Unpleasant symptoms accompany menopause for millions of women. Sudden rises in body temperature and 'night sweats' are among the most common complaints. Prescription drugs and artificial hormones can help mitigate the severity of these symptoms, but they have side effects that cause concern. Many women prefer to use soy shakes for hot flashes and other signs of hormonal imbalance.
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.
Soybeans contain substances called isoflavones which are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. These are considered bio-identical to estrogen and progesterone, which are naturally produced by the human body. The body can use the isoflavones as it does estrogen, which mitigates or eliminates temperature fluctuations, mood swings, and excessive perspiration. Soy is processed to yield concentrated forms of the plant hormones, which are sold as powders or capsules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Soybeans contain substances called isoflavones which are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. These are considered bio-identical to estrogen and progesterone, which are naturally produced by the human body. The body can use the isoflavones as it does estrogen, which mitigates or eliminates temperature fluctuations, mood swings, and excessive perspiration. Soy is processed to yield concentrated forms of the plant hormones, which are sold as powders or capsules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Learn more about soy products for menopause relief. Stop by soy.com where you can find out all about Best Soy Products For Hot Flashes and what they can do for you.
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