PHYTOESTROGENSPhytoestrogens (“phyto” means plants) mimic estrogen in the body in extremely low doses and they are found in the food we eat. They can act like natural supplements. They regulate the estrogen in the body, lowering them when they’re too high, and increasing them when they’re too low. They are probably the most effective natural alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Dr. Laura E. Corio, M.D. recommends getting your plant oestrogens through food, not from pills or powders. The protein in soy is necessary for it to work properly. She also warns against overdoing it. Don’t take supplements and pills and sprinkle them on everything you eat. This is just common sense. Balance is the key. Studies have shown a significant decrease in menopausal symptoms in women who took 50 mg of soya per day. If you’re the kind of person who wants to count all your diet nutrients in milligrams (I’m not), then I suggest you buy one of the hundreds of books on this topic. I found the following list of foods in Natural Therapies for Menopause by Nancy Beckham. In my recipe section of this website you will find suggestions on how to incorporate these foods into your regular diet. • Soybeans and most soy products (including soy milk, soy yogurt, tofu, soy pasta and soy baked goods) |