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.
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.
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.
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.
You don't have to take supplements if you consume soybeans as food. To get health benefits, it's important to use whole fermented soy. Tofu, tempeh, and miso are tasty ways to add fermented products to your diet. Soy milk, in contrast, is neither fermented or whole and is not a good source of isoflavones. Neither is the concentrated - or 'isolated' - protein found in energy bars. Look for fermented forms of the bean in the ingredients list of products you buy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You don't have to take supplements if you consume soybeans as food. To get health benefits, it's important to use whole fermented soy. Tofu, tempeh, and miso are tasty ways to add fermented products to your diet. Soy milk, in contrast, is neither fermented or whole and is not a good source of isoflavones. Neither is the concentrated - or 'isolated' - protein found in energy bars. Look for fermented forms of the bean in the ingredients list of products you buy.
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.
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.
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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