A Holistic Approach To Health

Living With Estrogen Dominance

I had a question the other day about estrogen dominance.

Your body needs the right balance of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone plus others) to work correctly.

The right balance is a must because different hormones perform different functions within your body.

Estrogen influences cellular growth and has many functions throughout your body.

Progesterone balances estrogen by generally having an opposing effect.

Therefore, if estrogen levels are high and there’s not enough opposing progesterone to “turn off” estrogen, the effect can be what’s known as estrogen dominance.

Your body naturally produces estrogen, but you’re also exposed to compounds that mimic estrogen through your diet and environment.

Estrogen levels may increase due to obesity, thyroid issues, an overloaded/toxic liver, constipation or poor bowel habits, or candida.

Phytoestrogens are the natural plant nutrients that mimic the function of natural estrogen and have a weak estrogenic effect on your body (about 1/1000th the strength of your natural estrogen).

Xanoestrogens are foreign, chemical-based estrogen mimickers that can have a dangerously strong effect on tissues (1000 times that of human estrogen).

Synthetic estrogens are produced by pharmaceutical companies (birth control pills, hormone replacements, etc.).

They tend to be more potent than your body’s own estrogens and are chemically foreign to your body, so they can create biochemical havoc.

And they’re toxic to your body.

These dangerous compounds are everywhere today: all types of plastics, food additives, colors, flavors, preservatives, processed foodstuffs, chlorine, gasoline, kerosene, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, refrigerants, paints, Styrofoam, household cleaners, laundry products, personal care products, clothing, air deodorizers, medicines, synthetic vitamins, synthetic estrogens and thousands of exposures through manufacturing and industrial processes.

Other food exposure comes from dairy, meat, and poultry when these animals have been fed fertilizer- and pesticide-laden feed and given antibiotics and hormones.

These compounds accumulate in animal tissues and milk.

Fish are contaminated, especially those farm or lake raised.

Tap water now contains these compounds from run-off and reintroduction through urine (animal and human).

There are many other exposures too numerous to mention.

Unfortunately, most of us have an overabundance of xenoestrogens.

These dangerous and powerful estrogen mimickers have an extremely negative effect on your health.

Phytoestrogens, due to their weak estrogenic effect are much more desirable.

Remember that estrogen stimulates cell growth.

This becomes important when considering fibroids, cysts, tumors, prostate health, menopause issues, reproductive concerns and certain cancers.

Balancing these 2 estrogen mimickers becomes crucial when considering preventive measures, as well as overall health.

Estrogen dominance can affect your health in the following ways: over-stimulation of tissue growth (fibroids, cysts, growths, tumors, endometriosis); breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate health; infertility issues; PMS; bloating; irritability; hypoglycemia; cravings for sugars and carbs; greater susceptibility to inflammation and allergy; increased depression and mood swings; headaches; breast tenderness; constipation; weight gain; low energy; menopause symptoms; altered sex drive; genital deformities; male and female reproductive organ cancers; behavioral concerns; decreased sperm counts; plus more.

Scientists are finding negative influences throughout the plant and animal kingdoms as well.

DNA is also affected, so reproductive abnormalities are being passed on to future generations.

To deal with estrogen dominance it’s beneficial to:

*Consume plenty of protective phytoestrogens daily (soy protein, flax seed, whole grains, sprouts, parsley, apples, seaweeds, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy).

*Drink 6-8 cups of purified (chlorine-free) water.

*Consume organic foods as much as possible.

*Consider regular liver and/or colon cleanses.

*Review my candida post http://bit.ly/1d2LLmc.

*Maintain optimal weight.

*Ensure regular (minimum 2/day) bowel movements.

*Increase fiber intake because it binds toxins to carry them out of the body.

*Eliminate toxic/chemical/environmental exposures as much as possible.

*Eliminate processed foods laden with additives, pesticides, etc.

*Eliminate non-organic dairy, meat, poultry, etc.

*Eliminate fish from industrial waterways or fish farms.

*Eliminate synthetic hormone use.

*Eliminate food/drinks stored in plastic, aluminum, Styrofoam, etc.

*Eliminate microwaved foods, especially in the above containers.

Recommendations:

It’s essential to use:  Vita-Lea, Protein, GLA, OmegaGuard, Optiflora, DTX, Alfalfa.

It’s important to use:  Fiber, B-Complex, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CarotoMax and/or FlavoMax.

It’s beneficial to use:  Herb-Lax, Saw Palmetto for men, Menopause Balance Complex, Vivix, 180 Energy Tea.

email:  lenay@dickandlenay.com

PS:  If you have any questions about estrogen dominance, and would like to know how supplements can help, give us a call at 715-431-0657.  We’re here to help.