| Another anti-estrogen plan of action
involves the use of natural plant estrogens, called phytoestrogens, which may prevent
man-made estrogens from entering cells. This has been particularly true in the case of
bioflavonoids. They are substances found in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables. Bioflavonids
are not only phytoestrogenic, but act as potent anti-inflammatories, extremely important
in reducing the inflammation associated with the pain. Foods bountiful in bioflavonoids are citrus rind, cherries,
grapes, plums, black currants, apricots, buckwheart, blackberries and rose hips.
Phytoestrogenic foods include apples, carrots, yams, green beans, peas, potatoes, red
beans, brown rice, whole wheat, rye, flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
Legumes-peas, beans and certain roots - are a form
of bioflavonoid called isoflavonoids, which act as a non-steroidal estrogen. Soybeans which are high in isoflavone, particularly, have been found
to have this anti-estrogenic property, and have been associated with lower incidence of
breast cancer in some populations. Breast cancer is related because highblood
estrogen levels have been found to increase this type of cancer. Soybeans are eaten in
great quantities in Japan and China, and is one of the reasons researchers believe these
countries have low rates of breast cancer. 5
Tofu, soybean curd, is an excellent food
source. It has the unique ability to absorb the flavors it is cooked in. Similar in
texture to custard, it can be cubed and added to soups and casseroles as a substitute for
meats.
Soy is also available as a supplement, as soy
protein or isoflavone in powder, capsule, or tablet form. The Isoflavones
in soy, primarily genistein and daidzein, have been well researched by scientists for
their antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties.
In the early 1980s, nutrition
educator Carlton Fredericks, Ph.D., reported that high intake of the B complex vitamins,
plus extra choline and inositol, helped the liver break down estrogen
into estriol, a non-carcinogenic form of the hormone. In experiments, he demonstrated that
B
vitamins also reduced many symptoms of premenstrual syndrome - also caused by excess
estrogen. 6
Dr. Northrup agrees. She says 1000 milligrams of
vitamin B6 helps eliminate the fluid retained in postmenopausal breasts, and when it is
accompanied by at least 50 milligrams of the other B vitamins, estrogen is better
metabolized by the liver. 7
John R. Lee, M.D. has successfully used natural progesterone
in cream form, applied topically, for his menopausal and osteoporotic patients, and he
reports a strong benefit for fibrocystic breasts. He maintains that when natural progesterone
is used during the two weeks before menstruation, fibrocystic breasts return to normal
within 2-3 months. 8
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- Breast Healthy Nutrients
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- Certain nutrients are important to
cellular tissue, including that which makes up the breast. Some even have a direct impact
on breast tissue specifically. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), is an essential fatty acid that not only strengthens
body tissue, but allows the body to absorb the kind of fat that forms the bumps and lumps
characteristic of fibrocystic breasts. What this means is that when you don't have enough GLA in your body, the tendency of your body tissue to
store fat and accumulate cysts is increased. This nutrient is so
important to your health, a deficiency of it may contribute to heart disease, weight
gain, high cholesterol, poor circulation, cancer, and a plethora of other problems.
-
- GLA also relates to estrogen. This is due to the
connection I've mentioned between fat and estrogen. Hydrogenated fat, such as in margarine
and foods containing hydrogenated oil (read the labels!), tend to reduce the body's
ability to convert essential fatty acids from the diet into GLA. Red meat, caffeine, large amounts of dietary fat and
even epinephrine (produced by the adrenal glands during stress), undermine the smooth
conversation of essential fatty acids into GLA. It is easy to see why many women living in
high-stress industrialized countries and eating a diet rich in fat and processed foods are
suffering from fibrocystic breast disease.
The best source of GLA is borage oil. Independent clinical tests show that
borage oil contains up to 26 percent GLA. Compare this to evening primrose oil and black
currant oil, which contain no more than 18 percent. Not only that, borage oil cost less
because the borage seed is three times larger that black currant or evening primrose
seeds. Finally, borage is more bioavailable. In other words, the body more readily accepts
it. 9
Other nutrients reduce inflammation
and regulate the body fat so it also helps control the accumulation into cysts. These
nutrients are vitamin C, calcium and the B vitamins. All regulate prostaglandins, hormones that regulate the growth of breast
tissue. 10
For some women, vitamin
E is all it takes to reverse symptoms. in a double-blind study reported in the Journal
of the American College of Nutrition, 75 women with PMS and fibrocystic breast
disease were given vitamin E. Following two months of varying therapeutic doses, 300 IU
was determined to substantially relieve breast tenderness and other common premenstrual symptoms. 11 Dr. Wright recommends 800 IU daily. But for some women, vitamin
E is more effective when taken with 200 micrograms of selenium daily. 12
|
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Product
Recommendations |
 |
- Ultra Bromelain 1500
is the highest potency and highest quality Bromelain supplement ever formulated. Each
tablet supplies an unprecedented 1500 mg of pure pineapple source Bromelain concentrate.
It has never been easier to receive the numerous benefits of this powerful proteolytic
enzyme.
|
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- Bioflavonoids work
synergistically with Vitamin C, boosting its antioxidant properties. This precisely
calibrated Nature's Plus formula blends Vitamin C and Bromelain with the potent
bioflavonoid Quercetin. Nature’s Plus is committed to offering the best supplements
available anywhere.
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BoneSoy delivers the full 1,200 mg dose with 100% Calcium Citrate-the most easily absorbed
form. BoneSoy contains the full clinical dose, well ahead of other brands of Soy, 300 mg
(90 mg isoflavones). Also Vitamin C (100 mg) , Vitamin D (400
IU), Vitamin K (100 mcg), Magnesium (600 mg), Boron (3 mg) and Zinc (30 mg) per serving.
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Essential Fatty acids are critical in the production of prostaglandins. In
the body prostaglandins help regulate fat metabolism, inflammatory response, hormones, as
well as the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. Modern diets and
lifestyles may block the conversion of the essential fatty acid LA into GLA |
-
For Woman Only provides nutrients to help support and maintain the
health of today’s active women.
-
 .
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- Vitamin-minerals plus essential herbal women factors. Because of the
changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, women may experience a
variety of symptoms: P.M.S, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and menopause. Designed
specifically to help maintain good hormonal health.
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