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.
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.
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.
Many westerners don't care for the unfamiliar foods of the orient, however. Supplements can be an easy way to get the benefits of the soybean. Some products use fermented whole soybeans as the active ingredient.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many westerners don't care for the unfamiliar foods of the orient, however. Supplements can be an easy way to get the benefits of the soybean. Some products use fermented whole soybeans as the active ingredient.
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.
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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