Use 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.

These and other symptoms are caused by a decline in estrogen and other hormones. It is natural for estrogen to decline with age, but the body still needs estrogen to function properly. Progesterone, another hormone, can be used, but this hormone also may be deficient. The pituitary gland reacts by secreting LH, or luteinizing hormone, in an effort to balance the system. However, this hormone does not act like estrogen in the body, and too much of it causes blood vessels in the face, neck, and torso to swell. It also activates sweat glands. This results in excessive perspiration and hot flashes.

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.

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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