SOY update NOV 2012/flax

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purple32
purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
edited June 2014 in Alternative Medicine

Hi Ladies

I certainly know that there is mention of soy in numerous places, but where to post ?!

Soooo....I decided to start a new thread since this is a hot topic of debate.

I personally have been concerned about soy and have completely avoided it . My theory is " when in doubt,  DONT."

Having said that , the latest (DEC 2012) issue of PREVENTION mag  has an interesting paragraph ( pg 21)

THRIVE WITH SOY

" Soy, which contains estrogen- mimiking compunds,has been both lauded for easing hot flashes and feared for potentially increasing BC risk. But a new Vanderbilt University study shows that soy is safe and may even help BC pts. live longer.

Researchers looked at the diets of more than 9,000 survivors & found that those who ate the most soy had a  25% lower risk of recurrence. You dont need a lot- just 1/2 cup soy milk, 2 TBSP. soybeans or 2 oz tofu a day."

I also happened upon this website that not only claims Dr Weil recommends soy , but also the other hotly denated  item...flaxseed!
http://afterbreastcancerrevivingsurvivingthriving.com/wordpress/?p=179

Comments

  • rosyFL
    rosyFL Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2012

    Most of what I have read says no soy.  My endocrinologist said no soy. My onc hasn't said anything ??? I did stop the ground flax seed but may start adding them again.  I have finally found supplements without soy, and that was no easy task.  I do drink green tea and just found a Salmon Oil (without soy) as most other Omega 3 fish oils contain soy. 

    Purple 32,

    I'm glad you started this topic, because I think it's an important one.  I hope others will share their information too.

    Rosy

  • Jomama2
    Jomama2 Member Posts: 96
    edited November 2012

    I'm so glad you started this thread.  I will hunt for my info on soy and try to post some studies or findings. (had all my bookmarks and files stripped due to a computer ransom virus).   From what I've read, it's processed soy we need to avoid...such as soy protein isolate & soybean oil.  I think tofu, tempeh, edamame, and a bit of soy sauce are relatively safe. 

  • Bobbin
    Bobbin Member Posts: 40
    edited November 2012

    I've heard about the problems with soy, but never flax seed??  I thought it was supposed to pull estogen from the breast??  I've never heard to avoid it.  Do tell what you've read...

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited November 2012

    Well, I am still not sold so sure not trying to sell anyone else, but I did find the info interesting.

    Just wanted to share ..thats how we lean (and then decide !)

  • Jomama2
    Jomama2 Member Posts: 96
    edited November 2012

    One site I visit frequently is foodforbreastcancer. If you click on the "food" tab,  it lists, in alphabetical order, science based information on all sorts of food.  I find it to be helpful as far as vitamins and supplements, also. Here is the link (hopefully) on soy:

    http://foodforbreastcancer.com/food/soybeans

    If the link doesn't work, just go to their website and do a search.  There's also mention of flaxseed.

  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Member Posts: 1,931
    edited November 2012

    I don't eat highly processed soy, like soy protein isolate, but I do eat tofu and tempeh.  And per my CAM gyno and my naturopath, I put flaxseed in my morning smoothie.

  • wenweb
    wenweb Member Posts: 1,107
    edited November 2012

    This is so controversal (hence this thread) as I am sure you all know. This has been my understanding of the soy/flax delemma.  No, or limited soy isolates.  Tempeh and miso are ok because they are fermented.  I don't know why fermented soy is supposed to be ok, perhaps because its not processed.  I haven't been told anything directly about tofu, although I do eat it on occasion (ie: miso soup).  Flaxseed meal ok, flaxseed oil (liquid or capsules), not so much.  I don't know the direct reason why to that either.

    I used to use soy as my milk and no longer do, I have tried to be careful about supplements that contain soy (ie: fish oil and other supplements), but a person can only do so much.   Soy is in so many foods, because it's used as a filler.  Dr. Weil does not think we need to totally avoid it, and he is not the only one.  He does mention that it is  good to eat soy from an early age.  I have heard this is why Asian women have a lower BC rate than American women.   I feel that as in most things in life, moderation is key.  There would never be a way to say that eating soy or flax caused breast cancer, or a recurrence of.

    I think we each need to make our own personal choices, ones that make us comfortable, satiated, and able to sleep at night :)

  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Member Posts: 1,931
    edited November 2012

    I agree with wenweb.  

  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2012

    I recently found out I am allergic to soy.   Please share any info on this -- perhaps a recipe or 2.   Other allergies include  rice, almonds, eggs.   Do you know anyone allergic to rice?    Don't they usually give that to babies as a first "solid" ??

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited November 2012

    GramE

    I was allergic to milk/ formula as an infant so my mother said they gave me soybean formula! 

    JUST remembered that from your post !

    With all the controversy surrounding soy, I would just avoid it if I were you.  Same goes for rice.A google of rice and aresenic should show you what I mean.

    Take Care.

  • SeattleMama
    SeattleMama Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2012

    I started avoiding anything with soy for my daughter in particular.

    But sooooooooooooo many foods now have it added for no freakin' reason. 

    Keep in mind, almost 95% of USA soy is non organic, GMO.

    I agree with wenweb, I also heard that fermented ORGANIC, NONGMO soy is alright.

  • lightandwind
    lightandwind Member Posts: 754
    edited November 2012

    Thanks so much for posting this Purple. I've seen other articles that say the same thing, but it is good to have some updated information, since there has been so much controversy over these.

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited November 2012

    YW lightandwind!

    I dont know that it will convert anyone ( the jury is still out as far as I am concerned !) but at least it is food for thought and perhaps an area more ladies will want to research.

  • HLB
    HLB Member Posts: 1,760
    edited November 2012

    I went a holistic dr recently and he recommeded chia seeds. I use flax also but for those who are reluctant to use it, chia is a good substitute and I read that they are even better for you than flax. Many many benefits. They have to be ground though. I buy the whole and put 2 tablespoons in my smoothies. You can get a big bag at Costco for $10 and I think they're organic. Don't have the bag anymore because I transfer all items bought in plastic into a glass jar. Another thing the holistic guy recommended.

  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Member Posts: 1,931
    edited November 2012

    How come chia seeds have to be ground? I hadn't heard that about chia - just flaxseeds. 

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited November 2012

    Chia seeds don't have to be ground. You get the benefits either way, unlike flax.

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited November 2012

    My doc also says limited amounts of tempeh and miso are ok, just no dirivitives.

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