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*Estrogen Dominance and Health*

 

*In our youth, when our hormones are balanced, everything from digestion to

immunity works properly. We feel great, look great, have the energy of

youth and our sex drive is normal. Our body performing at its best and we

feel blessed, invincible, and forever young. *

 

*Hormonal imbalance is created when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone

sways too much one way or another. The most common extreme imbalance is

excess estrogen in relation to progesterone. This is called " estrogen

dominance " and has become an epidemic in the US. This critical imbalance of

hormones can lead to a number of health issues and sometimes to serious

degenerative diseases, like cancer. *

 

*Estrogens and Progesterone Overview***

 

*The two types of sex (steroid) hormones are estrogens and progesterone.

There are three estrogens: B-estradiol, estrone and estriol. B-estradiol is

the most potent. B-estradiol is 12 times more potent than estrone and 80

times more potent than estriol. Any over exposure to B-estradiol increases

a person's risk of disease. Estriol is considered the " good estrogen. "

There is only one type of progesterone, and it considered a very safe

hormone. Progesterone is called progestin when it is in a synthetic form. *

 

*Estrogen and progesterone work in synchronization with each other as checks

and balances to achieve hormonal harmony in both sexes. Estrogen and

progesterone need the presence of each other in order to perform their

individual functions.*

 

*Estrogen***

 

*Maintaining estrogen balance can be difficult for many. For many decades

of a woman's life circulating estrogens are fluctuating and cause both good

and bad influences. The primary role of estrogen is to maintain the growth

and function of the uterus so that the sex organs can become adult sized,

and prepares the uterine lining to accept an egg. Additionally, estrogen

affects skeletal growth, skin, fat and protein deposition, and electrolyte

balance. Men also produce a certain amount of estrogen.*

 

*Progesterone***

 

*Progesterone is the building block for many other major hormones. Other sex

hormones are formed from progesterone, including the corticosteroids, which

are essential for stress response, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and

lastly, survival. Cortisol, DHEA, testosterone and estrogen are all made

from progesterone in a process that begins with cholesterol. Progesterone

is the primary hormone of fertility and pregnancy. It is essential to the

survival of the fertilized egg, then the embryo, then the fetus. In

pregnancy, it prevents the shedding of the uterine lining. A drop in

progesterone can result in a miscarriage. *

 

* *

 

* *

 

*Causes of Estrogen Dominance*

 

*Estrogen dominance **is generally not caused by one factor, but often many

factors, including:*

 

- *Hormonal imbalance*

- *Hormone therapy *

- *Environmental estrogens*

- *Stressful lifestyle *

- *Glandular dysfunction *

 

* *

 

*Hormonal Imbalance***

 

*From the time menses begins until menopause, levels of estrogen and

progesterone ebb and flow in a manner which promotes reproduction. At about

age 35 to 40, women reach the time of pre-menopause, which is when their

levels of progesterone and estrogen begin to reduce. *

 

*Normal Hormone Progression***

 

**

 

*During this time through age 50, there is a 35% drop in estrogen, but a 75%

reduction in progesterone occurring simultaneously. This is normal, and

does create many pre-menopausal symptoms that we accept as part of the aging

process. ***

 

*Many women in their mid-thirties, most women during premenopause, and even

many women during menopause are overloaded with estrogen. At the same time

they are suffering from progesterone deficiency because of the severe drop

in physiological production during this period. There is then insufficient

progesterone to counteract the amount of estrogen in our body. It is most

noticeable among peri-menopausal women who do not ovulate, which is quite

common. You may have a fairly normal cycle, but no egg is released and very

little progesterone is produced. *

 

*It **is not the absolute deficiency of estrogen or progesterone, but rather

the relative dominance of estrogen and possible deficiency of progesterone

that is main cause of health problems when these hormones are out of

balance. The end result: excessive estrogen relative to progesterone, add

up to a condition Dr. John Lee has termed " estrogen dominance. " Dr. Lee's

books, What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About

Premenopause<http://www.energeticnutrition.com/books/premenopause.html>and

What

Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About

Menopause<http://www.energeticnutrition.com/books/menopause.html>explain

this chronic hormonal balance in Americans today.

***

 

*Hormone Therapy***

 

*Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)***

 

*A woman reaches menopause naturally around the age of 50, or as a result of

having her ovaries surgically removed. Until recently, doctors routinely

prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms. These

prescription drugs are comprised of synthetic estrogen or an

estrogen-progestin combination. HRT is also used to protect against the

loss of bone after menopause. *

 

*But, there are serious risks to HRT. Concerns about hormone therapy arose

from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial, whose purpose was

to address the most common causes of death, disability and impaired quality

of life in postmenopausal women. The hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

component of the WHI trial looked at the long-term use of oral HRT in older

women in the USA for the prevention of disease. The WHI study was stopped

in 2002 because the incidence of invasive breast cancer exceeded the safety

level set by the WHI. Many doctors are no longer prescribing synthetic HRT.

*

 

*For women taking the combination of estrogen-progestin (Prempro) used in

the study, researchers found an increased risk of:*

 

- *Heart disease *

- *Breast cancer *

- *Stroke *

- *Blood clots *

- *Dementia *

 

*In addition, not only did hormone therapy increase the women's risk of

breast cancer, it also made tumors harder to detect, leading to potentially

dangerous delays in diagnosis.*

 

*For women taking estrogen alone (Premarin), preliminary results showed no

increased risk of breast cancer or heart disease but did find a slightly

increased risk of stroke.*

 

*Women and their doctors are discovering that conventional HRT does not give

them the overall health and well-being they had hoped for, and they are

seeking out healthier alternatives, such as natural bio-identical HRT,

lifestyle and diet changes. What everyone will hopefully soon realize is

that menopausal and sexual reproductive problems are actually symptoms of

overall hormonal imbalances. Women need to get a thorough picture of their

entire body's hormonal status and find natural therapeutic steps to

maintaining balance. *

 

*Birth Control Pills***

 

*Birth control pills contain estrogen, and contribute to the development or

worsening of estrogen dominance. Depending on dosage, they can be very

potent, and linger for a long period of time in the body. Dr. Joseph

Mercola's webpage " Just Say No to Birth Control

Pills<http://www.mercola.com/2004/oct/27/birth_control.htm> "

states the following about birth control pills:*

 

*A woman's natural cycle is composed of rising and falling levels of

estrogen and progesterone. Birth control pills work by keeping estrogen at a

sufficiently high level that they fool the body into thinking it is

pregnant, therefore another pregnancy cannot occur. *

 

*Cramping, painful and irregular periods are often due to a deficiency of

progesterone and an excess of estrogen. So estrogen-alone birth control

pills -- as are the most commonly prescribed pills on the market now --

often compound the problem. That's why some women have intolerable

estrogen-induced side effects when they are on birth control pills such as

weight gain, mood swings, and breast tenderness.*

 

*What is not usually mentioned, or even known, is that the metabolism of

birth control pills by the liver requires extra amounts of the B-complex

vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. If you're taking birth control

pills for years at a time, as are most American women, you're creating

nutrient deficiencies. Weight gain, fluid retention, mood changes,

depression and even heart disease can all arise from nutrient imbalance.*

 

*Environmental Estrogens***

 

*We are constantly assaulted by estrogens in our environment from the food

we eat and the chemicals we use. Estrogen mimickers in the form of

chemicals (xenoestrogens), and foods and plants (phytoestrogens), mimic the

action of estrogen produced in cells and can alter hormonal activity.*

 

*Evidence is steadily growing that xenoestrogens and other hormone mimicking

substances are implicated in a wide range of human and wildlife health

problems. Estrogen dominance from these environmental hormone disrupters is

causing an imbalance of female hormones, creating a host of estrogen

dominance symptoms (see chart below). As a result of these disrupters,

girls and boys are reaching puberty too early. Additionally, xenoestrogens

produce hormonal stimuli that contribute to inappropriate growth of mammary

tissue cells, resulting in a problem society is calling " man boobs " and in

an increase in the appearance of female cancers in younger and younger

women. Today, for example, one in eight American women will develop breast

cancer in her lifetime. Some researchers theorize that estrogen dominance

in men contributes to hair loss, atherosclerosis, prostrate disease, lowered

libido, and impotency. *

 

*Xenoestrogens***

 

*Xeno means foreign. Xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens. Many of the

70,000 registered chemicals for use in the United States have hormonal

effects in addition to toxic effects. The synergistic effects of exposure to

many xenoestrogens are well documented, but largely unknown.*

 

*Xenoestrogens found in certain pesticides, plastics, fuels, preservatives

and drugs are usually synthetic. Very difficult for the body to break down,

they amplify the effects of estrogen. Difficult to detoxify by the liver,

these noxious substances can increase the estrogen load in the body over

time. Exposure to xenoestrogens is a concern for American. Individuals

with an estrogen dominance condition should be particularly concerned about

avoiding xenoestrogens as much as possible. *

 

*Xenoestrogens can be found in many of our meats and dairy products in the

form of chemicals and growth hormones that are given to the animals. If

meats and dairy products are to be ingested, they must be organic,

free-range food products, free of xenoestrogens. *

 

*The following recommendations will help you to avoid contact with

xenoestrogens:*

 

- *Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your food

well to rid the pesticides. Bathe the washed food in natural produce wash or

ozonated water for 20 minutes before cooking. *

- *Have a good water filter for your source of water. *

- *Ingest only organic raw, living, whole foods. Buy hormone free

meats and dairy products only – and eat them raw as well!*

- *Avoid plastic goods - they leach plastic molecules, proven to cause

breast cancer cells to grow prolifically, into the environment. *

- *Do not microwave food in plastic containers, and especially avoid

the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving. *

- *Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food. *

- *Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in

the sun. *

- *If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it

away - do not drink the water either. *

- *Don't use synthetic dish or clothes washing liquids or fabric

softeners – petrochemicals will be absorbed directly into your skin. *

- *Use organic soaps and toothpastes. Avoid fluoride or any chemicals

in your toothpaste and mouthwash.*

- *Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic

ingredients such as parabens.Switch to more natural products. Inexpensive

brands usually have more toxic ingredients. *

- *Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers. *

- *Use only naturally based perfumes or essential oils. Most perfumes

are petrochemically based. *

- *Avoid surfactants found in many condoms and diaphragm gels. *

- *Avoid new carpet - it will emit noxious fumes. *

- *Avoid X-rays as much as possible. *

- *Be aware of noxious gas such as that from copiers and printers,

carpets, fiberboards, etc. Computer monitors can emit a high level of

electromagnetic force (EMF), another estrogen provocateur. *

 

* *

 

*Phytoestrogens***

 

*Phytoestrogens (phyto meaning plant) are naturally occurring estrogenic

compounds that are found in a variety of foods, herbs, and spices. Their

chemical structure resembles estrogen. These compounds are generally weak

estrogens, in comparison to real estrogen and xenoestrogens, but in a body

that is already experiencing too much estrogen, adding more will contribute

to the problem. *

 

*Some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances are soy, the

lignans found in flax seed products, red clover, black cohosh, chasteberry,

and dong quai. Soy includes soybeans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, textured

vegetable protein, roasted soybeans, soy granules, miso, and edamames. *

 

*Over consumption of phytoestrogenic foods on a long term basis may actually

increase the risk of estrogen dominance significantly. Furthermore,

phytoestrogens have been shown to inhibit the conversion of T4 to the active

T3 thyroid hormone, and can trigger hypothyroidism. It is suggested that

those with a history of thyroid imbalance, or suffering from estrogen

dominance, should consume a minimum amount of phytoestrogens. *

 

*Stressful Lifestyle and Glandular Dysfunction***

 

*Stress causes adrenal gland exhaustion and reduced progesterone output.

This tilts the estrogen to progesterone ratios in favor of estrogen.

Excessive estrogen in turn causes insomnia and anxiety, which further taxes

the adrenal gland. This leads to a further reduction in progesterone output

and even more estrogen dominance. After a few years in this type of vicious

cycle, the adrenal glands become exhausted. This dysfunction leads to blood

sugar imbalance, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue.*

 

*In the female, a large part of hormonal balance is controlled by the three

major glands: the adrenal gland, the thyroid gland, and the ovaries.

Maintaining a proper balance among these three glands is of critical

importance in any estrogen dominance recovery program. *

 

*Excessive estrogen affects both thyroid and adrenal function, and in turn,

dysfunctional thyroid and adrenal fatigue makes estrogen dominance worse.

They all go hand in hand. When not functioning properly, these three glands,

controlling the majority of the hormones in the body, can lead to a viscous

downward cycle of hormonal imbalance. Worse yet is that conventional

medicine often times are mislead into treating symptom after symptom without

addressing the root cause. A wide variety of prescriptions from sleeping

pills to anti-depressants are dispensed. Unfortunately, such symptom-based

protocol will often make things worse instead of better. *

 

*Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance***

 

*The following symptoms are common among those with excess estrogen. What

begins with mild symptoms in younger years often becomes moderate in the mid

to late 30s, and severe by the time a woman reaches her mid 40s. If you are

experiencing as few as 6 of these symptoms, you probably have some level of

estrogen dominance.*

 

*MILD***

 

*MODERATE***

 

*SEVERE***

 

*Premenstrual breast tenderness*

 

*Irregular menstruation*

 

*Uterine fibroid

tumors<http://www.energeticnutrition.com/vitalzym/fibroid_tumors.html>

*

 

*Premenstrual mood swings*

 

*Weight gain*

 

*Endometriosis*

 

*Premenstrual fluid retention, weight gain*

 

*Hair loss*

 

*Fibrocystic breasts*

 

*Premenstrual headaches*

 

*Depression*

 

*Polycystic ovary syndrome*

 

*Menstrual cramps*

 

*Fatigue*

 

*Breast tumors*

 

* *

 

*Thyroid dysfunction*

 

*Infertility*

 

* *

 

*Adrenal gland fatigue*

 

*Thickened uterine lining*

 

* *

 

*Headaches, migraines*

 

*Accelerated aging*

 

* *

 

*Severe menstrual cramps*

 

*Miscarriage*

 

* *

 

*Heavy periods with clotting*

 

*Anxiety and panic attacks*

 

* *

 

*Joint and muscle pain*

 

*Autoimmune disorders*

 

* *

 

*Decreased libido*

 

* *

 

* *

 

*Insomnia and restless sleep*

 

* *

 

* *

 

*Dry eyes*

 

* *

 

* *

 

* *

 

*Raw Foods and Hormonal Health***

 

*What raw, living foods assist in correcting estrogen dominance? Firstly,

you must avoid as many of the noted phytoestrogens now isolated in foods. More

than 300 foods have been shown to contain phytoestrogens. Most food

phytoestrogens are from one of three chemical classes:*

 

*Isoflavonoids** - Isoflavonoid phytoestrogens are found in beans from the

legume family; soybeans and soy products are the major dietary source of

this type of phytoestrogens. The isoflavonoid extracts from soy are known

as genistin, diadzein, and glycitin.*

 

*Lignans **- Lignan phytoestrogens are found in high fiber foods such as

cereal brans and beans; flaxseeds contain large amounts of lignans.

Products such as Brevail contain high amounts of lignans.*

 

*Coumestans** - Coumestan phytoestrogens are found in various beans such as

split peas, pinto beans, and lima beans. Alfalfa and clover sprouts are the

foods with the highest amounts of coumestans. *

 

*Following are some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances:*

 

- *Soy *

- *Black Cohosh *

- *Chasteberry *

- *Dong Quai *

- *Red Clover *

- *Flaxseed *

- *Caffeine*

 

* *

 

*Estrogen dominance is at epidemic proportions in the US today. And this

critical hormonal imbalance leads, many scientists believe, to the

development of various cancers in both men and women. Estrogen dominance

has been linked to breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine, prostate and

testicular cancers in numerous studies. In 2006, about 250,000 women in the

U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, much of which will be caused in

part by excess body estrogen. Some breast cancers have been found to have

cell walls 95% covered with estrogen and/or progesterone receptors – perhaps

caused primarily by HRT? *

 

*1 in 8 US women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to

recent projected statistics. 80% or more of diagnosed cases will not

possess genetic predisposition to the disease. More than almost any other

serious disease, breast cancer touches nearly all of us, whether we're women

or men, old or young. Your chances of knowing a woman with breast cancer is

almost 100%. Every year, about 1,500 men will be diagnosed with breast

cancer. And the rates of prostate cancer continue to rise in US men.

However, what has been clear for more than 20 years is that many hormonal

imbalances and cancers are preventable with simple healthier diet and

lifestyle choices. *

 

*Raw Foods, Hormonal Balance and Cancer*

 

*A report by the United States Academy of Sciences on the relationship

between diet and cancer recommended greater emphasis on fresh (i.e., raw)

fruits and vegetables. Vitamins A, C and E, all found in fresh green leafy

vegetables and in fruits have been shown to prevent cancer.*

 

*The National Academy of Sciences 1982 report on diet and cancer was the

first to make clear the link between diet and cancer. Newer research

clearly establishes that the foods we choose play an overwhelming role in

maintaining endocrine balance and in fighting cancer. Raw foods offer us

the greatest level of nutrients and live enzymes to maintain a healthy

immune, endocrine and nervous system, and all three are responsible for the

maintaining homeostatic balance and in turn, the prevention and destruction

of cancer. However, a diet of nutrient, enzyme rich raw foods should be

combined with necessary lifestyle choices and exercise. The following are a

few guidelines to help combat estrogen dominance and subsequent potential

cancer development:*

 

*Eat plentiful live, enzyme-rich vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts; stay

physically active; and maintain a health weight. These three simple

lifestyle actions can alleviate estrogen dominance and cancer risk by 30% to

40%. *

 

*As many as 375,000 cases of cancer, at current cancer rates, (many of which

are due to hormonal imbalances) could be prevented each year in this nation

through healthy dietary choices. Eat more organic raw foods daily!*

 

*A simple change, such as eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each

day, could by itself reduce cancer rates more than 20%. Imagine if you ate

all servings raw what the reduction of cancer rates would be?*

 

*Although more fruits and vegetables are recommended by numerous US health

authorities as one way to reduce risk of developing cancer, many of the

studies using fruits and vegetables don't make a clear distinction between

cooked and uncooked foods. Many studies do not indicate that un-cooked

fruits and vegetables are the best source of the ingredients known to

re-establish hormonal balance and prevent cancer. Some studies actually

have shown that cooking destroys some of the ingredients in fruits and

vegetables known to help in cancer prevention. Since the ingredients needed

to prevent cancer are destroyed or degraded by cooking, and perhaps not

properly assimilated or digested after cooked as well, it is clear that RAW,

uncooked, whole, living vegetables and fruits are the best choices for

health and well-being.*

 

*Strong evidence from epidemiologic studies indicates that eating more

vegetables

and fruits decreases the risk of developing cancer. This conclusion is

strengthened by the similar results obtained from animal studies and

experiments using isolated cells. Remember, raw, uncooked fruits and

vegetables are probably the best source of critical nutrients known for

their cancer prevention properties.*

 

*Most of the studies report that the consumption of vegetables is more

strongly linked to cancer risk reduction than the consumption of fruits.

Stronger evidence points to carrots, other yellow-orange vegetables such as

squash and sweet potatoes, and dark green vegetables, such as broccoli and

spinach as the most potent nutrient cancer prevention foods. All of these

foods are good sources of nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids.

Evidence

also exists proving raw vegetables may be more protective against the

development of breast and other cancers than cooked vegetables. The natural

chemicals found in vegetables, which are thought to confer this critical

protection, are damaged by heat. Several studies have reported that the

consumption of foods containing high amounts of vitamin C or carotenoids,

some of which can serve as sources of vitamin A, may reduce a woman's risk

of developing breast cancer.*

 

*Although it is difficult to measure how much of a particular fruit or

vegetable is needed to restore hormonal balance and reduce cancer risk, a

sample of the data from studies can provide some guidelines. *

 

*In a large study, the Nurses' Health Study, researchers reported a 17%

lower rate of breast cancer among women who consumed at least 2 servings per

day of fruits and vegetables as compared to those who consumed less than 1

serving per day. In another recent study, the consumption of more than 5

servings per day of vegetables versus less than 3 servings per day was

associated with a 54% reduction in the breast cancer rate. *

 

*The health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables have prompted the

National Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation to

co-sponsor the National " 5 a Day for Better Health " program. Designed to

encourage and provide practical ways for people to consume at least 5

servings per day of fruits and vegetables this program does not specify

however the consumption of raw foods. Also, the USDA food guide pyramid

suggests that people consume 5 to 9 servings per day of fruits and

vegetables, while failing to recommend raw vegetables and fruits. A serving,

according to the USDA food guide is:*

 

- *1 piece of fresh fruit *

- *6 oz. (3/4 cup) 100% fruit juice *

- *1/2 cup of cooked vegetables or canned fruit *

- *1 cup of leafy vegetables or salad *

- *1 handful (1/4 cup) of dried fruit *

- *1/2 cup of dried peas or beans *

 

*Most Americans need to double their intake of vegetables and fruits to meet

the 5 or more per day recommendations. According to the 1996 Behavioral Risk

Factors Surveillance System survey, only 28% of the women surveyed in New

York State reported consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a

day. Women are the majority of sufferers from estrogen dominance, and thus,

have a higher risk of developing endocrine related cancers. *

 

*Raw Foods for Health and Well-being*

 

*The nutrients researchers have identified and isolated in fruits and

vegetables that may prevent or help combat breast and other cancers are

listed below. Remember, many of these nutrients may be changed or destroyed

by heat and cooking and should AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BE EATEN IN A RAW, LIVING

, ORGANIC STATE.*

 

*Carotenoids - Carotenoids are chemicals found in yellow and orange

vegetables and fruits, and in dark-green leafy vegetables. Certain fruits

and vegetables contain particularly high amounts of specific carotenoids.

Sweet potatoes and carrots are especially high in beta-carotene. Kale,

spinach, parsley and mustard greens contain high amounts of lutein. Lycopene

is a carotenoid found in high amounts in tomatoes. Some but not all

carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Foods that are

particularly high in the pro-vitamin A carotenoids include cantaloupe,

carrots and sweet potatoes. *

 

*Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid - Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and

juices, such as grapefruits and oranges. Other good sources of vitamin C are

green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, melons,

cabbage and leafy green vegetables. *

 

*Vitamin E - Foods high in vitamin E include broccoli, kohlrabi, cilantro,

turnip greens, spinach, avocados, blueberries, mangos, ripe olives, and

especially nuts. Other plant sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils and

whole grains. *

 

*Folic acid - Folic acid is a vitamin found in relatively high

concentrations in green leafy vegetables, asparagus, lima beans, broccoli,

beets and several types of beans. Moderate amounts are found in oranges and

orange juice.*

 

*Selenium - Selenium is a mineral which plants obtain from the soil and the

higher the concentration of selenium in the soil, the higher the

concentration of selenium in plants. Many animal studies have demonstrated

anti-carcinogenic effects of selenium in the form of supplements to diets or

in selenium-enriched foods such as garlic grown in selenium-rich soil. *

 

*Dietary fiber - Dietary fiber includes both cereal and vegetable fiber.

Most fruits and vegetables contain fiber. Fruits and vegetables that contain

high amounts of fiber are apples, blackberries, grapefruits, oranges,

raspberries, and broccoli.*

 

*Dithiolthiones and glucosinolates - Natural chemicals that are found

exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts,

cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, rutabaga and turnips. *

 

*Phytoestrogens - Substances found in plants that act like weak versions of

the hormone estrogen. When consumed, phytoestrogens may decrease the level

of estrogen circulating in the body. Women who have high levels of

circulating estrogen throughout their childbearing years may have an

increased risk of breast cancer. Foods high in phytoestrogens include

soybeans, dried beans and peas, and bean sprouts. As noted earlier, if you

already have " estrogen dominance " health issues you should eliminate or

limit the ingestion of phytoestrogens. *

 

*Many other natural chemicals in fruits and vegetables are currently being

studied. Information on these potential cancer preventing chemicals is

preliminary. Researched substances include isothiocyanates and thiocyanates

(in brussels sprouts), flavonoids (in berries), coumarins (in citrus

fruits), phenols (in almost all fruits and vegetables), protease inhibitors

(in legumes), plant sterols (in vegetables), isoflavones, saponins, and

inositolhexaphosphate (in soybeans), allium compounds (in garlic), limonene

(in citrus fruit oils), and resveratrol (in grapes). *

 

*There are several different ways that the natural chemicals found in fruits

and vegetables may help reduce the risk of endocrine related cancers. Let us

remember excess estrogen stimulates cell division. Some of these mechanisms

are:*

 

*Alter estrogen levels** - Estrogen is a hormone that is necessary for

childbearing, and bone and heart health in women, but the lifetime exposure

to estrogen may influence endocrine cancer risk. Estrogen is normally broken

down into different forms in the body. Some parts of vegetables and fruits,

such as glucosinolates in broccoli, cause the break-down of estrogen to

weaker forms of the hormone. Women who do not have breast cancer seem to

have higher levels of the weaker forms of estrogen than do women with breast

cancer. *

 

*Stimulate cell differentiation and stop cell division** - The term

differentiation refers to the process by which a cell in the body becomes

mature and gains all of the features that it needs to work properly. Cancer

cells divide, ignoring all signals to stop, and they do not differentiate

properly. A compound in fruits and vegetables, such as carotenoid-derived

vitamin A, that encourages a cell to differentiate will interfere with the

process of uncontrolled abnormal division typical of cancer cells. *

 

*Act as antioxidants** - Free molecules of oxygen within cells, also known

as free radicals, can cause damage to cells. Free radicals are produced by

the cell as natural by-products of normal cell activities, or in response to

harmful contact with something in its environment. Antioxidants, such as

vitamin E, are compounds that absorb free radicals. Excess estrogen can be

perceived as harmful to cells.*

 

*Increase activity of detoxifying enzymes** - Often cells are exposed to

cancer-causing compounds called carcinogens. The body uses enzymes to make

these chemicals harmless (detoxify them). An enzyme is a protein produced by

living cells that begins or speeds-up a chemical reaction in the body

without being permanently changed itself. Some chemicals in fruits and

vegetables, such as dithiolthiones in broccoli, have been shown to increase

the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the body. *

 

*Enhance immune function. **The consumption of vegetables and fruits

strengthen the immune system, the body's defense against disease and cancer.

Immune strength has also been strongly correlated to enzyme function, and of

course, raw whole food is the only source of living enzymes.*

 

*Scientific Support for Vegetarian Raw Foods*

 

*Two studies were unable to show an association between eating a vegetarian

raw foods diet, either during adolescence or as an adult, and a reduced risk

of developing estrogen dominance or endocrine cancers. A few studies report

lower levels of hormones, such as estrogen, in the bodies of vegetarian

versus non-vegetarian women. Also, studies that compare the risk of breast

cancer between different cultures, such as American versus Asian, have

reported a decrease in the risk of breast cancer among women who consume a

plant-based diet. Scientifically there is not enough information to

establish a solid conclusion that a vegetarian diet reduces the risk of

breast cancer. Use your common sense - if some studies indicate that fruits

and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer, plus other studies show that there

are known carcinogens formed by cooking animal products, then it isn't hard

to conclude that a diet consisting of whole vegetables and fruits will

significantly reduce the intake of carcinogens while increasing the

consumption of nutrients known to re-establish homeostatic balance and

reduce the risk for cancer.*

 

*More Raw Foods Daily*

 

*Here are a few ways to easily and conveniently add more vegetables and

fruits as well as seeds and nuts to your daily diet and help restore

hormonal balance and reduce your risk of endocrine or other cancers:*

 

- *Keep prepared vegetables, like cut carrots, celery, broccoli,

cauliflower and asparagus in the refrigerator for snacks. *

- *Substitute spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables like kale,

Swiss chard, collard greens and others, for less green lettuces in a salad.

*

- *Eat a raw sweet potato instead of any white potato.*

- *Eat fruits such as berries, apples, pineapple, mango, papaya or

grapefruit as a snack.*

- *Drink organic fruit or vegetable juices made fresh and stored in

Mason jars in your refrigerator. *

- *If you have children, ask them to help make fruit or vegetable

salads.*

- *Eat raw, organic seeds and nuts throughout the day for their

nutrient content and fiber. *

 

* *

 

*Anne Kaspar*

 

*Health and Wellness Consultant*

 

*BodyByBliss*

 

*505.690.0169*

 

*Bodybybliss.com*

 

*bodybybliss*

 

* *

 

 

 

 

On 12/19/06, Kimse Fard <kimse_naturalpath wrote:

>

> We have recently found an answer that is most requested question within

> our community in reference to equipment. The request has been for a blender

> that could be used in preparing living foods yet at a price point that was

> lower than the wonderful vitamix.

> I am sending an email flier for those who may be interested in learning

> more about it. The Sale ends December 24, 2007. We will be adding this

> blender to our kitchens in addition to the vitmax because of how it performs

> and because it is a wonderful alternative for those that need one. As fellow

> living foodists, we know this product is a perfect compliment to the pure

> lifestyle that we all strive for; we look forward to hearing from the

> community! If you have any questions, feel free to call 913.281.3848 or

> email.

>

> Also we print free monthly Natural Living Newsletter let us know if you'd

> like to receive a copy!

> Here is the free raw food ebook we wanted to share with you.

>

> Here's what you get (free):

>

> * Over 60 recipes using 106 common live food ingredients (explained and

> with their own indexes)

> * Full colour photos throughout (over 60!)

> * Fully international with imperial and metric measurements, British and

> American names for all ingredients

> * Created over 100's of hours by more than 34 Raw Pleasure forum authors

> * Real life personal experiences that will inspire you complete with

> before after photos. Yes, these are all real people you can meet on the

> Raw-Pleasure.com.au forums right now.

> * Learn how to get started, and where to get free support as you go.

> * Tour of a pro live food kitchen, and the tools that make it simple.

> * Completely free

>

> " The ebook looks FANTASTIC! Wow. The personal stories are great,

> especially with before and after photos. The recipes look yummy, and it is

> really nice to have colour photos of them. " ~ RawNaturopathJen on the forums

>

> Just go to

http://ebooks.Raw-Pleasure.com.au<http://ebooks.raw-pleasure.com.au/>to download

your copy.

>

> Have a fabulous day!

>

> Love & Gratitude,

>

> Kimse Fard

> The Natural Path

> 913.281.3848

> www.LivingRightInc.org/The Natural Path currently under construction

>

>