Broadway Wellness Naturopath Article of the Month
Article by Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND
Did You Know? Not All Estrogens Are Equal
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
You have probably heard that estrogen fuels breast cancer risk.
- It is important to know that not all estrogens pose the same level of risk.
- Our bodies naturally produce different types of estrogens and also convert them into many different metabolites.
- That means that how we metabolize estrogen can influence our risk.
- Some of the nutrients we can use to support healthy estrogen metabolism include DIM (diindolylmethane), calcium-d-glucarate, resveratrol, and probiotics
As some of you may know, I have been a plant-based eater all my life- since I was a kid and had an aversion to meat (much to my Croatian parents dismay!). Later, in my 30s on a month-long bike trip in Japan, I expanded my protein sources to bring in fish and seafood, which I know love. But beans beans beans and particularly SOYBEANS have been a big part of my daily intake most of my life. So, while I have my own take on soy and all, here is what the research says ⬇️
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds in foods that mimic estrogen. They include:
✔️ Isoflavones in soy
✔️ Lignans in flax seeds
✔️ Resveratrol in wine
Research shows that eating more phytoestrogens is correlated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women before menopause and a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence in women after menopause (PMID 35241506, 38070485).
How much?
The most risk reduction was in women who ate about 60 mg of soy isoflavones per day, or 2-3 servings of soy.
One caveat is that soy is a common allergen, often genetically engineered, high in pesticides and highly processed 😬
So look fororganic soy products that are minimally processed—like tofu, tempeh, miso, and edamame.
If you don’t want to make sense of all this by yourself and long for a personalized assessment and plan for hormonal health, this is what I love to do!
Another thing is that decisions related to breast cancer risk and estrogens need to be 1:1 and personalized, so if you want to understand better how to optimize your hormones and reduce your risk for disease down the road, I can help.
Also…. introducing an important hormone often overlooked: Progesterone
- While estrogen tends to get all the attention, both good and bad, we can’t overlook the importance of progesterone.
- In fact, progesterone is the first hormone to decrease during the perimenopause transition.
- Low levels of progesterone can lead to increased insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood swings.
- It’s crucial to pay attention to this hormone, as its decline can significantly affect your well-being.
If you are in perimenopause and noticing more disruptions in sleep, increases in anxiety, and heavier or more frequent bleeding, you may be low in progesterone.
Let’s talk!
You can book a consult with me and you can also join the podcast club- one of our next 2 podcast episodes includes one with Dr. Lara Briden, ND who talks and writes so eloquently about this neglected hormone.She sums it up succinctly in this blog How Science Got it Wrong About Progesterone
Last thing, 🙂 I want to share a big win for me and The Pink Zones project. I had an article published on the main page of Katie Couric Media (over 1 million subscribers!). Check it out here: From Invisible to Powerful
Join the Pink Zones Pink Zones Podcast Club! 🌸🎙️
Are you looking to enhance your health and happiness in midlife and beyond? Tired of the usual advice about battling belly fat and reversing aging? Welcome to the Pink Zones Podcast Club, where we explore a refreshing perspective on thriving through midlife and menopause!
What Are Pink Zones?
I’ve coined the term “Pink Zones” to describe the special conditions and environments where women truly flourish in midlife and beyond. It’s about more than just physical changes; it’s about embracing a vibrant and fulfilling life.
What is the Pink Zones Podcast Club?
Think of it as a book club, but with podcasts! Each month, we focus on a different theme related to cultivating Pink Zones. We curate two intriguing podcast episodes on that theme for you to listen to at your convenience.
How It Works:
- Listen at Your Own Pace: Enjoy the episodes whenever it fits into your schedule.
- Join the Discussion: Gather online once a month for a lively discussion about the episodes and share insights with like-minded individuals.
Why Join Us?
- Grow Your Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of topics relevant to your journey.
- Connect with Community: Engage with others who share your interests and experiences.
- Feel Inspired: Find motivation and support to embrace this vibrant stage of life.
Ready to find and foster your own Pink Zones?
Join the Pink Zones Podcast Club and be part of a community that’s redefining midlife!
Save the dates!
Thursdays Nov 14, Dec 12 at 6pm PST.
Warmly,
Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND
When you’re ready, here a few ways we can work together:
Virtual & Telemedicine Consults– Click Here To Book Online
In-person Care- Click Here to Book Online
Copyright © 2024 Dr. Heidi Lescanec, All rights reserved.
Founded in 2004, Broadway Wellness is a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic with many skilled therapists offering a broad range of health care modalities. In addition to Vancouver Registered Massage Therapy, we also offer Registered Acupuncture, Reflexology, and Naturopathic Medicine. We are located at Broadway and Willow, and have just moved to an updated, expansive location across the street – in the heart of the Broadway Corridor in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. You can view our therapists here. To book an appointment online, please click here.