The Value Of Soy Products For Hot Flashes

By Annette Caruso


Unpleasant symptoms accompany menopause for millions of women. Sudden rises in body temperature and 'night sweats' are among the most common complaints. Prescription drugs and artificial hormones can help mitigate the severity of these symptoms, but they have side effects that cause concern. Many women prefer to use soy shakes for hot flashes and other signs of hormonal imbalance.

Hot flashes happen as hormones begin to decline with age. A lack of estrogen is the main cause. As the body becomes deficient in this hormone, the pituitary gland release LH, or luteinizing hormone. This hormone does not boost estrogen levels, but it does cause an expansion of blood vessels in the face, neck, and torso. This raises body temperature and activates sweat glands. This reaction to LH can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

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.

Mitigating the unpleasant effects of menopause is important, but there are even more compelling reasons to provide bio-identical hormones for the aging body. Estrogen-like substances in plastics can be absorbed by the body if there is a lack of the true hormone. These components of plastic have been found to be carcinogens. They are being studied as possible contributors to the growing rates of breast and ovarian cancers.

If you would rather not take pills, you can eat soybeans and soybean foods. The fermented foods like tempeh, tofu, and miso eaten in oriental countries are believed to contribute to the lower rates of cancer in these countries. However, the isolated proteins used in energy bars and soymilk are not fermented and are less beneficial.

However, since westerners may not be familiar with or accustomed to fermented foods that boost the health of oriental peoples, supplements are valuable. There are many to choose from. Look for a reputable manufacturer and a product that has been clinically tested and proven effective.

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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