How to Avoid Male Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens, or dietary estrogens, are a range of compounds found in plants that function similarly to the female hormone estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels are not normal in men. The concern is that these estrogen-mimicking compounds (EMCs) can impair male reproductive development. Multiple studies have found this to be the case, manifest in lowered quantity and motility of sperm, according to the Weston A. Price Foundation. Fortunately, these effects are reversible by withdrawing the EMC from the diet. There is also evidence that administration of an EMC (e.g., diethylstilbestrol to prevent miscarriage) can affect the genital development of male fetuses.

Instructions

• 1

  Refrain from eating soy products during pregnancy. Studies show that administration to pregnant lab rats of genistein, the EMC in soy, led to overall feminization of external male genitalia in offspring, delayed puberty, and change in courtship patterns.

• 2

  Refrain from giving your baby soy infant formula. Switch from soy milk to breast milk or cow's milk.

• 3

  Focus on cutting out miso, tofu and soy sauce, the main sources of soy, which in turn is a main source of EMCs. This applies even to females, who seem to experience puberty earlier because of EMCs.

• 4

  Cut the following other high-concentration sources of phytoestrogens out of your diet if you are avoiding EMCs: soybeans, flaxseed, alfalfa, chickpeas, garbanzo beans and peanuts.