Re: Fwd: UPDATE ON SOY CONTROVERSY ..

[Guest guest]

,

I have read much information on both sides on the soy and for me I can't touch

it. I think its wonderful that you are vegan. Being an animal lover I have

toyed all my life with giving it up but I don't know what I'd eat. I feel awful

without protein as I have blood sugar issues. I can't eat gluten and soy is out

because I am hypothyroid.

She does mention in the article that if you have thyroid problems you need to

address them before eating soy. What does that mean? Almost all lymies have

thyroid problems. Most of us stay hypothyroid for life so you don't just

address them and move on. She even further states that you are almost lucky if

soy exposes a thyroid problem.

I also feel that one can not state that they use soy to relieve menopausal

symptoms but at the same time say it does not act as a hormone. How could that

be.

As far as wether or not it causes breast cancer I have no thoughts either way

and that is not the reason why I eliminated it from my diet.

I eliminated it because I am hypothyroid. Soy is a goitronogenic (goiter

causing) food . That means it has an antithyroid effect and slows down the

thyroid. It does this by binding with iodine. Perhaps the asian have done so

well with the soy because they also intake more iodine and it balances out.

From every study I have read and it is hard to find solid answers to it the

Asians have just as high a percentage of thyroid problems as Americans. Soy

isoflavins are inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase which in even small amounts can

cause thyroid abnormalties.

I don't even eat small amounts of soy. I don't touch the other goitronogenic

food that also may be very healthy for people who do not have thyroid problems

such as Kale, broccoli, brussell sprouts etc.

Trust me I've cut so much out of my diet that I don't even like food anymore.

It is hard for me to maintain my weight at this point as I have really given up

most of the foods I love. I have to say that other than being a little too thin

I feel fantastic and have no trouble regulating my thyroid.

I would suggest that if you continue to eat soy you should supplement with

iodine and I don't know how much. If you told me I eat soy and I have a thyroid

problem but I feel great I would say keep eating it. I don't think thats where

you are at. You have to be the judge of that.

Tamara

>

> Here's the soy article I mentioned.

>

> ~

>

>

>

> Update on the soy controversy

> by Dixie Mills, MD (Breast Surgeon)

> We’ve wondered for a long time why there are still people who question the

> safety of soy foods and supplements. We’ve used soy at the clinic for 10

> years to help relieve menopausal symptoms, and we’ve reviewed all of the

> myths about it †" that soy causes breast cancer, interferes with tamoxifen

or

> the digestion of protein, causes developmental delays in infants fed soy

> formula, and many others. In our experience, and in countless studies we’ve

> looked at, we’ve found nothing to support these myths.

> Which only makes sense, since soy has been an important part of Asian

> diets for thousands of years and continues to be a popular food choice.

> Countless forms of soy foods and supplements available are everywhere †" from

soy

> bars, shakes, tofu, and milk sold in the grocery store to more exotic foods

> like sushi and edamame (young, natural soybeans boiled and served whole) †"

> and there is just no reason to believe that any of these foods are harmful.

> And yet, I keep hearing from women that they, their friends, or their

> partners are worried about the safety of soy.

> It’s absolutely true that soy products are not for everyone †" there are

> some women who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Other women have digestive

> or thyroid problems that need to be addressed before eating soy is a good

> idea. But I decided to research why soy has been fingered as a

“dangerousâ€

> food, and why some of these anti-soy voices are so angry, if not downright

> frightened, about a little green bean.

> Given that soy is eaten by millions of people around the world every day,

> it’s puzzling that some people regard soy so negatively. While I’m not

> sure that we’ve found all the answers, we here at Women to Women have looked

> into whether there is any scientific merit to the claims of those who

> demonize soy, and what we’ve found only confirms our understanding that soy

is a

> healthy food with many benefits for women. So let’s talk about who is

> campaigning so aggressively against soy, and take a look at the science behind

> this issue.

> Who is the voice against soy?

> There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating

> around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest

anti-soy

> voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting

> the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally

> Fallon, Kaayla T. , Enig, Ross and ph Mercola are all

> members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members.

> The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price,

> who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who

> enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition

agenda

> based solely on “nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble

> activators found exclusively in animal fats.â€

> The WAPF agrees with many of the same ideas we have about the benefits of

> whole, organic foods produced without harmful chemicals and additives. But

> their main principles disregard the fact that some of the longest-lived

> peoples in the world enjoy a diet that is rich in plant proteins †" not the

> least of which includes soy. And it is puzzling that they single out the

> soybean as harmful when it is a staple in so many healthful foods from around

> the world and has been shown to have health benefits from many years of

> ongoing research.

> What are their claims about soy?

> The internet is a marvelous invention, but just because anyone’s voice can

> be heard nowadays doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true †" or

worse,

> that it hasn’t been taken out of context. And some of the claims the

> shrillest voices are making against soy really are outrageous and

frightening.

> Here are just a few:

> * Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the

> potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.

> * Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in

> the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in

> girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.

> * Women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood [have]

> the lowest levels of cognitive function.

> This kind of “medicalese†is a problem because it almost sounds like real

> science †" enough so that others on the internet cite this website as a

> source for publishing some truly strange and ridiculous headlines of their

> own: Soy reduces penis size; or Tofu shrinks brains; or Soy is making

kids

> “gay.†It gets almost comical as the list goes on.

> It’s no wonder so many women are uncertain about the safety of soy †" but

> the good news is that there is just no real evidence behind these extreme

> claims. At Women to Women, we have examined hundreds of studies and

> reviews on soy from the leading peer-reviewed research journals around the

world.

> Everything we know so far about soy points to the many positive health

> benefits of soy products, or demonstrates inconclusive results. So I was

> interested to learn where these detractors were getting their information

from,

> and what I found was quite surprising.

> Faulty science and the campaign against soy

> One of the most important lessons in science and statistics for us to

> understand is that just because two factors seem related, does not mean one

> caused the other. Another is that we have to carefully examine how someone

> reaches their conclusions, because faulty reasoning leads to incorrect

> answers. So let’s look at the reasoning of the people who consider soy

unhealthy

> and see how it stacks up.

> Many of the most strident anti-soy groups list page after page of

> resources in support of their claims. To the untrained eye, it might appear as

> though there is scientific substantiation against soy. But more often than

not,

> they are misrepresenting the research findings. For example, I found that

> the WAPF listed articles or reports (not necessarily scientific studies) by

> year, out of context, without listing any other articles that came out that

> year, making it seem as though that one study was “the truth†for that

> year.

> Also, many of the studies on soy showing ambiguous results have been

> conducted on non-human subjects †" usually rats or other rodents. In much

the

> same way dogs can’t tolerate chocolate, rodents and humans can’t always

> digest the same foods or substances in the same ways. There are enough

> similarities that we can learn a lot by experiments in rats, but enough

differences

> that it’s important to know up front when rats, not humans, are the test

> subjects. Sometimes studies in animals give us the only information we have,

> but we need to be cautious about drawing conclusions from studies based on

> animal models. From there, the next step is to design a study to see

> whether the findings apply to humans as well. The WAPF doesn’t say that the

> studies were actually done on rats when they discuss the findings †" perhaps

> because doing so might make their claims seem less believable, without the

same

> results being seen in people.

> Here’s another kind of “sleight of hand†explanation the WAPF gives on

> their website. A study published in 1997 in the journal Pediatrics suggested

> that girls in the US are entering puberty at an earlier age than in the

> past, and here’s what the WAPF concluded:

> (WAPF) Our Comment: The widespread use of soy-based formula, beginning in

> the 1970’s, is a likely explanation for the increase in early maturation

> in girls.

> The study indeed came from Pediatrics, published in 1997 †" but nowhere in

> the article’s content or summary do the researchers ever link their

> findings to soy products. Here is how the authors themselves worded their

> conclusion:

> Conclusions. These data suggest that girls seen in a sample of pediatric

> practices from across the United States are developing pubertal

> characteristics at younger ages than currently used norms. Practitioners may

need to

> revise their criteria for referral of girls with precocious puberty, with

> attention to racial differences.

> The fact that more African-American girls were maturing earlier than in

> the past was one of the researchers’ points, in the context that precocious

> puberty creates social and psychological concerns. But because

> African-Americans in general have been shown to be more lactose-intolerant,

the WAPF

> leapt to the conclusion that soy must be the culprit without looking at the

> facts. In statistics, this is called a fallacy, and I could not find any

> literature to date that supports this idea. In fact, nearly all infant

> formulas, both cow milk and soy-based, contain corn syrup or sucrose,

providing

> calories that might contribute to obesity †" which in girls can lead to

early

> puberty. Unfortunately, this kind of “magical†guesswork can be found all

> over the internet when it comes to soy †" and without good science, many are

> resorting unnecessarily to scare tactics.

> The best thing we all can do is adopt a considered approach to the

> shouting match about soy. For whatever personal, political or economic

reasons,

> there are people out to make misleading, confusing, and downright scary

> statements about soy †" but a wild guess is just not the same thing as a

sound

> conclusion. We can counterbalance the loud, alarmist, but scientifically thin

> voices against soy with a mass of positive research data that speaks

> volumes about soy’s safety †" not to mention the fact that thousands, if

not

> millions, of people consume soy all the time with no ill effects!

> So let’s take the science at face value. While we know that science

doesn’

> t always get it right, there is a wealth of research that shows that when

> eaten in small amounts every day, soy can be an extremely healthy, low-fat,

> body-beneficial food that gives you lots of protein without a lot of

> harmful side effects. In other words, the good far outweighs the remote

> possibility of bad.

> But just so you can enjoy soy without worry, there are things you may want

> to know about how best to include soy in your diet, considering both

> health benefits and concerns.

> The heart of the soy controversy †" soy isoflavones

> Soybeans and many other legumes contain compounds called “isoflavonesâ€,

> and it is these compounds that many in the anti-soy camp point to as the

> main “danger†of soy. They argue that because isoflavones are

phytoestrogens †"

> that is, their molecules share similarities with the estradiol molecule,

> the major estrogen hormone in human beings †" consuming soy products could

> promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers in women.

> Faults in the argument against soy:

> * BIAS: Using only research that supports one point of view while

> ignoring studies that contradict it.

> * OVERGENERALIZATION: Assuming that the results of a small number of

> limited studies is directly applicable to all human beings.

> * LEAPS OF LOGIC: Drawing conclusions unrelated to the goals or

> methods of particular research studies.

> * FALLACY: Making assumptions about the relationship between two

> pieces of information without testing that relationship (correlation does not

> equal causation).

> Phytoestrogens do have the ability to interact with estrogen receptors in

> our bodies, where they can evoke similar types of responses that the

> hormone causes or alternatively, block those effects. But many people don’t

> realize that the intensity of an estrogen receptor’s bond with isoflavones

is

> much, much weaker (a thousand times or so) than estradiol’s. The duration

of

> the response may also be different and, unlike synthetic estrogens,

> phytoestrogens do not accumulate in the body but pass through in a matter of

> hours. Isoflavones also function as antioxidants, counteracting free radicals

in

> our tissues, which may be why some research shows they can protect against

> cancer.

> We explain this in much more detail in our article on phytotherapy but

> the bottom line is that soy isoflavones are not the same as our own estrogen,

> so eating soy does not cause us to have more estrogen in our bodies. Even

> more good news is that in many of the studies on soy isoflavones that look

> at soy isoflavone intake and cancers, cardiovascular risks, brain

> dysfunction, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms, researchers found either

> favorable, promising, or else inconclusive effects. In other words, at

minimum, soy

> isoflavones show no harmful effect.

> And there are many possible explanations for why results can be “

> inconclusive,†including study design and limitations. Every woman’s body

is

> unique; therefore, how bioavailable phytoestrogens become in our bodies after

we

> eat them depends on many variables: our individual genetic make-up, our

> digestion and metabolism, what else we eat †" even our native gut flora. All

of

> these influence our ability to reap health benefits from soy isoflavones.

> Also, it’s important to remember that these studies do not take into

> account what else is going on in a subject’s life, and what other lifestyle

> changes she might be experiencing (or may need to address).

> At the clinic, we recommend soy as a natural, therapeutic treatment to

> help women with many aspects of their health, including hormonal balance,

> because so many of our patients find it helpful. We’ve seen years of case

> studies and research that suggests that adding soy to the diet †" or

appropriate

> dosages of isoflavones †" can sometimes help menopausal symptoms, although

> not everyone experiences uniform relief.

> While there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for any problem, what I

> can say about the safety of soy is that scientists from several countries

> recently examined more than 200 isoflavone studies and concluded that “the

> current literature supports the safety of isoflavones as typically consumed in

> diets based on soy or containing soy products.â€

> I think the key piece that women can walk away with is the word “typically.

> †Because how much soy isoflavones we eat †" and in what form †" matters

> when thinking about how to best include soy into our diets.

> Whole bean vs. germ †" go for the way it’s found in nature

> At Women to Women, we encourage our patients to consume soy as close to

> whole form as possible. This is because the greatest benefits of eating soy

> come from following an isoflavone ratio close to that found in the whole

> soybean, which is similar to the ratio found in healthy Asian diets. As long

> as whatever soy products you eat are made from whole soy, you’re getting soy

> as Nature intended.

> But there is a difference between consuming the whole bean and taking

> supplements made from the germ only. Take a look at our “soybean†to see

the

> difference in isoflavone ratios:

>

>

> Source: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1999.

> USDA†" Iowa State University database on the isoflavone content of foods.

> URL: _http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf_

> (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf) (accessed

> 04.23.2008).

> Of the many isoflavones that occur naturally in plants, genistein,

> daidzein, and glycitein are the primary ones found in soybeans. As you can

see

> above, soybeans typically include at about 50% genistein, 40% daidzein, and

up

> to 10% glycitein forms. In contrast, soy germ isoflavone products

> typically contain only 20% genistein, 40% daidzein, and 40% glycitein.

> What do all of these numbers mean?

> Well, if a product lists 100 milligrams of isoflavones, you don’t really

> know what the ratio of those isoflavones is unless the manufacturer lists

> the ratios for you. Since genistein has the most noted beneficial effects in

> humans, and whole soybean is much higher in genistein than the soy germ,

> eating soy products or supplements that are made from the whole bean gives

> you more of the therapeutic effects that we see in the clinic.

> How much soy is healthy?

> We don’t really know yet whether any particular soy isolates taken by

> themselves are as safe as or effective as whole soy foods, but what we do know

> is that we can get the most benefits when we consume small amounts of

> isoflavone-rich foods throughout the day, as part of a regular, lifelong

eating

> habit.

> Another key to separating the facts from the misleading information is to

> look at isoflavone dosage. Studies often cited by soy critics use isolated

> compounds containing amounts of isoflavones that far exceed what a person

> would normally eat. Soy experts analyzing populations in major

> soy-consuming countries report isoflavones intakes varying between

approximately 25†" 80

> milligrams of isoflavones per day. Studies also show intake at the upper

> end of that range to be both safe and highest in therapeutic value. Again,

> let’s not forget that Asian cultures have not only been enjoying soybeans

in

> their diet for thousands of years, but likewise they enjoy longer

> lifespans, less heart disease, and lower rates of obesity and cancer.

> But just as with any other food, it’s best to make soy one of a variety of

> healthy choices rather than making it the major focus of your diet †"

> especially if you’re concerned about your breast health or your thyroid.

> Addressing your health concerns and soy

> * Breast health

>

> As a breast surgeon, I’m frequently asked about soy’s estrogenic

> qualities, and whether phytoestrogens are helpful or detrimental for

prevention or

> treatment of breast cancer. Patients also want to use alternatives to

> hormone replacement and are curious about soy products, foods, supplements,

> isolates and phytoestrogens, but are deeply concerned about the safety of soy

> and breast health.

>

> After years of research, we know that the soy isoflavones genistein and

> daidzein have a very weak estrogen-like effect, but unlike real estrogens,

> they do not allow cells to proliferate. As mentioned above, soy isoflavones

> can weakly bond with estrogen receptors on a cell, making the cell resistant

> to the more reactive hormonal form of estrogen. For women, this blockade

> may prevent certain cell processes from turning on, which can stimulate it

> to grow or possibly mutate. The lower rate of breast cancer in Asian

> societies that eat a lot of soy is often quoted in support of this concept.

>

> But given so many genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors (Asian women

> begin eating a regular soy diet much sooner, with more consistency, and they

> also include more omega-3’s in their diets), there is not enough evidence

> yet to support eating soy as a cure for breast health in non-Asian women.

> * Soy and tamoxifen

>

> Some doctors and healthcare practitioners have long recommended that women

> with breast cancer and anyone at high risk for it avoid soy, because of

> genistein’s weak estrogenic effects on breast cells. Studies in mice show

> that genistein may actually help override cancer cells’ resistance to

> tamoxifen, which suggests it might be useful in combination with this drug or

other

> types of chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. But researchers also

> recognize that the links between genistein and tamoxifen therapy warrant

further

> examination in humans.

>

> Studies in humans have shown that in Asian women, “there was no evidence

> of soy intake adversely affecting levels of tamoxifen... [Yet] age,

> menopausal status, BMI, and the use of hypertensive medications significantly

> influenced circulating levels of tamoxifen.†Without definitive science

either

> way, it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer for women, but

> recommendations to avoid soy foods are not based on any clinical evidence to

> support this advice. In fact, several FDA-approved clinical trials are

> currently going on with breast cancer patients using soy.

>

>

> * Thyroid concerns

>

> It is true that if someone has a hidden thyroid problem, eating soy

> regularly can uncover it. That doesn’t mean soy caused the problem, only

that

> certain properties of soy made the problem more obvious †" and that’s a

good

> thing, because it helps you to address the problem!

>

> When soy exposes a thyroid deficiency, one possibility is that you have

> not been getting enough iodine. For a healthy, iodine-replete individual, soy

> is very beneficial, but if you do have a thyroid problem and you consume

> large quantities of soy without first looking into your iodine status, there

> is a remote risk of developing a goiter. Ensuring that your iodine levels

> are adequate, and learning how to balance your body’s needs adequately,

> will eliminate this risk.

> So what do I tell my patients who are eager to try, or continue eating,

> soy in the face of breast cancer? My best recommendation is this: if they

> have been eating soy regularly in their diet, it is safe to continue.

However,

> I advise moderation. My bottom line is that there are still many things we

> don’t know about how breast cancer behaves in individual women, so women

> should be able to have frank conversations with their healthcare

> professionals if they have any concerns about including soy in their diet.

And when it

> comes to your thyroid health, if you have a personal or family history of

> thyroid disorders, the same holds true: having open discussions with your

> physician about your concerns, and using soy products in moderation, is

> always a wise choice.

> Enjoying soy the right way

> We feel very excited about what we’ve uncovered. Soy is good for us! This

> is great news! While soy itself is innocent, however, there’s no question

> that it has become a political issue. Some will probably continue to revile

> it as “poison,†while others will continue to sing its praises as the “

> miracle food.†Neither extreme is the right approach. We really don’t

need to

> build a mythology around it: a soybean is just a soybean. There are some

> people who love the flavor of soymilks or yoghurts over dairy, and there are

> others who prefer the taste of cow’s milk. But if you’re still a little

> uncertain about eating soy, here are a few easy rules-of-thumb to follow:

> * Try to include soy regularly in your diet, averaging 25†" 50 mg soy

> isoflavones per day will give you the basic benefits.

> * If you are using soy for menopausal symptoms, target a higher

> initial therapeutic dose of 80†" 100 mg soy isoflavones per day for best

results.

>

> * Choose whole food products (like tofu or edamame) or supplements

> made from whole soybeans.

> * Make sure your soybeans are from a reliable, quality source †"

> choose soy products that contain no GMO’s (genetically modified organisms)

and

> look for organic foods whenever possible.

> * If you have thyroid concerns, breast health issues, allergies, or

> problems with digestibility, speak with your healthcare practitioner before

> eating large quantities of soy.

> At Women to Women, we believe that knowledge is power, and where that

> knowledge comes from is just as important as the source of the foods we eat.

> Finding reliable sources that aren’t one-sided is the best way to get the

big

> picture, especially when it comes to issues that are so politicized. So

> after reading the above bullet points, speak with your healthcare

practitioner

> if you’re still concerned about including soy in your diet. Otherwise,

> rest assured that for most women, these wondrous green beans are part of a

> diet that is healthy, flavorful, and above all †" safe.

>

[Guest guest]

I could punch all kinds of holes in the article above, but don't have the time or energy. As for me, I'll stick with Price and Mercola.  Mercola could make $$$$ if he would endorse soy and use it in his supplements - he has nothing to gain by condemning soy.  The soy lobby is very powerful (being an over 90% GMO product), their propaganda is great. Do what you will, but I cringe every time I see people purchase soy infant formula or milk for their children or soy in general. Children do not need these amounts of estrogen. (maybe menopausal women, but even then I'm able to balance my hormones other ways)

We have old friends who are vegan. He suffers from infertility at only 30.  They became vegans probably 5 years before trying to conceive. He said the docs couldn't figure out why his sperm count and mobility is next to nothing, that his labs were normal.  I asked him if I could see his labs and I could see at least part of the picture (he didn't have a hormone panel). His labs were not normal - but I can see an allopath saying this. The part I saw was totally vegan related.  A quick search on 'vegan, infertility' will give you an idea - and that's exactly what his labs looked like (I don't remember all of the details it was 4 years ago - still no baby).  Additionally, he thought he was eating 'so healthy' and his fasting glucose was 99! That's what granola bars and rice cakes will do to you.  His doctor didn't even mention his fasting glucose was a problem, let alone his B12 and others.  I think he and his wife ate fairly smart: beans and rice and veggies, but they did have plenty of white tortillas, granola bars and other high glycemic carbs.

My doc was trained as a chiro and she is a total 'nature lover', tree hugger, love the earth, muscling testing, tap into your karma/ reike type. I would totally expect her to be a vegan or at least vegetarian - she is adamantly apposed to it and says that her sickest patients are vegans. Not at first, but down the road.  She said she offered to pay one her patients to eat some meat because she was so ill due to her diet.

We must all make up our minds and our bodies belong to us. I am not suggesting you do other than what your conscious guides you, nor to discourage you on this forum. I post this information for others who are reading the thread. People should study both sides of the argument - including who wrote it and their agenda in writing it. It isn't always to make $$.

For me and my health, I choose to eat organic meat. I eat no shellfish or pork, and very little fish these days. I will continue to drink my raw milk from down the road, get my beef from a local farmer and enjoy my creme brulee, cheesecake and grilled cheese sandwich every so often - life is just too short, especially with Lyme. My motto is to eat organic and to eat food as close to it's natural source as possible - no margarine, real butter, whole grains, eggs, real maple syrup, no processed meat, but real meat, etc.

Be well,

 

,

I have read much information on both sides on the soy and for me I can't touch it. I think its wonderful that you are vegan. Being an animal lover I have toyed all my life with giving it up but I don't know what I'd eat. I feel awful without protein as I have blood sugar issues. I can't eat gluten and soy is out because I am hypothyroid.

She does mention in the article that if you have thyroid problems you need to address them before eating soy. What does that mean? Almost all lymies have thyroid problems. Most of us stay hypothyroid for life so you don't just address them and move on. She even further states that you are almost lucky if soy exposes a thyroid problem.

I also feel that one can not state that they use soy to relieve menopausal symptoms but at the same time say it does not act as a hormone. How could that be.

As far as wether or not it causes breast cancer I have no thoughts either way and that is not the reason why I eliminated it from my diet.

I eliminated it because I am hypothyroid. Soy is a goitronogenic (goiter causing) food . That means it has an antithyroid effect and slows down the thyroid. It does this by binding with iodine. Perhaps the asian have done so well with the soy because they also intake more iodine and it balances out. From every study I have read and it is hard to find solid answers to it the Asians have just as high a percentage of thyroid problems as Americans. Soy isoflavins are inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase which in even small amounts can cause thyroid abnormalties.

I don't even eat small amounts of soy. I don't touch the other goitronogenic food that also may be very healthy for people who do not have thyroid problems such as Kale, broccoli, brussell sprouts etc.

Trust me I've cut so much out of my diet that I don't even like food anymore. It is hard for me to maintain my weight at this point as I have really given up most of the foods I love. I have to say that other than being a little too thin I feel fantastic and have no trouble regulating my thyroid.

I would suggest that if you continue to eat soy you should supplement with iodine and I don't know how much. If you told me I eat soy and I have a thyroid problem but I feel great I would say keep eating it. I don't think thats where you are at. You have to be the judge of that.

Tamara

>

> Here's the soy article I mentioned.

>

> ~

>

>

>

> Update on the soy controversy

> by Dixie Mills, MD (Breast Surgeon)

> We’ve wondered for a long time why there are still people who question the

> safety of soy foods and supplements. We’ve used soy at the clinic for 10

> years to help relieve menopausal symptoms, and we’ve reviewed all of the

> myths about it †" that soy causes breast cancer, interferes with tamoxifen or

> the digestion of protein, causes developmental delays in infants fed soy

> formula, and many others. In our experience, and in countless studies we’ve

> looked at, we’ve found nothing to support these myths.

> Which only makes sense, since soy has been an important part of Asian

> diets for thousands of years and continues to be a popular food choice.

> Countless forms of soy foods and supplements available are everywhere †" from soy

> bars, shakes, tofu, and milk sold in the grocery store to more exotic foods

> like sushi and edamame (young, natural soybeans boiled and served whole) †"

> and there is just no reason to believe that any of these foods are harmful.

> And yet, I keep hearing from women that they, their friends, or their

> partners are worried about the safety of soy.

> It’s absolutely true that soy products are not for everyone †" there are

> some women who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Other women have digestive

> or thyroid problems that need to be addressed before eating soy is a good

> idea. But I decided to research why soy has been fingered as a “dangerousâ€

> food, and why some of these anti-soy voices are so angry, if not downright

> frightened, about a little green bean.

> Given that soy is eaten by millions of people around the world every day,

> it’s puzzling that some people regard soy so negatively. While I’m not

> sure that we’ve found all the answers, we here at Women to Women have looked

> into whether there is any scientific merit to the claims of those who

> demonize soy, and what we’ve found only confirms our understanding that soy is a

> healthy food with many benefits for women. So let’s talk about who is

> campaigning so aggressively against soy, and take a look at the science behind

> this issue.

> Who is the voice against soy?

> There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating

> around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest anti-soy

> voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting

> the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally

> Fallon, Kaayla T. , Enig, Ross and ph Mercola are all

> members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members.

> The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price,

> who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who

> enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition agenda

> based solely on “nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble

> activators found exclusively in animal fats.â€

> The WAPF agrees with many of the same ideas we have about the benefits of

> whole, organic foods produced without harmful chemicals and additives. But

> their main principles disregard the fact that some of the longest-lived

> peoples in the world enjoy a diet that is rich in plant proteins †" not the

> least of which includes soy. And it is puzzling that they single out the

> soybean as harmful when it is a staple in so many healthful foods from around

> the world and has been shown to have health benefits from many years of

> ongoing research.

> What are their claims about soy?

> The internet is a marvelous invention, but just because anyone’s voice can

> be heard nowadays doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true †" or worse,

> that it hasn’t been taken out of context. And some of the claims the

> shrillest voices are making against soy really are outrageous and frightening.

> Here are just a few:

> * Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the

> potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.

> * Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in

> the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in

> girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.

> * Women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood [have]

> the lowest levels of cognitive function.

> This kind of “medicalese†is a problem because it almost sounds like real

> science †" enough so that others on the internet cite this website as a

> source for publishing some truly strange and ridiculous headlines of their

> own: Soy reduces penis size; or Tofu shrinks brains; or Soy is making kids

> “gay.†It gets almost comical as the list goes on.

> It’s no wonder so many women are uncertain about the safety of soy †" but

> the good news is that there is just no real evidence behind these extreme

> claims. At Women to Women, we have examined hundreds of studies and

> reviews on soy from the leading peer-reviewed research journals around the world.

> Everything we know so far about soy points to the many positive health

> benefits of soy products, or demonstrates inconclusive results. So I was

> interested to learn where these detractors were getting their information from,

> and what I found was quite surprising.

> Faulty science and the campaign against soy

> One of the most important lessons in science and statistics for us to

> understand is that just because two factors seem related, does not mean one

> caused the other. Another is that we have to carefully examine how someone

> reaches their conclusions, because faulty reasoning leads to incorrect

> answers. So let’s look at the reasoning of the people who consider soy unhealthy

> and see how it stacks up.

> Many of the most strident anti-soy groups list page after page of

> resources in support of their claims. To the untrained eye, it might appear as

> though there is scientific substantiation against soy. But more often than not,

> they are misrepresenting the research findings. For example, I found that

> the WAPF listed articles or reports (not necessarily scientific studies) by

> year, out of context, without listing any other articles that came out that

> year, making it seem as though that one study was “the truth†for that

> year.

> Also, many of the studies on soy showing ambiguous results have been

> conducted on non-human subjects †" usually rats or other rodents. In much the

> same way dogs can’t tolerate chocolate, rodents and humans can’t always

> digest the same foods or substances in the same ways. There are enough

> similarities that we can learn a lot by experiments in rats, but enough differences

> that it’s important to know up front when rats, not humans, are the test

> subjects. Sometimes studies in animals give us the only information we have,

> but we need to be cautious about drawing conclusions from studies based on

> animal models. From there, the next step is to design a study to see

> whether the findings apply to humans as well. The WAPF doesn’t say that the

> studies were actually done on rats when they discuss the findings †" perhaps

> because doing so might make their claims seem less believable, without the same

> results being seen in people.

> Here’s another kind of “sleight of hand†explanation the WAPF gives on

> their website. A study published in 1997 in the journal Pediatrics suggested

> that girls in the US are entering puberty at an earlier age than in the

> past, and here’s what the WAPF concluded:

> (WAPF) Our Comment: The widespread use of soy-based formula, beginning in

> the 1970’s, is a likely explanation for the increase in early maturation

> in girls.

> The study indeed came from Pediatrics, published in 1997 †" but nowhere in

> the article’s content or summary do the researchers ever link their

> findings to soy products. Here is how the authors themselves worded their

> conclusion:

> Conclusions. These data suggest that girls seen in a sample of pediatric

> practices from across the United States are developing pubertal

> characteristics at younger ages than currently used norms. Practitioners may need to

> revise their criteria for referral of girls with precocious puberty, with

> attention to racial differences.

> The fact that more African-American girls were maturing earlier than in

> the past was one of the researchers’ points, in the context that precocious

> puberty creates social and psychological concerns. But because

> African-Americans in general have been shown to be more lactose-intolerant, the WAPF

> leapt to the conclusion that soy must be the culprit without looking at the

> facts. In statistics, this is called a fallacy, and I could not find any

> literature to date that supports this idea. In fact, nearly all infant

> formulas, both cow milk and soy-based, contain corn syrup or sucrose, providing

> calories that might contribute to obesity †" which in girls can lead to early

> puberty. Unfortunately, this kind of “magical†guesswork can be found all

> over the internet when it comes to soy †" and without good science, many are

> resorting unnecessarily to scare tactics.

> The best thing we all can do is adopt a considered approach to the

> shouting match about soy. For whatever personal, political or economic reasons,

> there are people out to make misleading, confusing, and downright scary

> statements about soy †" but a wild guess is just not the same thing as a sound

> conclusion. We can counterbalance the loud, alarmist, but scientifically thin

> voices against soy with a mass of positive research data that speaks

> volumes about soy’s safety †" not to mention the fact that thousands, if not

> millions, of people consume soy all the time with no ill effects!

> So let’s take the science at face value. While we know that science doesn’

> t always get it right, there is a wealth of research that shows that when

> eaten in small amounts every day, soy can be an extremely healthy, low-fat,

> body-beneficial food that gives you lots of protein without a lot of

> harmful side effects. In other words, the good far outweighs the remote

> possibility of bad.

> But just so you can enjoy soy without worry, there are things you may want

> to know about how best to include soy in your diet, considering both

> health benefits and concerns.

> The heart of the soy controversy †" soy isoflavones

> Soybeans and many other legumes contain compounds called “isoflavones†,

> and it is these compounds that many in the anti-soy camp point to as the

> main “danger†of soy. They argue that because isoflavones are phytoestrogens †"

> that is, their molecules share similarities with the estradiol molecule,

> the major estrogen hormone in human beings †" consuming soy products could

> promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers in women.

> Faults in the argument against soy:

> * BIAS: Using only research that supports one point of view while

> ignoring studies that contradict it.

> * OVERGENERALIZATION: Assuming that the results of a small number of

> limited studies is directly applicable to all human beings.

> * LEAPS OF LOGIC: Drawing conclusions unrelated to the goals or

> methods of particular research studies.

> * FALLACY: Making assumptions about the relationship between two

> pieces of information without testing that relationship (correlation does not

> equal causation).

> Phytoestrogens do have the ability to interact with estrogen receptors in

> our bodies, where they can evoke similar types of responses that the

> hormone causes or alternatively, block those effects. But many people don’t

> realize that the intensity of an estrogen receptor’s bond with isoflavones is

> much, much weaker (a thousand times or so) than estradiol’s. The duration of

> the response may also be different and, unlike synthetic estrogens,

> phytoestrogens do not accumulate in the body but pass through in a matter of

> hours. Isoflavones also function as antioxidants, counteracting free radicals in

> our tissues, which may be why some research shows they can protect against

> cancer.

> We explain this in much more detail in our article on phytotherapy but

> the bottom line is that soy isoflavones are not the same as our own estrogen,

> so eating soy does not cause us to have more estrogen in our bodies. Even

> more good news is that in many of the studies on soy isoflavones that look

> at soy isoflavone intake and cancers, cardiovascular risks, brain

> dysfunction, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms, researchers found either

> favorable, promising, or else inconclusive effects. In other words, at minimum, soy

> isoflavones show no harmful effect.

> And there are many possible explanations for why results can be “

> inconclusive,†including study design and limitations. Every woman’s body is

> unique; therefore, how bioavailable phytoestrogens become in our bodies after we

> eat them depends on many variables: our individual genetic make-up, our

> digestion and metabolism, what else we eat †" even our native gut flora. All of

> these influence our ability to reap health benefits from soy isoflavones.

> Also, it’s important to remember that these studies do not take into

> account what else is going on in a subject’s life, and what other lifestyle

> changes she might be experiencing (or may need to address).

> At the clinic, we recommend soy as a natural, therapeutic treatment to

> help women with many aspects of their health, including hormonal balance,

> because so many of our patients find it helpful. We’ve seen years of case

> studies and research that suggests that adding soy to the diet †" or appropriate

> dosages of isoflavones †" can sometimes help menopausal symptoms, although

> not everyone experiences uniform relief.

> While there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for any problem, what I

> can say about the safety of soy is that scientists from several countries

> recently examined more than 200 isoflavone studies and concluded that “the

> current literature supports the safety of isoflavones as typically consumed in

> diets based on soy or containing soy products.â€

> I think the key piece that women can walk away with is the word “typically.

> †Because how much soy isoflavones we eat †" and in what form †" matters

> when thinking about how to best include soy into our diets.

> Whole bean vs. germ †" go for the way it’s found in nature

> At Women to Women, we encourage our patients to consume soy as close to

> whole form as possible. This is because the greatest benefits of eating soy

> come from following an isoflavone ratio close to that found in the whole

> soybean, which is similar to the ratio found in healthy Asian diets. As long

> as whatever soy products you eat are made from whole soy, you’re getting soy

> as Nature intended.

> But there is a difference between consuming the whole bean and taking

> supplements made from the germ only. Take a look at our “soybean†to see the

> difference in isoflavone ratios:

>

>

> Source: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1999.

> USDA†" Iowa State University database on the isoflavone content of foods.

> URL: _http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf_

> (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf) (accessed

> 04.23.2008).

> Of the many isoflavones that occur naturally in plants, genistein,

> daidzein, and glycitein are the primary ones found in soybeans. As you can see

> above, soybeans typically include at about 50% genistein, 40% daidzein, and up

> to 10% glycitein forms. In contrast, soy germ isoflavone products

> typically contain only 20% genistein, 40% daidzein, and 40% glycitein.

> What do all of these numbers mean?

> Well, if a product lists 100 milligrams of isoflavones, you don’t really

> know what the ratio of those isoflavones is unless the manufacturer lists

> the ratios for you. Since genistein has the most noted beneficial effects in

> humans, and whole soybean is much higher in genistein than the soy germ,

> eating soy products or supplements that are made from the whole bean gives

> you more of the therapeutic effects that we see in the clinic.

> How much soy is healthy?

> We don’t really know yet whether any particular soy isolates taken by

> themselves are as safe as or effective as whole soy foods, but what we do know

> is that we can get the most benefits when we consume small amounts of

> isoflavone-rich foods throughout the day, as part of a regular, lifelong eating

> habit.

> Another key to separating the facts from the misleading information is to

> look at isoflavone dosage. Studies often cited by soy critics use isolated

> compounds containing amounts of isoflavones that far exceed what a person

> would normally eat. Soy experts analyzing populations in major

> soy-consuming countries report isoflavones intakes varying between approximately 25†" 80

> milligrams of isoflavones per day. Studies also show intake at the upper

> end of that range to be both safe and highest in therapeutic value. Again,

> let’s not forget that Asian cultures have not only been enjoying soybeans in

> their diet for thousands of years, but likewise they enjoy longer

> lifespans, less heart disease, and lower rates of obesity and cancer.

> But just as with any other food, it’s best to make soy one of a variety of

> healthy choices rather than making it the major focus of your diet †"

> especially if you’re concerned about your breast health or your thyroid.

> Addressing your health concerns and soy

> * Breast health

>

> As a breast surgeon, I’m frequently asked about soy’s estrogenic

> qualities, and whether phytoestrogens are helpful or detrimental for prevention or

> treatment of breast cancer. Patients also want to use alternatives to

> hormone replacement and are curious about soy products, foods, supplements,

> isolates and phytoestrogens, but are deeply concerned about the safety of soy

> and breast health.

>

> After years of research, we know that the soy isoflavones genistein and

> daidzein have a very weak estrogen-like effect, but unlike real estrogens,

> they do not allow cells to proliferate. As mentioned above, soy isoflavones

> can weakly bond with estrogen receptors on a cell, making the cell resistant

> to the more reactive hormonal form of estrogen. For women, this blockade

> may prevent certain cell processes from turning on, which can stimulate it

> to grow or possibly mutate. The lower rate of breast cancer in Asian

> societies that eat a lot of soy is often quoted in support of this concept.

>

> But given so many genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors (Asian women

> begin eating a regular soy diet much sooner, with more consistency, and they

> also include more omega-3’s in their diets), there is not enough evidence

> yet to support eating soy as a cure for breast health in non-Asian women.

> * Soy and tamoxifen

>

> Some doctors and healthcare practitioners have long recommended that women

> with breast cancer and anyone at high risk for it avoid soy, because of

> genistein’s weak estrogenic effects on breast cells. Studies in mice show

> that genistein may actually help override cancer cells’ resistance to

> tamoxifen, which suggests it might be useful in combination with this drug or other

> types of chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. But researchers also

> recognize that the links between genistein and tamoxifen therapy warrant further

> examination in humans.

>

> Studies in humans have shown that in Asian women, “there was no evidence

> of soy intake adversely affecting levels of tamoxifen... [Yet] age,

> menopausal status, BMI, and the use of hypertensive medications significantly

> influenced circulating levels of tamoxifen.†Without definitive science either

> way, it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer for women, but

> recommendations to avoid soy foods are not based on any clinical evidence to

> support this advice. In fact, several FDA-approved clinical trials are

> currently going on with breast cancer patients using soy.

>

>

> * Thyroid concerns

>

> It is true that if someone has a hidden thyroid problem, eating soy

> regularly can uncover it. That doesn’t mean soy caused the problem, only that

> certain properties of soy made the problem more obvious †" and that’s a good

> thing, because it helps you to address the problem!

>

> When soy exposes a thyroid deficiency, one possibility is that you have

> not been getting enough iodine. For a healthy, iodine-replete individual, soy

> is very beneficial, but if you do have a thyroid problem and you consume

> large quantities of soy without first looking into your iodine status, there

> is a remote risk of developing a goiter. Ensuring that your iodine levels

> are adequate, and learning how to balance your body’s needs adequately,

> will eliminate this risk.

> So what do I tell my patients who are eager to try, or continue eating,

> soy in the face of breast cancer? My best recommendation is this: if they

> have been eating soy regularly in their diet, it is safe to continue. However,

> I advise moderation. My bottom line is that there are still many things we

> don’t know about how breast cancer behaves in individual women, so women

> should be able to have frank conversations with their healthcare

> professionals if they have any concerns about including soy in their diet. And when it

> comes to your thyroid health, if you have a personal or family history of

> thyroid disorders, the same holds true: having open discussions with your

> physician about your concerns, and using soy products in moderation, is

> always a wise choice.

> Enjoying soy the right way

> We feel very excited about what we’ve uncovered. Soy is good for us! This

> is great news! While soy itself is innocent, however, there’s no question

> that it has become a political issue. Some will probably continue to revile

> it as “poison,†while others will continue to sing its praises as the “

> miracle food.†Neither extreme is the right approach. We really don’t need to

> build a mythology around it: a soybean is just a soybean. There are some

> people who love the flavor of soymilks or yoghurts over dairy, and there are

> others who prefer the taste of cow’s milk. But if you’re still a little

> uncertain about eating soy, here are a few easy rules-of-thumb to follow:

> * Try to include soy regularly in your diet, averaging 25†" 50 mg soy

> isoflavones per day will give you the basic benefits.

> * If you are using soy for menopausal symptoms, target a higher

> initial therapeutic dose of 80†" 100 mg soy isoflavones per day for best results.

>

> * Choose whole food products (like tofu or edamame) or supplements

> made from whole soybeans.

> * Make sure your soybeans are from a reliable, quality source †"

> choose soy products that contain no GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) and

> look for organic foods whenever possible.

> * If you have thyroid concerns, breast health issues, allergies, or

> problems with digestibility, speak with your healthcare practitioner before

> eating large quantities of soy.

> At Women to Women, we believe that knowledge is power, and where that

> knowledge comes from is just as important as the source of the foods we eat.

> Finding reliable sources that aren’t one-sided is the best way to get the big

> picture, especially when it comes to issues that are so politicized. So

> after reading the above bullet points, speak with your healthcare practitioner

> if you’re still concerned about including soy in your diet. Otherwise,

> rest assured that for most women, these wondrous green beans are part of a

> diet that is healthy, flavorful, and above all †" safe.

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with Tamara, Soy is not good if you are hypo thyroid. Most Lyme

patients are hypo thyroid. I am not sure Soy is even good if you are not Hypo

Thyroid since it is genetically modified as I posted earlier, it's best to avoid

GMO foods. If you are having menopausal symptoms try wild yam instead as it is

loaded with bioidentical hormones.

> >

> > Here's the soy article I mentioned.

> >

> > ~

> >

> >

> >

> > Update on the soy controversy

> > by Dixie Mills, MD (Breast Surgeon)

> > We’ve wondered for a long time why there are still people who question

the

> > safety of soy foods and supplements. We’ve used soy at the clinic for 10

> > years to help relieve menopausal symptoms, and we’ve reviewed all of the

> > myths about it †" that soy causes breast cancer, interferes with tamoxifen

or

> > the digestion of protein, causes developmental delays in infants fed soy

> > formula, and many others. In our experience, and in countless studies

we’ve

> > looked at, we’ve found nothing to support these myths.

> > Which only makes sense, since soy has been an important part of Asian

> > diets for thousands of years and continues to be a popular food choice.

> > Countless forms of soy foods and supplements available are everywhere †"

from soy

> > bars, shakes, tofu, and milk sold in the grocery store to more exotic foods

> > like sushi and edamame (young, natural soybeans boiled and served whole)

†"

> > and there is just no reason to believe that any of these foods are harmful.

> > And yet, I keep hearing from women that they, their friends, or their

> > partners are worried about the safety of soy.

> > It’s absolutely true that soy products are not for everyone †" there are

> > some women who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Other women have digestive

> > or thyroid problems that need to be addressed before eating soy is a good

> > idea. But I decided to research why soy has been fingered as a

“dangerousâ€

> > food, and why some of these anti-soy voices are so angry, if not downright

> > frightened, about a little green bean.

> > Given that soy is eaten by millions of people around the world every day,

> > it’s puzzling that some people regard soy so negatively. While I’m not

> > sure that we’ve found all the answers, we here at Women to Women have

looked

> > into whether there is any scientific merit to the claims of those who

> > demonize soy, and what we’ve found only confirms our understanding that

soy is a

> > healthy food with many benefits for women. So let’s talk about who is

> > campaigning so aggressively against soy, and take a look at the science

behind

> > this issue.

> > Who is the voice against soy?

> > There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating

> > around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest

anti-soy

> > voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting

> > the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally

> > Fallon, Kaayla T. , Enig, Ross and ph Mercola are all

> > members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members.

> > The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price,

> > who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who

> > enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition

agenda

> > based solely on “nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble

> > activators found exclusively in animal fats.â€

> > The WAPF agrees with many of the same ideas we have about the benefits of

> > whole, organic foods produced without harmful chemicals and additives. But

> > their main principles disregard the fact that some of the longest-lived

> > peoples in the world enjoy a diet that is rich in plant proteins †" not the

> > least of which includes soy. And it is puzzling that they single out the

> > soybean as harmful when it is a staple in so many healthful foods from

around

> > the world and has been shown to have health benefits from many years of

> > ongoing research.

> > What are their claims about soy?

> > The internet is a marvelous invention, but just because anyone’s voice

can

> > be heard nowadays doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true †" or

worse,

> > that it hasn’t been taken out of context. And some of the claims the

> > shrillest voices are making against soy really are outrageous and

frightening.

> > Here are just a few:

> > * Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the

> > potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.

> > * Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in

> > the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in

> > girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.

> > * Women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood [have]

> > the lowest levels of cognitive function.

> > This kind of “medicalese†is a problem because it almost sounds like

real

> > science †" enough so that others on the internet cite this website as a

> > source for publishing some truly strange and ridiculous headlines of their

> > own: Soy reduces penis size; or Tofu shrinks brains; or Soy is making

kids

> > “gay.†It gets almost comical as the list goes on.

> > It’s no wonder so many women are uncertain about the safety of soy †"

but

> > the good news is that there is just no real evidence behind these extreme

> > claims. At Women to Women, we have examined hundreds of studies and

> > reviews on soy from the leading peer-reviewed research journals around the

world.

> > Everything we know so far about soy points to the many positive health

> > benefits of soy products, or demonstrates inconclusive results. So I was

> > interested to learn where these detractors were getting their information

from,

> > and what I found was quite surprising.

> > Faulty science and the campaign against soy

> > One of the most important lessons in science and statistics for us to

> > understand is that just because two factors seem related, does not mean one

> > caused the other. Another is that we have to carefully examine how someone

> > reaches their conclusions, because faulty reasoning leads to incorrect

> > answers. So let’s look at the reasoning of the people who consider soy

unhealthy

> > and see how it stacks up.

> > Many of the most strident anti-soy groups list page after page of

> > resources in support of their claims. To the untrained eye, it might appear

as

> > though there is scientific substantiation against soy. But more often than

not,

> > they are misrepresenting the research findings. For example, I found that

> > the WAPF listed articles or reports (not necessarily scientific studies) by

> > year, out of context, without listing any other articles that came out that

> > year, making it seem as though that one study was “the truth†for that

> > year.

> > Also, many of the studies on soy showing ambiguous results have been

> > conducted on non-human subjects †" usually rats or other rodents. In much

the

> > same way dogs can’t tolerate chocolate, rodents and humans can’t always

> > digest the same foods or substances in the same ways. There are enough

> > similarities that we can learn a lot by experiments in rats, but enough

differences

> > that it’s important to know up front when rats, not humans, are the test

> > subjects. Sometimes studies in animals give us the only information we

have,

> > but we need to be cautious about drawing conclusions from studies based on

> > animal models. From there, the next step is to design a study to see

> > whether the findings apply to humans as well. The WAPF doesn’t say that

the

> > studies were actually done on rats when they discuss the findings †"

perhaps

> > because doing so might make their claims seem less believable, without the

same

> > results being seen in people.

> > Here’s another kind of “sleight of hand†explanation the WAPF gives

on

> > their website. A study published in 1997 in the journal Pediatrics

suggested

> > that girls in the US are entering puberty at an earlier age than in the

> > past, and here’s what the WAPF concluded:

> > (WAPF) Our Comment: The widespread use of soy-based formula, beginning in

> > the 1970’s, is a likely explanation for the increase in early maturation

> > in girls.

> > The study indeed came from Pediatrics, published in 1997 †" but nowhere

in

> > the article’s content or summary do the researchers ever link their

> > findings to soy products. Here is how the authors themselves worded their

> > conclusion:

> > Conclusions. These data suggest that girls seen in a sample of pediatric

> > practices from across the United States are developing pubertal

> > characteristics at younger ages than currently used norms. Practitioners

may need to

> > revise their criteria for referral of girls with precocious puberty, with

> > attention to racial differences.

> > The fact that more African-American girls were maturing earlier than in

> > the past was one of the researchers’ points, in the context that

precocious

> > puberty creates social and psychological concerns. But because

> > African-Americans in general have been shown to be more lactose-intolerant,

the WAPF

> > leapt to the conclusion that soy must be the culprit without looking at

the

> > facts. In statistics, this is called a fallacy, and I could not find any

> > literature to date that supports this idea. In fact, nearly all infant

> > formulas, both cow milk and soy-based, contain corn syrup or sucrose,

providing

> > calories that might contribute to obesity †" which in girls can lead to

early

> > puberty. Unfortunately, this kind of “magical†guesswork can be found

all

> > over the internet when it comes to soy †" and without good science, many

are

> > resorting unnecessarily to scare tactics.

> > The best thing we all can do is adopt a considered approach to the

> > shouting match about soy. For whatever personal, political or economic

reasons,

> > there are people out to make misleading, confusing, and downright scary

> > statements about soy †" but a wild guess is just not the same thing as a

sound

> > conclusion. We can counterbalance the loud, alarmist, but scientifically

thin

> > voices against soy with a mass of positive research data that speaks

> > volumes about soy’s safety †" not to mention the fact that thousands, if

not

> > millions, of people consume soy all the time with no ill effects!

> > So let’s take the science at face value. While we know that science

doesn’

> > t always get it right, there is a wealth of research that shows that when

> > eaten in small amounts every day, soy can be an extremely healthy, low-fat,

> > body-beneficial food that gives you lots of protein without a lot of

> > harmful side effects. In other words, the good far outweighs the remote

> > possibility of bad.

> > But just so you can enjoy soy without worry, there are things you may want

> > to know about how best to include soy in your diet, considering both

> > health benefits and concerns.

> > The heart of the soy controversy †" soy isoflavones

> > Soybeans and many other legumes contain compounds called “isoflavonesâ€,

> > and it is these compounds that many in the anti-soy camp point to as the

> > main “danger†of soy. They argue that because isoflavones are

phytoestrogens †"

> > that is, their molecules share similarities with the estradiol molecule,

> > the major estrogen hormone in human beings †" consuming soy products could

> > promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers in women.

> > Faults in the argument against soy:

> > * BIAS: Using only research that supports one point of view while

> > ignoring studies that contradict it.

> > * OVERGENERALIZATION: Assuming that the results of a small number of

> > limited studies is directly applicable to all human beings.

> > * LEAPS OF LOGIC: Drawing conclusions unrelated to the goals or

> > methods of particular research studies.

> > * FALLACY: Making assumptions about the relationship between two

> > pieces of information without testing that relationship (correlation does

not

> > equal causation).

> > Phytoestrogens do have the ability to interact with estrogen receptors in

> > our bodies, where they can evoke similar types of responses that the

> > hormone causes or alternatively, block those effects. But many people

don’t

> > realize that the intensity of an estrogen receptor’s bond with

isoflavones is

> > much, much weaker (a thousand times or so) than estradiol’s. The duration

of

> > the response may also be different and, unlike synthetic estrogens,

> > phytoestrogens do not accumulate in the body but pass through in a matter

of

> > hours. Isoflavones also function as antioxidants, counteracting free

radicals in

> > our tissues, which may be why some research shows they can protect against

> > cancer.

> > We explain this in much more detail in our article on phytotherapy but

> > the bottom line is that soy isoflavones are not the same as our own

estrogen,

> > so eating soy does not cause us to have more estrogen in our bodies. Even

> > more good news is that in many of the studies on soy isoflavones that look

> > at soy isoflavone intake and cancers, cardiovascular risks, brain

> > dysfunction, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms, researchers found either

> > favorable, promising, or else inconclusive effects. In other words, at

minimum, soy

> > isoflavones show no harmful effect.

> > And there are many possible explanations for why results can be “

> > inconclusive,†including study design and limitations. Every woman’s

body is

> > unique; therefore, how bioavailable phytoestrogens become in our bodies

after we

> > eat them depends on many variables: our individual genetic make-up, our

> > digestion and metabolism, what else we eat †" even our native gut flora.

All of

> > these influence our ability to reap health benefits from soy isoflavones.

> > Also, it’s important to remember that these studies do not take into

> > account what else is going on in a subject’s life, and what other

lifestyle

> > changes she might be experiencing (or may need to address).

> > At the clinic, we recommend soy as a natural, therapeutic treatment to

> > help women with many aspects of their health, including hormonal balance,

> > because so many of our patients find it helpful. We’ve seen years of case

> > studies and research that suggests that adding soy to the diet †" or

appropriate

> > dosages of isoflavones †" can sometimes help menopausal symptoms, although

> > not everyone experiences uniform relief.

> > While there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for any problem, what I

> > can say about the safety of soy is that scientists from several countries

> > recently examined more than 200 isoflavone studies and concluded that “the

> > current literature supports the safety of isoflavones as typically consumed

in

> > diets based on soy or containing soy products.â€

> > I think the key piece that women can walk away with is the word

“typically.

> > †Because how much soy isoflavones we eat †" and in what form †"

matters

> > when thinking about how to best include soy into our diets.

> > Whole bean vs. germ †" go for the way it’s found in nature

> > At Women to Women, we encourage our patients to consume soy as close to

> > whole form as possible. This is because the greatest benefits of eating soy

> > come from following an isoflavone ratio close to that found in the whole

> > soybean, which is similar to the ratio found in healthy Asian diets. As long

> > as whatever soy products you eat are made from whole soy, you’re getting

soy

> > as Nature intended.

> > But there is a difference between consuming the whole bean and taking

> > supplements made from the germ only. Take a look at our “soybean†to see

the

> > difference in isoflavone ratios:

> >

> >

> > Source: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1999.

> > USDA†" Iowa State University database on the isoflavone content of foods.

> > URL: _http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf_

> > (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf)

(accessed

> > 04.23.2008).

> > Of the many isoflavones that occur naturally in plants, genistein,

> > daidzein, and glycitein are the primary ones found in soybeans. As you can

see

> > above, soybeans typically include at about 50% genistein, 40% daidzein, and

up

> > to 10% glycitein forms. In contrast, soy germ isoflavone products

> > typically contain only 20% genistein, 40% daidzein, and 40% glycitein.

> > What do all of these numbers mean?

> > Well, if a product lists 100 milligrams of isoflavones, you don’t really

> > know what the ratio of those isoflavones is unless the manufacturer lists

> > the ratios for you. Since genistein has the most noted beneficial effects

in

> > humans, and whole soybean is much higher in genistein than the soy germ,

> > eating soy products or supplements that are made from the whole bean gives

> > you more of the therapeutic effects that we see in the clinic.

> > How much soy is healthy?

> > We don’t really know yet whether any particular soy isolates taken by

> > themselves are as safe as or effective as whole soy foods, but what we do

know

> > is that we can get the most benefits when we consume small amounts of

> > isoflavone-rich foods throughout the day, as part of a regular, lifelong

eating

> > habit.

> > Another key to separating the facts from the misleading information is to

> > look at isoflavone dosage. Studies often cited by soy critics use isolated

> > compounds containing amounts of isoflavones that far exceed what a person

> > would normally eat. Soy experts analyzing populations in major

> > soy-consuming countries report isoflavones intakes varying between

approximately 25†" 80

> > milligrams of isoflavones per day. Studies also show intake at the upper

> > end of that range to be both safe and highest in therapeutic value. Again,

> > let’s not forget that Asian cultures have not only been enjoying soybeans

in

> > their diet for thousands of years, but likewise they enjoy longer

> > lifespans, less heart disease, and lower rates of obesity and cancer.

> > But just as with any other food, it’s best to make soy one of a variety

of

> > healthy choices rather than making it the major focus of your diet †"

> > especially if you’re concerned about your breast health or your thyroid.

> > Addressing your health concerns and soy

> > * Breast health

> >

> > As a breast surgeon, I’m frequently asked about soy’s estrogenic

> > qualities, and whether phytoestrogens are helpful or detrimental for

prevention or

> > treatment of breast cancer. Patients also want to use alternatives to

> > hormone replacement and are curious about soy products, foods, supplements,

> > isolates and phytoestrogens, but are deeply concerned about the safety of

soy

> > and breast health.

> >

> > After years of research, we know that the soy isoflavones genistein and

> > daidzein have a very weak estrogen-like effect, but unlike real estrogens,

> > they do not allow cells to proliferate. As mentioned above, soy isoflavones

> > can weakly bond with estrogen receptors on a cell, making the cell

resistant

> > to the more reactive hormonal form of estrogen. For women, this blockade

> > may prevent certain cell processes from turning on, which can stimulate it

> > to grow or possibly mutate. The lower rate of breast cancer in Asian

> > societies that eat a lot of soy is often quoted in support of this concept.

> >

> > But given so many genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors (Asian women

> > begin eating a regular soy diet much sooner, with more consistency, and

they

> > also include more omega-3’s in their diets), there is not enough evidence

> > yet to support eating soy as a cure for breast health in non-Asian women.

> > * Soy and tamoxifen

> >

> > Some doctors and healthcare practitioners have long recommended that women

> > with breast cancer and anyone at high risk for it avoid soy, because of

> > genistein’s weak estrogenic effects on breast cells. Studies in mice show

> > that genistein may actually help override cancer cells’ resistance to

> > tamoxifen, which suggests it might be useful in combination with this drug

or other

> > types of chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. But researchers also

> > recognize that the links between genistein and tamoxifen therapy warrant

further

> > examination in humans.

> >

> > Studies in humans have shown that in Asian women, “there was no evidence

> > of soy intake adversely affecting levels of tamoxifen... [Yet] age,

> > menopausal status, BMI, and the use of hypertensive medications

significantly

> > influenced circulating levels of tamoxifen.†Without definitive science

either

> > way, it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer for women, but

> > recommendations to avoid soy foods are not based on any clinical evidence

to

> > support this advice. In fact, several FDA-approved clinical trials are

> > currently going on with breast cancer patients using soy.

> >

> >

> > * Thyroid concerns

> >

> > It is true that if someone has a hidden thyroid problem, eating soy

> > regularly can uncover it. That doesn’t mean soy caused the problem, only

that

> > certain properties of soy made the problem more obvious †" and that’s a

good

> > thing, because it helps you to address the problem!

> >

> > When soy exposes a thyroid deficiency, one possibility is that you have

> > not been getting enough iodine. For a healthy, iodine-replete individual,

soy

> > is very beneficial, but if you do have a thyroid problem and you consume

> > large quantities of soy without first looking into your iodine status,

there

> > is a remote risk of developing a goiter. Ensuring that your iodine levels

> > are adequate, and learning how to balance your body’s needs adequately,

> > will eliminate this risk.

> > So what do I tell my patients who are eager to try, or continue eating,

> > soy in the face of breast cancer? My best recommendation is this: if they

> > have been eating soy regularly in their diet, it is safe to continue.

However,

> > I advise moderation. My bottom line is that there are still many things we

> > don’t know about how breast cancer behaves in individual women, so women

> > should be able to have frank conversations with their healthcare

> > professionals if they have any concerns about including soy in their diet.

And when it

> > comes to your thyroid health, if you have a personal or family history of

> > thyroid disorders, the same holds true: having open discussions with your

> > physician about your concerns, and using soy products in moderation, is

> > always a wise choice.

> > Enjoying soy the right way

> > We feel very excited about what we’ve uncovered. Soy is good for us! This

> > is great news! While soy itself is innocent, however, there’s no question

> > that it has become a political issue. Some will probably continue to revile

> > it as “poison,†while others will continue to sing its praises as the

“

> > miracle food.†Neither extreme is the right approach. We really don’t

need to

> > build a mythology around it: a soybean is just a soybean. There are some

> > people who love the flavor of soymilks or yoghurts over dairy, and there

are

> > others who prefer the taste of cow’s milk. But if you’re still a little

> > uncertain about eating soy, here are a few easy rules-of-thumb to follow:

> > * Try to include soy regularly in your diet, averaging 25†" 50 mg soy

> > isoflavones per day will give you the basic benefits.

> > * If you are using soy for menopausal symptoms, target a higher

> > initial therapeutic dose of 80†" 100 mg soy isoflavones per day for best

results.

> >

> > * Choose whole food products (like tofu or edamame) or supplements

> > made from whole soybeans.

> > * Make sure your soybeans are from a reliable, quality source †"

> > choose soy products that contain no GMO’s (genetically modified

organisms) and

> > look for organic foods whenever possible.

> > * If you have thyroid concerns, breast health issues, allergies, or

> > problems with digestibility, speak with your healthcare practitioner before

> > eating large quantities of soy.

> > At Women to Women, we believe that knowledge is power, and where that

> > knowledge comes from is just as important as the source of the foods we eat.

> > Finding reliable sources that aren’t one-sided is the best way to get the

big

> > picture, especially when it comes to issues that are so politicized. So

> > after reading the above bullet points, speak with your healthcare

practitioner

> > if you’re still concerned about including soy in your diet. Otherwise,

> > rest assured that for most women, these wondrous green beans are part of a

> > diet that is healthy, flavorful, and above all †" safe.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm only 27 so not having menopausal probs yet, lol! But soy has given me no problems what so ever and I avoid all GMO foods anyway. I did switch from soy milk to almond milk because I love it a lot more. I have thyroid issues but they are not severe and soy never has bothered them. I do take iodine though.

Tamara, I know a lot of people who don't have the correct info on being vegan always wonder what do you eat? But the truth is there are so many food options out there that don't include soy (even soy free vegan cookbooks!) that you never go hungry or ever lack protein. I would encourage you to check out www.goveg.com , and www.pcrm.org, www.tryveg.com, and http://www.cok.net/ for all the info and food choices without meat that you could ever imagine and more!

If soy doesn't work for you then of course by all means avoid it. Something I have learned over the yrs with lyme is there isn't one thing that works for everyone. If this was a one size fits all disease then we'd all be well and not take so long to get better!

Take care,

~

I agree with Tamara, Soy is not good if you are hypo thyroid. Most Lyme patients are hypo thyroid. I am not sure Soy is even good if you are not Hypo Thyroid since it is genetically modified as I posted earlier, it's best to avoid GMO foods. If you are having menopausal symptoms try wild yam instead as it is loaded with bioidentical hormones.> >> > Here's the soy article I mentioned.> > > > ~> > > > > > > > Update on the soy controversy > > by Dixie Mills, MD (Breast Surgeon) > > We’ve wondered for a long time why there are still people who question the > > safety of soy foods and supplements. We’ve used soy at the clinic for 10 > > years to help relieve menopausal symptoms, and we’ve reviewed all of the > > myths about it â€" that soy causes breast cancer, interferes with tamoxifen or > > the digestion of protein, causes developmental delays in infants fed soy > > formula, and many others. In our experience, and in countless studies we’ve > > looked at, we’ve found nothing to support these myths. > > Which only makes sense, since soy has been an important part of Asian > > diets for thousands of years and continues to be a popular food choice. > > Countless forms of soy foods and supplements available are everywhere â€" from soy > > bars, shakes, tofu, and milk sold in the grocery store to more exotic foods > > like sushi and edamame (young, natural soybeans boiled and served whole) â€" > > and there is just no reason to believe that any of these foods are harmful. > > And yet, I keep hearing from women that they, their friends, or their > > partners are worried about the safety of soy. > > It’s absolutely true that soy products are not for everyone â€" there are > > some women who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Other women have digestive > > or thyroid problems that need to be addressed before eating soy is a good > > idea. But I decided to research why soy has been fingered as a “dangerous†> > food, and why some of these anti-soy voices are so angry, if not downright > > frightened, about a little green bean. > > Given that soy is eaten by millions of people around the world every day, > > it’s puzzling that some people regard soy so negatively. While I’m not > > sure that we’ve found all the answers, we here at Women to Women have looked > > into whether there is any scientific merit to the claims of those who > > demonize soy, and what we’ve found only confirms our understanding that soy is a > > healthy food with many benefits for women. So let’s talk about who is > > campaigning so aggressively against soy, and take a look at the science behind > > this issue. > > Who is the voice against soy? > > There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating > > around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest anti-soy > > voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting > > the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally > > Fallon, Kaayla T. , Enig, Ross and ph Mercola are all > > members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members. > > The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price, > > who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who > > enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition agenda > > based solely on “nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble > > activators found exclusively in animal fats.†> > The WAPF agrees with many of the same ideas we have about the benefits of > > whole, organic foods produced without harmful chemicals and additives. But > > their main principles disregard the fact that some of the longest-lived > > peoples in the world enjoy a diet that is rich in plant proteins â€" not the > > least of which includes soy. And it is puzzling that they single out the > > soybean as harmful when it is a staple in so many healthful foods from around > > the world and has been shown to have health benefits from many years of > > ongoing research. > > What are their claims about soy? > > The internet is a marvelous invention, but just because anyone’s voice can > > be heard nowadays doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true â€" or worse, > > that it hasn’t been taken out of context. And some of the claims the > > shrillest voices are making against soy really are outrageous and frightening. > > Here are just a few: > > * Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the > > potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women. > > * Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in > > the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in > > girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys. > > * Women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood [have] > > the lowest levels of cognitive function. > > This kind of “medicalese†is a problem because it almost sounds like real > > science â€" enough so that others on the internet cite this website as a > > source for publishing some truly strange and ridiculous headlines of their > > own: Soy reduces penis size; or Tofu shrinks brains; or Soy is making kids > > “gay.†It gets almost comical as the list goes on. > > It’s no wonder so many women are uncertain about the safety of soy â€" but > > the good news is that there is just no real evidence behind these extreme > > claims. At Women to Women, we have examined hundreds of studies and > > reviews on soy from the leading peer-reviewed research journals around the world. > > Everything we know so far about soy points to the many positive health > > benefits of soy products, or demonstrates inconclusive results. So I was > > interested to learn where these detractors were getting their information from, > > and what I found was quite surprising. > > Faulty science and the campaign against soy > > One of the most important lessons in science and statistics for us to > > understand is that just because two factors seem related, does not mean one > > caused the other. Another is that we have to carefully examine how someone > > reaches their conclusions, because faulty reasoning leads to incorrect > > answers. So let’s look at the reasoning of the people who consider soy unhealthy > > and see how it stacks up. > > Many of the most strident anti-soy groups list page after page of > > resources in support of their claims. To the untrained eye, it might appear as > > though there is scientific substantiation against soy. But more often than not, > > they are misrepresenting the research findings. For example, I found that > > the WAPF listed articles or reports (not necessarily scientific studies) by > > year, out of context, without listing any other articles that came out that > > year, making it seem as though that one study was “the truth†for that > > year. > > Also, many of the studies on soy showing ambiguous results have been > > conducted on non-human subjects â€" usually rats or other rodents. In much the > > same way dogs can’t tolerate chocolate, rodents and humans can’t always > > digest the same foods or substances in the same ways. There are enough > > similarities that we can learn a lot by experiments in rats, but enough differences > > that it’s important to know up front when rats, not humans, are the test > > subjects. Sometimes studies in animals give us the only information we have, > > but we need to be cautious about drawing conclusions from studies based on > > animal models. From there, the next step is to design a study to see > > whether the findings apply to humans as well. The WAPF doesn’t say that the > > studies were actually done on rats when they discuss the findings â€" perhaps > > because doing so might make their claims seem less believable, without the same > > results being seen in people. > > Here’s another kind of “sleight of hand†explanation the WAPF gives on > > their website. A study published in 1997 in the journal Pediatrics suggested > > that girls in the US are entering puberty at an earlier age than in the > > past, and here’s what the WAPF concluded: > > (WAPF) Our Comment: The widespread use of soy-based formula, beginning in > > the 1970’s, is a likely explanation for the increase in early maturation > > in girls. > > The study indeed came from Pediatrics, published in 1997 â€" but nowhere in > > the article’s content or summary do the researchers ever link their > > findings to soy products. Here is how the authors themselves worded their > > conclusion: > > Conclusions. These data suggest that girls seen in a sample of pediatric > > practices from across the United States are developing pubertal > > characteristics at younger ages than currently used norms. Practitioners may need to > > revise their criteria for referral of girls with precocious puberty, with > > attention to racial differences. > > The fact that more African-American girls were maturing earlier than in > > the past was one of the researchers’ points, in the context that precocious > > puberty creates social and psychological concerns. But because > > African-Americans in general have been shown to be more lactose-intolerant, the WAPF > > leapt to the conclusion that soy must be the culprit without looking at the > > facts. In statistics, this is called a fallacy, and I could not find any > > literature to date that supports this idea. In fact, nearly all infant > > formulas, both cow milk and soy-based, contain corn syrup or sucrose, providing > > calories that might contribute to obesity â€" which in girls can lead to early > > puberty. Unfortunately, this kind of “magical†guesswork can be found all > > over the internet when it comes to soy â€" and without good science, many are > > resorting unnecessarily to scare tactics. > > The best thing we all can do is adopt a considered approach to the > > shouting match about soy. For whatever personal, political or economic reasons, > > there are people out to make misleading, confusing, and downright scary > > statements about soy â€" but a wild guess is just not the same thing as a sound > > conclusion. We can counterbalance the loud, alarmist, but scientifically thin > > voices against soy with a mass of positive research data that speaks > > volumes about soy’s safety â€" not to mention the fact that thousands, if not > > millions, of people consume soy all the time with no ill effects! > > So let’s take the science at face value. While we know that science doesn’> > t always get it right, there is a wealth of research that shows that when > > eaten in small amounts every day, soy can be an extremely healthy, low-fat, > > body-beneficial food that gives you lots of protein without a lot of > > harmful side effects. In other words, the good far outweighs the remote > > possibility of bad. > > But just so you can enjoy soy without worry, there are things you may want > > to know about how best to include soy in your diet, considering both > > health benefits and concerns. > > The heart of the soy controversy â€" soy isoflavones > > Soybeans and many other legumes contain compounds called “isoflavonesâ€Â, > > and it is these compounds that many in the anti-soy camp point to as the > > main “danger†of soy. They argue that because isoflavones are phytoestrogens â€"> > that is, their molecules share similarities with the estradiol molecule, > > the major estrogen hormone in human beings â€" consuming soy products could > > promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers in women. > > Faults in the argument against soy: > > * BIAS: Using only research that supports one point of view while > > ignoring studies that contradict it. > > * OVERGENERALIZATION: Assuming that the results of a small number of > > limited studies is directly applicable to all human beings. > > * LEAPS OF LOGIC: Drawing conclusions unrelated to the goals or > > methods of particular research studies. > > * FALLACY: Making assumptions about the relationship between two > > pieces of information without testing that relationship (correlation does not > > equal causation). > > Phytoestrogens do have the ability to interact with estrogen receptors in > > our bodies, where they can evoke similar types of responses that the > > hormone causes or alternatively, block those effects. But many people don’t > > realize that the intensity of an estrogen receptor’s bond with isoflavones is > > much, much weaker (a thousand times or so) than estradiol’s. The duration of > > the response may also be different and, unlike synthetic estrogens, > > phytoestrogens do not accumulate in the body but pass through in a matter of > > hours. Isoflavones also function as antioxidants, counteracting free radicals in > > our tissues, which may be why some research shows they can protect against > > cancer. > > We explain this in much more detail in our article on phytotherapy but > > the bottom line is that soy isoflavones are not the same as our own estrogen, > > so eating soy does not cause us to have more estrogen in our bodies. Even > > more good news is that in many of the studies on soy isoflavones that look > > at soy isoflavone intake and cancers, cardiovascular risks, brain > > dysfunction, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms, researchers found either > > favorable, promising, or else inconclusive effects. In other words, at minimum, soy > > isoflavones show no harmful effect. > > And there are many possible explanations for why results can be “> > inconclusive,†including study design and limitations. Every woman’s body is > > unique; therefore, how bioavailable phytoestrogens become in our bodies after we > > eat them depends on many variables: our individual genetic make-up, our > > digestion and metabolism, what else we eat â€" even our native gut flora. All of > > these influence our ability to reap health benefits from soy isoflavones. > > Also, it’s important to remember that these studies do not take into > > account what else is going on in a subject’s life, and what other lifestyle > > changes she might be experiencing (or may need to address). > > At the clinic, we recommend soy as a natural, therapeutic treatment to > > help women with many aspects of their health, including hormonal balance, > > because so many of our patients find it helpful. We’ve seen years of case > > studies and research that suggests that adding soy to the diet â€" or appropriate > > dosages of isoflavones â€" can sometimes help menopausal symptoms, although > > not everyone experiences uniform relief. > > While there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for any problem, what I > > can say about the safety of soy is that scientists from several countries > > recently examined more than 200 isoflavone studies and concluded that “the > > current literature supports the safety of isoflavones as typically consumed in > > diets based on soy or containing soy products.†> > I think the key piece that women can walk away with is the word “typically.> > †Because how much soy isoflavones we eat â€" and in what form â€" matters > > when thinking about how to best include soy into our diets. > > Whole bean vs. germ â€" go for the way it’s found in nature > > At Women to Women, we encourage our patients to consume soy as close to > > whole form as possible. This is because the greatest benefits of eating soy > > come from following an isoflavone ratio close to that found in the whole > > soybean, which is similar to the ratio found in healthy Asian diets. As long > > as whatever soy products you eat are made from whole soy, you’re getting soy > > as Nature intended. > > But there is a difference between consuming the whole bean and taking > > supplements made from the germ only. Take a look at our “soybean†to see the > > difference in isoflavone ratios: > > > > > > Source: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1999. > > USDAâ€"Iowa State University database on the isoflavone content of foods. > > URL: _http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf_ > > (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/isoflav/isfl_tbl.pdf) (accessed > > 04.23.2008).> > Of the many isoflavones that occur naturally in plants, genistein, > > daidzein, and glycitein are the primary ones found in soybeans. As you can see > > above, soybeans typically include at about 50% genistein, 40% daidzein, and up > > to 10% glycitein forms. In contrast, soy germ isoflavone products > > typically contain only 20% genistein, 40% daidzein, and 40% glycitein. > > What do all of these numbers mean? > > Well, if a product lists 100 milligrams of isoflavones, you don’t really > > know what the ratio of those isoflavones is unless the manufacturer lists > > the ratios for you. Since genistein has the most noted beneficial effects in > > humans, and whole soybean is much higher in genistein than the soy germ, > > eating soy products or supplements that are made from the whole bean gives > > you more of the therapeutic effects that we see in the clinic. > > How much soy is healthy? > > We don’t really know yet whether any particular soy isolates taken by > > themselves are as safe as or effective as whole soy foods, but what we do know > > is that we can get the most benefits when we consume small amounts of > > isoflavone-rich foods throughout the day, as part of a regular, lifelong eating > > habit. > > Another key to separating the facts from the misleading information is to > > look at isoflavone dosage. Studies often cited by soy critics use isolated > > compounds containing amounts of isoflavones that far exceed what a person > > would normally eat. Soy experts analyzing populations in major > > soy-consuming countries report isoflavones intakes varying between approximately 25â€"80 > > milligrams of isoflavones per day. Studies also show intake at the upper > > end of that range to be both safe and highest in therapeutic value. Again, > > let’s not forget that Asian cultures have not only been enjoying soybeans in > > their diet for thousands of years, but likewise they enjoy longer > > lifespans, less heart disease, and lower rates of obesity and cancer. > > But just as with any other food, it’s best to make soy one of a variety of > > healthy choices rather than making it the major focus of your diet â€" > > especially if you’re concerned about your breast health or your thyroid. > > Addressing your health concerns and soy > > * Breast health> > > > As a breast surgeon, I’m frequently asked about soy’s estrogenic > > qualities, and whether phytoestrogens are helpful or detrimental for prevention or > > treatment of breast cancer. Patients also want to use alternatives to > > hormone replacement and are curious about soy products, foods, supplements, > > isolates and phytoestrogens, but are deeply concerned about the safety of soy > > and breast health.> > > > After years of research, we know that the soy isoflavones genistein and > > daidzein have a very weak estrogen-like effect, but unlike real estrogens, > > they do not allow cells to proliferate. As mentioned above, soy isoflavones > > can weakly bond with estrogen receptors on a cell, making the cell resistant > > to the more reactive hormonal form of estrogen. For women, this blockade > > may prevent certain cell processes from turning on, which can stimulate it > > to grow or possibly mutate. The lower rate of breast cancer in Asian > > societies that eat a lot of soy is often quoted in support of this concept.> > > > But given so many genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors (Asian women > > begin eating a regular soy diet much sooner, with more consistency, and they > > also include more omega-3’s in their diets), there is not enough evidence > > yet to support eating soy as a cure for breast health in non-Asian women. > > * Soy and tamoxifen> > > > Some doctors and healthcare practitioners have long recommended that women > > with breast cancer and anyone at high risk for it avoid soy, because of > > genistein’s weak estrogenic effects on breast cells. Studies in mice show > > that genistein may actually help override cancer cells’ resistance to > > tamoxifen, which suggests it might be useful in combination with this drug or other > > types of chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. But researchers also > > recognize that the links between genistein and tamoxifen therapy warrant further > > examination in humans.> > > > Studies in humans have shown that in Asian women, “there was no evidence > > of soy intake adversely affecting levels of tamoxifen... [Yet] age, > > menopausal status, BMI, and the use of hypertensive medications significantly > > influenced circulating levels of tamoxifen.†Without definitive science either > > way, it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer for women, but > > recommendations to avoid soy foods are not based on any clinical evidence to > > support this advice. In fact, several FDA-approved clinical trials are > > currently going on with breast cancer patients using soy. > > > > > > * Thyroid concerns> > > > It is true that if someone has a hidden thyroid problem, eating soy > > regularly can uncover it. That doesn’t mean soy caused the problem, only that > > certain properties of soy made the problem more obvious â€" and that’s a good > > thing, because it helps you to address the problem!> > > > When soy exposes a thyroid deficiency, one possibility is that you have > > not been getting enough iodine. For a healthy, iodine-replete individual, soy > > is very beneficial, but if you do have a thyroid problem and you consume > > large quantities of soy without first looking into your iodine status, there > > is a remote risk of developing a goiter. Ensuring that your iodine levels > > are adequate, and learning how to balance your body’s needs adequately, > > will eliminate this risk. > > So what do I tell my patients who are eager to try, or continue eating, > > soy in the face of breast cancer? My best recommendation is this: if they > > have been eating soy regularly in their diet, it is safe to continue. However, > > I advise moderation. My bottom line is that there are still many things we > > don’t know about how breast cancer behaves in individual women, so women > > should be able to have frank conversations with their healthcare > > professionals if they have any concerns about including soy in their diet. And when it > > comes to your thyroid health, if you have a personal or family history of > > thyroid disorders, the same holds true: having open discussions with your > > physician about your concerns, and using soy products in moderation, is > > always a wise choice. > > Enjoying soy the right way > > We feel very excited about what we’ve uncovered. Soy is good for us! This > > is great news! While soy itself is innocent, however, there’s no question > > that it has become a political issue. Some will probably continue to revile > > it as “poison,†while others will continue to sing its praises as the “> > miracle food.†Neither extreme is the right approach. We really don’t need to > > build a mythology around it: a soybean is just a soybean. There are some > > people who love the flavor of soymilks or yoghurts over dairy, and there are > > others who prefer the taste of cow’s milk. But if you’re still a little > > uncertain about eating soy, here are a few easy rules-of-thumb to follow: > > * Try to include soy regularly in your diet, averaging 25â€"50 mg soy > > isoflavones per day will give you the basic benefits. > > * If you are using soy for menopausal symptoms, target a higher > > initial therapeutic dose of 80â€"100 mg soy isoflavones per day for best results. > > > > * Choose whole food products (like tofu or edamame) or supplements > > made from whole soybeans. > > * Make sure your soybeans are from a reliable, quality source â€" > > choose soy products that contain no GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) and > > look for organic foods whenever possible. > > * If you have thyroid concerns, breast health issues, allergies, or > > problems with digestibility, speak with your healthcare practitioner before > > eating large quantities of soy. > > At Women to Women, we believe that knowledge is power, and where that > > knowledge comes from is just as important as the source of the foods we eat. > > Finding reliable sources that aren’t one-sided is the best way to get the big > > picture, especially when it comes to issues that are so politicized. So > > after reading the above bullet points, speak with your healthcare practitioner > > if you’re still concerned about including soy in your diet. Otherwise, > > rest assured that for most women, these wondrous green beans are part of a > > diet that is healthy, flavorful, and above all â€" safe.> >>