In an earlier post, women complained that they did not know the proper dose of soy-containing products to treat the symptoms of menopause, and had low confidence in the ability of healthcare professionals to provide this information.
Maybe now we know why.
Soy reportedly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol blood levels a little, while the data on probiotics are mixed.
Would it help to combine them? Here’s a study that tries. Continue reading Soy plus probiotic/prebiotic to lower cholesterol levels
Almost all supplements tested in this study contained measurable amounts of genistein and/or daidzein — known estrogenic agents. Continue reading Contaminated botanicals and dietary supplements
Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium and yin yan huo, is a source of phytoestrogens.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong report success using epimedium to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. Continue reading Horny goat weed to prevent bone loss during late postmenopause
In 2003, Professor Edzard Ernst writing on the Cochrane Collaboration website concluded, “Compared with placebo, kava extract is an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety although, at present, the size of the effect seems small.” Continue reading A critical review of herbals to treat anxiety and depression
I received some emails promoting Nature Made CholestOff. It contains plant extracts called phytonutrients, specifically phytosterols and phytostanols. They work by reducing the absorption of LDL “bad” cholesterol and total cholesterol from the intestines.
The ad emphasizes a 24% reduction in LDL cholesterol when combined with diet and exercise. However… Continue reading CholestOff reduces cholesterol, but not as much as advertised
Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna reviewed and reanalyzed the results from 25 studies of the treatment of the climacteric syndrome (menopause).
Their findings are not always clear-cut. Continue reading The value of phytoestrogens during menopause
Using soy foods to replace foods high in animal protein that contain fat and cholesterol might help improve cholesterol levels and confer benefits to cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.
Lipids Online has a good summary of a study just published in the journal, Menopause.
Continue reading Soy protein improves cholesterol in postmenopausal women
This past June, the American Heart Association (AHA) categorized soy as a dietary factor with unproven or uncertain effects on cardiovascular disease.
Recent studies do not confirm direct benefit of consuming soy on plasma cholesterol levels.
A quick Google search (“soy” and “blood pressure”) reveals the predominant view that soy has positive effects on the heart and significant (but mild) blood pressure lowering action in people with high blood pressure.
Here is another view.
Continue reading A contrarian view on soy protein and blood pressure
Previous studies on the effect of soy isoflavones on bone health have been disappointing. So, a positive response to soy isoflavones on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck is of interest.
Continue reading Effect of soy isoflavones on bone in postmenopausal women
A review of 13 randomized controlled studies reported, “supplementation with phytonadione and menaquinone-4 reduces bone loss. In the case of the latter, there’s a strong effect on incident fractures among Japanese patients.”
Here’s some background and then the facts.
Two studies published this year came to different conclusions on the value of soy isoflavones to prevent bone resorption (breakdown) in postmenopausal women.
First, the positive results.
Continue reading Conflicting results on the value of soy isoflavones on bone
Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those who are at high risk of heart disease or already have it. And I suppose when it becomes a prescription drug, it’s no longer complementary but integrated into mainstream medicine.
So, here’s one last (maybe) entry on N-3 PUFA (omega-3) taken from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Continue reading Recommendations for taking omega-3 fatty acids
Adriane Fugh-Berman, associate professor in the complementary medicine program at Georgetown University has chronicled the lack of good treatment alternatives for hot flashes.
My anecdotal experience is that soy gives me a headache. Not from eating it, but from reading about it!
Too much about soy sources, the fermentation processes, and oh those isoflavones. Way too much bloviating here, here, and here about the pros and cons of soy.
Sometimes you just have to cut through the fog and ask, What’s the bottom line on soy?
Thanks to a Washington state food market chain, here it is.