Protecting Yourself from Xenoestrogens

By Steven Horne

Biologists, environmentalists and health care professionals all agree we are living in the age of excessive estrogen stimulation. Our food and water supplies are laden with xenoestrogens from herbicides, pesticides and petrochemical residues from plastics.
Estrogen compounds are fed to chickens and cattle to increase meat, egg and dairy production.
The common practice of microwaving food in plastic containers produces more xenoestrogens. They are even found in shampoo!

Since xenoestrogens are involved in numerous health problems (including uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, menstrual irregularities such as heavy bleeding and cramps, menopausal symptoms, some severe breast and cervical issues), it is wise to both reduce your exposure to them and improve your body's ability to balance them and break them down at the same time.

About Phytoestrogens

Many natural foods contain phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogen compounds that bind to the same estrogen receptor sites that xenoestrogens do. When a receptor site is already occupied by a phytoestrogen, xenoestrogens cannot attach to it.

The great thing about phytoestrogens is that they are generally much weaker in their estrogenic effects than xenoestrogens, or even the body's more potent natural estrogens. So, phytoestrogens, help to protect the body against excessive estrogen stimulation by binding receptor sites against more potent compounds with estrogenic activity.

Soy products, such as Phyto-Soy, are frequently touted for their phytoestrogen content, but all beans contain phytoestrogens. Other foods rich in phytoestrogens include many whole grains and dark green, leafy vegetables. So, add more legumes, whole grains and dark greens to the diet. Flaxseeds and FlaxSeed Oil with Lignan are also excellent ways to gain the protection of phytoestrogens in your diet. Lignans are a phytoestrogen.

Detoxify Xenoestrogens

Since the liver is responsible for breaking down excess hormones, environmental toxins and other substances for elimination; the liver is often overworked in today's world. It is also frequently malnourished, due to poor diet.
You can help your liver rid your body of xenoestrogens and other toxins by supporting it with appropriate herbs and supplements. Cellular Detox is a great formula for helping the liver get toxins, like xenoestrogens, out of the body. 

You'll detoxify faster if you also take a fiber supplement like Everybody's Fiber. Fiber binds toxins, including xenoestrogens, in the intestines and carries them out of the body.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, are also valuable in reducing levels of xenoestrogens because they contain compounds like indole-3-carbinol, which enhance the liver's ability to break down excess estrogens in the system.
Indole-3-Carbinol is also available as a supplement.

Enhance Progesterone

Progesterone and estrogen compete for the same receptor sites and good reproductive health requires a balance between these two hormones. Since the scale in many women is tipped towards estrogen, a natural progesterone supplement, such as Resolve Wild Yam Emollient is helpful for many women. Don't overdo it with progesterone creams, however. You can also get too much progesterone. Symptoms of progesterone overdose include headache, weight gain, fatigue, water retention and depression.

Consider getting a test to see where your current hormone balance lies.