High oestrogen levels can impact woman's health and fertility. High oestrogen levels may increase the risk of blood clots, PMS, mood swings, tender breasts and inflammation! Let's take a look at 3 nutritional supplements that can improve oestrogen detoxification and support the body as a whole.
DIM
DIM stands for 3,3′-diindolylmethane and is a plant chemical extracted from cruciferous vegetables. This molecule has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, oestrogen balancing and detoxification activities <14> <15>.
Endometriosis is an oestrogen dominant inflammatory disease. Oestrogen is responsible for cell growth and endometrium tissue production. Endometriosis is not the endometrium but endometrial LIKE tissue growing in abnormal locations outside of the uterus. Excessive oestrogen can impact a woman’s body and can be increased in a myriad of ways.
This may by through increasing stress and dietary deficiencies. Through increasing inflammation, environmental toxins/oestrogens, synthetic hormones, immune dysfunction and in particular for endometriosis – abnormal endometrial like tissue.
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated an association between endometriosis and abnormal progesterone signalling. Unfortunately, endometriosis is complex but we must make sure your hormones are communicating healthily.
Our hormones are intricately intertwined with many different biological interactions. We want the ovaries, brain and endometrial tissues to be corresponding correctly. Hormones will also impact the abnormal endometriosis tissue and lesions.
Food sources (think green and leafy!): broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, watercress, and mustard greens. * Do not take DIM when on any type of contraception, unless advised by a health professional.
Probiotics
Endometriosis is a very complex condition, with a multitude of potential underlying factors – which is why it must be treated holistically. Research suggests that the gut microbiome is a major component. The gut microbiome plays a role in regulating abdominal tissues due to its strong association with the immune system.
The gut microbiome plays a large role in immune regulation. 70% of your immunity is thought to be regulated in the gut. Without a healthy gut microbiome, your body can suffer systemically.
It can suffer in nearly all aspects of health. Endometriotic lesions are often activated with over-stimulation of the immune system.
If you’ve been diagnosed with retrograde menstruation it can cause some problems. It can cause compounds to enter places they shouldn't around your pelvic region. These compounds could be menstrual blood debris, tissue fragments, iron and other inflammatory compounds.
Probiotics may help to reduce these processes by regulating associated inflammatory responses <18>. A healthy microbiome is critical to supporting endometriosis holistically <19>.
Digestive issues like bloating, gas, digestive pain, loose bowel movements and food intolerances can increase pain with endometriosis <20>. Digestion can be improved with the right probiotic supplements. There is a strong connection relating digestion, chronic inflammation and endometrial and endometrial like tissue. A healthy gut should be a high priority in your healing process.
Listen to your body – what are your triggers? Probiotics are excellent to support inflammation, immunity, digestion, mood and oestrogen metabolism <21>. If you’ve had anti-biotics or suffer from recurring thrush or urinary tract infections, this could indicate an imbalance. You could add in some healthy microbes to nourish your body through correct probiotic supplementation.
These great little microbes are safe and can do a world of benefit to your health. Look for a good quality probiotic with a minimum of 30 billion CFU’s.
It is best to speak with your consultant about specific probiotic strands for you). You can get an abundance of healthy bacteria from fermented foods! It’s super easy to make your own – why not try with your friends or family?
Food sources: Kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup and kombucha (careful that it isn’t too sugary). Kefir, plant-based kefirs, tempeh and apple cider vinegar (with the mother) are other examples of probiotic rich foods.
Adding these foods to your meals can improve fat and protein digestion. This is because the acidity can improve digestive secretions and available enzymes to breakdown your food. Win-Win!
B-vitamin complex
B-vitamins are pretty much required for every single metabolic function in your body – wowza! They are essential for energy production, fat/carbohydrate/protein metabolism, cellular growth, DNA and neuro-transmitter production.
A B-complex can help support healthy liver detoxification. It can also help ensure your body has all the required nutrients to support its natural processes, especially for oestrogen metabolism. B-vitamins are essential to Phase 1 and 2 detoxifications within the liver.
If you’re depleted in the B’s, oestrogens can become re-circulated and we don’t want that! If you’re on a contraceptive, research indicated you’re more susceptible to being depleted in B-vitamins, particularly B6, folate and B12 <12>. Therefore, this can create a problem.
These nutrients are important for a multitude of reactions. Specifically for healthy blood and neuro-transmitter formation. Hence yet another reason why you can feel a bit mentally and emotionally unwell when you’re depleted.
If you’re bleeding heavily or anaemic, taking an active form of B-vitamins with high bioavailability may considerably help you. Even more so if you’re vegan or vegetarian as Vitamins B6 & B12 are only derived from animals. It is vital that you are getting your required B-vitamins to ensure healthy DNA processes. Your red blood cells rely heavily on nutrients to make healthy an endometrium lining <13>.
Food sources: You will find B-vitamins in an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Particularly green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, grains, eggs and dairy products. So there you have it! 3 excellent supplements to help balance your hormones, nourish your endometrial lining, improve overall health and immunity.
References
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Written by: Renee Grandi, Nutritionist & Naturopath
About Renée Grandi | Women’s Health Expert
