Tuesday, March 14, 2017

The Value Of Soy Products For Hot Flashes

By Annette Caruso


Menopause causes unpleasant symptoms in millions of women. Among the most familiar complaints are fluctuations in body temperature and excessive perspiration. Although there are prescription drugs for these age-related conditions, many people prefer to use soy products for menopause relief and night sweats. Research and years of consumer experience have shown that soybeans can help make menopause less uncomfortable.

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.

Components of soy called isoflavones can replace the missing estrogen and thereby lessen or eliminate this uncomfortable reaction. The isoflavones are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that the body will accept. Soybeans are processed to concentrate these phytoestrogens, which are delivered in powders and capsules as supplements.

There are many soy products on the market. Genistein is one of the most effective isoflavones in the soybean. This phytoestrogen has been extensively studied and shown to bind to estrogen receptors in the body in the same way that a woman's natural estrogen does. The bio-identical plant hormone is marketed as a single supplement for menopausal women.

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.

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.

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.




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