How Men Can Avoid Estrogen Dominance

By Mark Rosenberg, MD

Many aspects of our health depend upon balance. For energy, we must balance rest with exercise. For fuel, we must balance protein with carbohydrates. Finally, for healthy cells, we must balance estrogen and testosterone. These two key hormones, along with progesterone, are vital for good health. When they fall out of balance, however, various problems can occur. In men, the condition known as estrogen dominance may lead to infertility, breast development, even cancer. Fortunately, it is possible to fight estrogen dominance and prevent these alarming outcomes.

What is Estrogen Dominance?
All men need both estrogen and testosterone in the correct balance. When the balance is sent askew and estrogen reaches a level that leads to health problems, a man may be diagnosed with estrogen dominance. Testosterone levels are high in young men, but they decrease as we age. This is normal. Outside factors, however, often cause estrogen levels to rise at the same time testosterone is decreasing. In this case, it is not our bodies that are to blame, but environmental factors.¹

The most common culprits in estrogen dominance are substances known as xenoestrogens.² These are estrogen-like substances found in our environment, from the food we eat, to the products we use. Common sources of xenoestrogens are commercially raised beef, chicken and pork due to the hormones often given to the animals to produce rapid growth.

Other sources are styrofoam, plastics and cans used for food and water; cosmetics and personal care products; detergents and household cleaners; artificial scents such as air fresheners; herbicides and pesticides; and paints and solvents.³

How Excess Estrogen Impacts Male Health
Though estrogen dominance may cause a host of health concerns, prostate cancer may be chief among them. Studies show that men with the highest levels of estrogen have enlarged prostates. In laboratory experiments, prostate cells exposed to estrogen proliferate and become cancerous. When treated with testosterone, the cancer cells die. Therefore, fighting estrogen dominance may be the key to reducing your prostate cancer risk.

Other problems in men due to estrogen dominance are decreased fertility due to low sperm count, and other sexual problems like erectile dysfunction. In some men, estrogen dominance may cause the development of breast tissue, baldness, weight gain and other cancers. To avoid these outcomes, you must reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens as you age.

Fighting Estrogen Dominance
You can cut your exposure to excess estrogen by avoiding the substances I named in the first section. Many of these include commercial products you may have around the house. For every product you throw away, there is likely to be a natural and safe replacement. For example, you can buy laundry detergents with no scents or dyes in most supermarkets. There are several affordable lines of natural cleaning products available through mainstream retailers. A company called Seventh Generation makes virtually every natural cleaning product you might need.

Besides changing your shopping habits, there are more easy steps you can take at home. Use glass or ceramic containers for food storage rather than plastics. Replace Styrofoam plates and cups with traditional serving ware. Reduce your exposure to solvents found in products like rubbing alcohol, paint thinner and nail polish remover. If you must handle solvents for a job, wear gloves.

If you already have a diet rich in whole foods and low in processed foods -- the best way to eat for optimal health -- then you are on your way to minimizing estrogen exposure. If you do not buy organic produce, consider doing so to avoid commercial pesticides.

Buy meat that is labeled "hormone-free" or organic. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of canned foods, processed snack food and prepared meals. If a food has a long list of ingredients you cannot understand, it is more likely to contain xenoestrogens. Whole fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are loaded with antioxidants that are completely natural and fight disease in the body. To bolster your supply of healthy vitamins and antioxidants, consider vitamin supplements as well.

If you are a man approaching middle age, there is no need to fear estrogen dominance. With all the ways to take action and live a more natural lifestyle, you will likely avoid the consequences described above. All men should strive to minimize the risk of prostate cancer. By guarding against hormone imbalance, you will be more likely to enjoy a long, healthy life.

References

1. http://www.drlam.com/articles/Estrogen_Dominance.asp#6.
2. http://www.querce-dim-complex.com/.
3. http://tsangenterprise.com/news75.htm.
   

[Ed. Note: Mark Rosenberg, M.D., is director of the "Institute for Anti-Aging" in South Florida. He is a highly sought-after speaker for lectures on topics such as integrative cancer therapy and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is avidly involved in supplement research and is a nutritional consultant for Vitalmax Vitamins.]

Nutrients & Health:
The Herb Emporium: Garlic (Allium sativum)
By Candace Booth, ND, PhD, CNC, SHC

It is recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable health professional before using any herbal remedy.

Garlic has been prized for the last 5000 years as a marvelous healing remedy. Even Western medicine acknowledges garlic's amazing ability to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of further heart attacks in cardiac patients. However, it's also known for its ability to stimulate the immune response along with its antibiotic properties.¹

As a food seasoning, the garlic bulb (also known as the clove) is used. However, garlic's medicinal value is largely in its highly volatile essential oil. It is used both in healing and nutrition because of its ability to build energy. It is also beneficial to the nervous system and is especially useful in lowering hypertension (proven in laboratory tests). Garlic equalizes blood circulation and is very useful as an expectorant for lung congestion and infections.

Garlic has an affinity for the respiratory tract because of its ability to enhance bronchial secretions while it rapidly diffuses through the whole body. The odor is so readily diffusible that when the juice (oil) is applied to the bottom of the feet, it only takes seconds for it to be exhaled by the lungs and detected on the breath. This is a great experiment for everyone to try. Babies suffering a viral infection receive benefit when you use this method as well. It is a very effective way to help baby heal and lower fever.

Soldiers used garlic as an antiseptic during World War I and also as an aid to kill parasites (worms). Hookworms, pinworms, roundworms and tapeworms all perish in the presence of garlic. Garlic was used so prevalently in Russia that it became known as "Russian penicillin."²

Animal studies conducted at Penn State University concluded that garlic helps stop the growth of tumors and contains substances that actually destroy tumor cells and promote the invasion of immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages to the tumor site.³

Here are some other natural remedies for which garlic can be used.

• Cloves: Fresh cloves can be rubbed on acne or mashed and used on warts or skin infections; mashed garlic taken internally will reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, and aid in digestive disorders.
• Juice Drink: A juice drink can be made for digestive infections, combating atherosclerosis, and killing intestinal parasites.
• Capsules: Clinical trials suggest that 2 g powder in capsules daily can prevent further heart attacks.¹
• Garlic Enemas: In the bowel, garlic kills parasites and harmful bacteria, cleanses mucus congestion, and helps reduce yeast infections.
• Grated Garlic: Placed on or near the most virulent bacteria, garlic will kill them in 5 minutes.⁴

References

1. Ody, P, The Complete Medicinal Herbal, DK Publishing, New York, 1993, p. 33.
2. Christopher, JR, School of Natural Healing, Utah, 1999 (11th printing), p. 109.
3. Herb Allure Nutritional Research, Jamestown, article on Garlic
4. Christopher, JR, School of Natural Healing, Utah, 1999 (11th printing), p. 111.

[Ed. Note: Candace Booth has a natural health practice in Mt. Dora, Florida where she offers consultations in nutrition and overcoming disease symptoms with natural healing remedies. Her new book, How Much Fat Are You Carrying - The Ultimate Fat Loss Guide For People Who Are Sick of Diets is available by clicking here.]

Healthy Recipes:
Spicy Chicken Wings
By Laura LaValle, RD, LD

Here's a healthier version of a classic appetizer. Traditionally, wings are breaded, deep-fried and then coated with hot sauce. This broiled version saves carbs and calories but is full of that Buffalo-wing flavor. If you like the sauce a little thicker, you can add a little cornstarch or rice flour before brushing it onto the wings.

Serves: 6
Time to Table: 60 minutes

Healing Nutrient Spotlight
Good source of vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, selenium

Ingredients*
24 organic chicken wings, split and tips discarded
1/2 cup unsalted butter or ghee
1/2 cup red pepper sauce such as Frank's
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper

*Use organic ingredients for optimal nutrition.

Preparation
Season chicken wings with salt and pepper at least 8 hours before serving and refrigerate until ready to cook. Preheat broiler. Place wings on a rack over top of a shallow pan or on a broiler pan. Broil for 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently, or until crisp and cooked through. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small pan over medium low heat. Stir in hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste. If desired, add 1 tsp. cornstarch or 1 to 2 tsp. rice flour and cook for a few minutes until sauce thickens. Remove wings from oven and dip each wing into sauce, shaking off excess. Place wings back on baking pan, reduce oven temperature to 250°F and bake wings for another 15 minutes to set sauce.

Nutrition
145 calories, 16 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates, 8 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 3.8 mg niacin, .3 mg vitamin B-6, 140 mg potassium, 732 mg sodium, 13 mg selenium, 1 mg zinc

[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute. Laura and her husband, Jim LaValle, R.Ph, CCN, ND have developed the powerful and life-changing Metabolic Code Diet - containing step-by-step, easy to follow recommendations for harnessing optimal metabolic energy and turning your body's chemical make up into a fat-burning furnace.]

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs [Issue 03-03-09] which offers alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/