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The Value Of Soy Products For Hot Flashes

By Annette Caruso


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.

There are substances called isoflavones in soybeans that the body can use as estrogen. These phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, are bio-identical to human estrogen and can mitigate the effects of lowered hormones. The phytoestrogens are available in soy-based foods and supplementary 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.

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.

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.

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.

In addition to adding soybean products to the diet, women can get adequate exercise, drink lots of pure water, eat fresh whole foods, and get enough sleep. Avoiding caffeine and spicy foods can help keep hot flashes and night sweats under control. Menopause doesn't have to be miserable.




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