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 one of the isoflavones that have been clinically proven to bind to receptors in human cells that absorb estrogen. Genistein should come from organic soy and be made by a reputable manufacturer. Many women take this supplement in capsule form as an easy way to get balance their systems.
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.
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.
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.
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 one of the isoflavones that have been clinically proven to bind to receptors in human cells that absorb estrogen. Genistein should come from organic soy and be made by a reputable manufacturer. Many women take this supplement in capsule form as an easy way to get balance their systems.
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.
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.
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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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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