Anti Estrogen Diet

Estrogen is present in most living things, and plays an important role in signaling various functions and developmental activities in the human body. Too much estrogen, however, can wreak havoc with human health. Over the last few decades, scientists have learned that an array of synthetic chemicals, including those in ubiquitous plastics and pesticides, mimic estrogen once ingested in the human body. These hormone-disrupting substances are linked to health impacts from lowered testosterone levels to weight gain, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer, and birth defects. An anti-estrogen diet minimizes exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals to help safeguard health.

Cooking and Storage

• Endocrinologist Frederick Vom Saal, in a special report to Frontline on estrogen-mimicking environmental chemicals, writes that there is no safe dose of these substances, which are found in food can liners, plastic packaging and bottles, and even in dental sealants. Exposure to estrogen-like substances can be diminished by selecting unpackaged foods like bulk grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, and then storing these items in glass or pottery containers. Never microwave food in a plastic container or use plastic wrap to cover the container; according to nutrition researcher Brad King, who cites numerous studies demonstrating how estrogen-mimicking substances leak from plastic during cooking.

Chemical-Free Selections

• Counterfeit estrogen substances are pervasive in agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. Health practitioners and endocrine researchers recommend thoroughly washing all produce. Staff at Energetic Nutrition recommend soaking conventionally-grown foods in a produce wash or ozonated water for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Select organic meats, fruits, vegetables, grain and dairy products whenever feasible.

Anti-Estrogenic Foods

• Ori Hefmekler, founder and publisher of Mind and Muscle Power magazine and former health and fitness editor for Penthouse, has written in the Anti-Estrogenic Diet book that certain foods have properties that help counter the effects of environmental estrogen-mimicking substances. These include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, as well as coffee and tea, citrus fruits, and organic dairy products from grass-fed cattle. The impact of an anti-estrogen diet on body estrogen levels has not yet been scientifically studied. However, the foods recommended by Hofmekler are considered by doctors and nutritionists to be healthful and beneficial to most people, and avoiding chemicals through eating organic products will lower estrogen exposure and the health risks associated with estrogenic substances.