Myth- "estrogenic foods" ?

Anonymous

Myth- "estrogenic foods" ?

Anonymous

I read a statement by a member that said, It's a myth that so-called "estrogenic foods" make breast cancer worse.

My test results came back estrogen positive and I'm trying to lose weight, exercise and avoid estrogenic foods and incorporate foods that reduce estrogen levels.

Is this all a myth ?

Also, I'm curious what vitamins and supplements do you ladies take that are estrogen positive? 

Thanks!!

LorenaB

Rose, I attended a workshop given by a nutritionist from Dana Farber in Boston.  She talked about phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen) in soy and soy products.  She stated that the amount of estrogen in foods is generally much much smaller than what our bodies produce, so there is no need to avoid things like tofu, edamame, soy sauce etc.  However, it is a good idea not to ingest products with very high levels of soy, like protein powder or protein bars with more than 12g of "soy protein isolate." 

Of course this is just one person's advice, but it fits with my own belief system of "everything in moderation." 

Lauren

mamafig

Not all estrogen is bad. Our bodies produce different types of this.

The estrogen er+ women need to avoid is called estrodial. This is also the type of estrogen that increases in men as they age and can lead to prostate cancer. The AI's are suppose to block this type. 

tami48

My Onco told me that I couldn't take Black Cohash for hot flashes because of the phytoestrogen.   I'm ER+. 

donnat

 The effects of these foods are cumulative. Our intestines are so blocked with everyday processed  foods that we do not pass everything  through completely, so it has more time to sit and be absorbed. Being er+ for the last 10 yrs. I have done a lot of research on this topic. I think it is best to stay away from the yams, and any kind of soy product. You might look into eating more cruciferous vegetables ( kale,broccoli,cauliflower)As for vitamins I take whole food vitamins(less processed and from nature) by NewChapter.You can buy these at Wholefoods or your health food store. 

anondenet

Yes, it is a complete myth that so called "estrogenic" foods aggravate breast cancer.

All these breast cancer patients are avoiding foods, making themselves miserable for an what has become unmasked as an URBAN LEGEND.

There is not one shred of evidence to be found. In fact, as tym wrote above, the phytoestrogen black cohosh has even shown benefits for breast cancer patients.

Anonymous

Interesting ladies - thanks

 donnat - which exact vitamins do you take?

pip57

I have to agree with Lorena.  Everything in moderation.  I have read articles about soy, phytoestrogens and black cohosh that are on both sides of the argument.  

paige-allyson

I went through a period of soy and phytoestrogen phobia but am thankfully over it. You can get a little crazy with this stuff (or I can at least). Like Lauren I was recently advised that traditiona//natural forms of soy are okay in moderation but to avoid soy isolate. I don't worry about other phytoestrogens in my food. Based on the research it seems more productive to avoid fats, sugar, and alcohol. It's nice to have tofu and edamame on the menu again.