Hot Flashes Diet Deceptions: Soy Not!
Hot flashes: soy products are NOT the solution!There is a deceptive theory that goes something like this... 'Japanese women rarely suffer from hot flashes. The reason for this is that soy is a significant part of their diet. The compounds genistein and diadzein are estrogenic in nature and help prevent hot flashes. In addition, Japanese diet is low in fat and animal protein and high in vegetable protein products such as tofu. The estrogen-like chemicals in soy replace declining estrogen levels.' We are advised to eat as much soy as possible, by any number of 'authorities.' Of course, we want relief from menopause symptoms. But... We are being lied to..! Hot Flashes: What is the REAL Secret of Japanese Women?Now you can let go of the lie...Here's what traditional Japanese diet REALLY has more of than ours..! Iodine! Yes, that's right. Japanese womens' diet typically contains approximately 100 times! the amount of iodine as that of women in the US! Also, in traditional Japanese diet, soy is a CONDIMENT! A few little pieces in soup, or mixed with fish and vegetables! And what about fat and protein? Fatty fish, duck and other animal foods are eaten in abundance in Japan and other Asian countries! Are You Eating Lots of Soy and Still Suffering Hot Flashes?What if All that Soy Consumption is Making Them WORSE..?Did you know... ...Overconsumption of soy inhibits endorphin production, is known to cause hormonal changes that affect mood and can trigger thyroid condition or worsen and existing thyroid condition, causing depression. Why..? Because of its considerable phytoestrogen content, soy is a known goitrogen - meaning it depresses thyroid function! Hot Flashes and Other Menopause Symptoms ReliefDuring ALL stages of life and especially menopause, female hormonal balance benefits from optimal levels of iodine.This fact often gets lost in the maze of concerns that women have during this cycle of life. Discussions of solutions for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, emotional issues and lost libido almost NEVER bring up the subject of iodine. Iodine deficiency is a worldwide problem. Did you know that over 80% of people in the US are testing low for iodine? According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, between 1971 and 2000, iodine levels in US citizens have fallen 50%! In that time, breast cancer and thyroid cancers have dramatically increased. Making sure your iodine levels are sufficient is as important as any other factor related to enjoying a healthy menopause. Your thyroid gland is very intimately related to your female hormonal balance. Breast, uterine and vaginal health are ALL influenced by how well the thyroid is functioning. Are you aware that breast cancer is related to hypothyroidism (low thyroid)? And proper levels of iodine, of course, are essential for thyroid function as well as overall health. Hot Flashes Can be Worsened by Exposure to HalogensDid you know that iodine is one of a number of compounds known as halogens?While iodine is essential to your health, the other halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine) are toxic. Not only that, but chlorine, fluorine and bromine are dominant over iodine and drive it out of your body! So... If you swim in a chlorinated pool, use toothpaste containing fluoride or get fluoride dental treatments, or eat white bread (I hope you don't ;-) - you could be diminishing the amount of iodine in your body! This happened to me years ago - an avid, all-year-round swimmer, I persisted (not knowing the above facts) even though swimming in chlorine left me feeling fatigued afterwards. When iodine is depleted through halogen exposure, thyroid function can diminish. Since your thyroid and adrenal glands have a synergistic relationship, the adrenals then are compromised, too. Voila - more susceptibility to - yup - hot flashes!
|
|
|
