Greater production of these "bad" estrogen metabolites is promoted by obesity and exposure to a number of manmade environmental chemicals. These include the 16-hydroxy estrogens, which are not antioxidants and can actually cause cancer. When DIM increases the "good" estrogen metabolites, there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of undesirable or "bad" estrogen metabolites. Many of the benefits that are attributed to estrogen, which include its ability to protect the heart and brain with its antioxidant activity, are now known to come from these "good" metabolites. These "good"estrogen metabolites are known as the 2-hydroxy estrogens. Supplementing the diet with DIM and eating cruciferous vegetables increases the specific aerobic metabolism for estrogen, multiplying the chance for estrogen to be broken down into its beneficial, or "good" estrogen metabolites. DIM stimulates more efficient estrogen metabolism. (See Chapter 6 for specific information about supplementing with DIM.)Ī. To overcome this problem, absorbable forms of pure DIM have been developed as dietary supplements that use special absorption-enhancing formulas. But to get the most benefit from this indole, you would need to consume very large quantities of raw vegetables each day. When you chew raw or lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables, plant enzymes-substances that start a reaction-are activated, which allow DIM to enter your body. Recently, regular use of supplementary DIM and its indole relatives has shown that many of these health-promoting effects arise from a beneficial shift in the balance of the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. In more recent scientific studies, this same cancer protection was shown to result from simply adding supplemental DIM or related plant indoles to the animals' diets in place of the broccoli. These plants have cultivated for centuries and were initially used for medicines.Ībout twenty years ago, scientists discovered that when broccoli was added to the diets of study animals, it could prevent certain forms of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. DIM and other plant indoles are found in all cruciferous vegetables. Diindolylmethane, or DIM for short, is a plant indole-a plant compound with health-promoting properties. It is only recently, however, that scientists have started to figure out exactly which substances in these foods provide the benefits. The healthy effects of eating vegetables have been known for many years. The book can be ordered from this site if you'd like even more information on the benefits of DIM. Scott Connelly, MD and published by Avery, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. These are excerpts from All About DIM, written by Michael A. DIM for Women - Achieving Optimal Estrogen Metabolism. Hot Flashes: Staying Cool in the Warm Summer Months Progesterone - The Almost Forgotten HormoneĬould Estrogen Dominance Be Responsible for Your Weight Gain, Decreased Libido, Fatigue?ĭid you know that 20-50% of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids? This improved hormonal balance, scientists have discovered, is a key to helping men and women reach their health and fitness goals. DIM, a natural phytonutrient (plant nutrient) found in cruciferous vegetables, improves metabolism-the breakdown and synthesis of substances in the body-by adjusting the balance of testosterone and estrogen, hormones that are active in both sexes. Would you like to be stronger and leaner? How about regaining your youthful balance of hormones? Whether you are an athlete interested in maintaining your competitive edge or someone who is just interested in successful aging, one thing is certain: You can't do it without your metabolism working at its best.ĭiindolylmethane (DIM) is the dietary connection to a better metabolism. Its importance for men is maintaining adequate free testosterone while assuring proper metabolism of excess estrogen. Its importance for women lies in proper metabolism of estradiol. This book answers critical questions concerning both men and women regarding the balance of testosterone and estrogen.
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