Estrogens in food (phyto-estrogens) and endometriosis

Let's get a better understanding of eating foods that contain phyto-estrogens as many are worried they will make their endometriosis worse if they eat too many of these foods.


Phyto-estrogens relating to diet for endometriosis


The question is often asked by women who are confused about the subject of estrogenic foods in their diet. The concern is that eating foods that contain estrogenic compounds will make their endometriosis worse. On doing their research some are finding that foods that are listed as a recommendation to include in your diet to help endometriosis contain estrogenic properties. Therefore it is understandable that it would cause confusion. 


It is known that there are various foods that contain natural estrogens (called phytoestrogens) – but these are different estrogens from those found in the body. Phyto-estrogens are much less potent than the bodies own estrogens and are also excreted from the body much easier. It is thought that they actually block the body's estrogen receptor sites, thereby reducing the effect of a woman's own hormones. 



For this reason it is beneficial to have some phyto-estrogenic foods in your diet because the estrogenic compounds they contain will also block additional estrogens entering your system (those that can be found in the environment, toiletries etc., and help reduce estrogen dominance). BUT you do need to keep the consumption of these phyto-estrogens in balance and not over do it. 

Soy and phyto-estrogens

Soybeans provide an alternative source of protein and are often promoted because they are high in two estrogen-like plant compounds, genistein and daidzein. Both of these phyto-estrogens prevent your body from taking up the more harmful forms of estrogen circulating in your blood.

However, soy contains very high levels of phyto-estrogens and can interfere with nutrient absorption and may cause gut distress. Avoiding soy includes soy-based proteins used in alternative foods like soy milk, tofu and soy-based convenience meals.

What about home-cooking with soy beans?

Not only is it advisable to avoid commercial soy-based proteins, especially those found in vegetarian convenience foods, but adding soy beans to home-cooked dishes can also cause digestive problems as well.

-  Soybeans contain indigestible carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) that can cause bloating, gas, and nausea in some individuals.

-  Soy contains antinutrients like phytates and lectins, which can bind to minerals (like iron and zinc) and temporarily lower your body's ability to absorb these vital nutrients.

- Soy is one of the top food allergens and can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives, itching, or digestive distress.

- The molecular structure of soy closely resembles the molecular structure of gluten, which is known to contribute to inflammation and cause an immune response in people who have a sensitivity to gluten.

- Several studies have linked soy consumption to a reduction in the gut’s barrier function. Soy consumption may contribute to leaky gut syndrome, which can cause inflammation and problems with digestion like excess gas and bloating.

- Tests conducted in test tubes and on animals have found that some of the compounds contained in soy may reduce the function of the thyroid gland.

- The vast majority of soybeans grown globally are genetically modified (GMO) and are frequently treated with herbicides. When dealing with endometriosis it is strongly advised to avoid chemicals as much as possible, and consuming foods that have been covered in chemicals will only make matters worse.

Conclusion

When looking for advice online you are going to find polar opposite opinions as to whether soy consumption is good or bad for you. However, it always depends on who has written these articles and whether they have a vested interest in the particular point of view. From the details covered above it is clear that avoiding soy when you have endometriosis is the wiser option.

* You can read further details regarding soy and endometriosis HERE


Foods and phyto-estrogens

The active compounds in our foods are very complex. The key to using diet for endometriosis and phyto-estrogens is to keep things in balance. If you were to look closely at the list of estrogenic foods it would become clear that you are not going to consume these foods day in day out.


pyto-estrogens and diet


Your diet should be balanced and foods should be rotated. To give you some idea the foods that are most commonly listed as containing estrogenic compound (phyto-estrogens) are: 

  • Alfalfa – high phyto-estrogens
  • Animal flesh 
  • Apples
  • Baker's yeast
  • Barley
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Cucumbers
  • Dairy Foods 
  • Dates 
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Flax-seeds - high in phyto-estrogens
  • Garlic
  • Hops
  • Olives
  • Papaya
  • Parsley
  • Peas
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Pomegranates
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Red beans
  • Rhubarb
  • Rice
  • Soybean sprouts
  • Soybeans  - high in phyto-estrogens
  • Split peas
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Tomatoes
  • Wheat 
  • Yam


Its worth noting that these foods have varying levels of phytoestrogens and not all these foods will cause you problems. As noted above - it is advised to avoid soy products if you have thyroid issues as soy is known to make Hypothyroidism worse and may be involved in goitre development. 

Herbs and phyto-estrogens

There are various herbs that contain phyto-estrogens and the levels of phyto-estrogens in herbs are higher than in foods. These include: 

  • Clover
  • Red Clover tea
  • Liquorice
  • Motherwort
  • Anise
  • Hops
  • Fennel
  • Black cohosh
  • Don Quai
  • Ginseng
  • Royal jelly
  • Peony
  • Nettle
  • Sage


As you can see from this list, these are not the common herbs for every day culinary uses.  You do not need to worry about the usual herbs you currently use in your cooking - many of them have great healing benefits.




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About the Author

Hi, I am Carolyn Levett, the Founder here at endo-resolved - I am an Integrative Health Coach having studied nutrition, naturopathy and aromatherapy as well as being a published author of three endometriosis books. I used to suffer from severe endometriosis and was fortunate to be able to regained my health and recover from this disease with the support of nutrition, natural therapies and lots of determination.

My motivation is to help other women with endometriosis to heal their bodies so they may start to overcome this awful disease without having to totally rely on toxic drugs and surgeries which can cause further damage  -  with healing thoughts, Carolyn.



Reference:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoestrogen

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/

 

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