogen by the body, as well as the levels of oestrogen carried in the bloodstream. These mimics can either have the same effects as oestrogen or block oestrogen’s effects. These compounds are generally weak in comparison to real oestrogen, synthetic oestrogen (HRT), and xenoestrogens.

Anyone who is experiencing oestrogen dominance problems will likely want to avoid phytoestrogens where possible as they will only contribute to the problem.

Women who do not have oestrogen dominance issues and desire to supplement with oestrogen due to lowered levels from menopause or hysterectomy may find consuming some phytoestrogens to be beneficial.

Which foods contain phytoestrogens?

More than 300 foods have been shown to contain phytoestrogens. Most food phytoestrogens are from one of three chemical classes:

Isoflavonoids – Isoflavonoid phytoestrogens are found in beans from the legume family; soybeans and soy products are the major dietary source of this type of phytoestrogens. The isoflavonoid extracts from soy are known as genistin, diadzein, and glycitin.

Lignans – Lignan phytoestrogens are found in high fibre foods such as cereal brans and beans; flaxseeds contain large amounts of lignans, but some studies say that it can have a positive effect on estrogen dominance.

Coumestans – Coumestan phytoestrogens are found in various beans such as split peas, pinto beans, and lima beans. Alfalfa and clover sprouts are the foods with the highest amounts of coumestans.

The following are some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances:

• Soy
• Black Cohosh
• Chasteberry
• Dong Quai
• Red Clover
• Caffeine

What are the benefits of consuming phytoestrogens?

Women needing oestrogen supplementation may benefit from the many specially designed phytoestrogen supplements available. One popular supplement is a progesterone cream that contains phytoestrogens. The delivery system (transdermal) is reliable, and the combination of phytoestrogens with progesterone is helpful for women with lowered levels of both. We offer Progesta-Care Plus cream.

Is there any harm in taking phytoestrogen supplements or eating large amounts of foods with phytoestrogens?

Foods made from soybeans have some of the highest levels of phytoestrogens and have been studied the most. The consensus that is emerging is that the result of increased phytoestrogen intake is unpredictable, partly due to a poor understanding of their mechanisms of action. There is the possibility of both adverse and beneficial effects in some individuals in different target organs, depending on their age or their maturity.

Over time, high concentrations of isoflavones in the body can have a significant cumulative oestrogenic effect, especially when they are exposed to organs that have sensitive estrogen receptors sites such as the breast, uterus, and thyroid. Exposure to the estrogenic effect from soy, though weak, should be avoided in those who have symptoms of, or are in an estrogen dominance state. It is suggested that those with oestrogen dominance or a history of thyroid imbalance should consume a minimum amount of phytoestrogens.

While phytoestrogen may relieve symptoms, the long term effect is probably undesirable because the oestrogen receptor sites are still occupied, although by the less potent phytoestrogen. It is far more beneficial to rid your body of the oestrogen from the receptor sites and replace them with progesterone. Oestrogen load will therefore reduce significantly, and the risk of estrogenic diseases such as breast cancer will be less. Furthermore, phytoestrogens have been shown to inhibit the conversion of T4 to the active T3 thyroid hormone, and can trigger hypothyroidism.

Many, including the rapidly growing soy agricultural groups, are touting the beneficial effects of soy. Others, particularly alternative health professionals, feel soy should not be consumed. With anything, moderation is the key. Consuming small amounts is likely not harmful, nor is consuming large amounts likely to be as beneficial as current advertising would have us believe. Information gathered from our customers with uterine fibroid tumors indicates that soy encourages fibroid growth significantly.

NOTE: Because of the oestrogen-like behavior of isoflavones, there’s some concern that isoflavone supplements could cause cancer. If you have had breast cancer, talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with isoflavone pills or red clover.

Studies Contradict Benefits of Dietary Soy Intake

Most previous studies examining the role of dietary phytoestrogens in breast cancer have focused on soy. Soy researcher Dr. Marc Cline, Wake Forest School of Medicine, explains that the evidence to date remains more than a little contradictory.

The studies that got people excited about soy compared American women’s soy intake to Asian women’s intake, then drew conclusions that breast cancer risks were six times higher for Americans. There are a lot of other factors, in addition to diet, that can explain this difference. Asian women typically consume fewer calories overall, they begin to menstruate later in life, they exercise more, eat more vegetables and are thinner than women living in the West, this according to Dr. Cline.

Epidemiologist Regina G. Ziegler, PhD, says it is understandable that women are confused about soy and other plant-derived foods that have compounds that act similar to estrogen. In an editorial published with a Dutch study, the National Cancer Institute researcher concluded that the research, to date, does not support the need for women in the U.S. to increase their dietary phytoestrogen intake to the level consumed by women in Asia.

“There is a lot of inconsistency in the literature.” “My personal belief is that telling women with a history of breast cancer or who are at high risk to take soy supplements or eat large amounts of soy is imprudent. On the other hand, I don’t think the message should be that they shouldn’t eat soy at all. We just don’t know enough to say.”