Szójafogyasztás endometriózis esetén

Soy and endometriosis

The two main types of phytoestrogens are isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes, and lignans are found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

The isoflavones in soy foods are similar in structure to the human hormone oestrogen. They are similar, but NOT identical. Contrary to popular belief, research generally shows that isoflavones do NOT act in the body like human estrogen.

Human oestrogen binds differently to oestrogen receptors compared to isoflavones, and consequently the responses in the body are different. I would like to dispel one more common misconception - Isoflavones do NOT affect oestrogen levels in the human body. They may have a weak estrogen-like effect, but they do not seem to affect tissues that are affected by human estrogen, such as the endometrium!

The research that is clearly negative about isoflavones is both old and based on animal studies, from which it is very bold to draw one-to-one conclusions for humans.

The picture is much clearer now. On EndoBlog, I present specific research in my soy article, so you can see for yourself. There is a lot of research on the safety of soy consumption for estrogen-dependent diseases (such as some types of breast cancer).

Studies among patients support the safety of soy drinks, and even show a reduction in mortality and subsequent recurrence rates among soy drinkers.Although endometriosis is less and less considered an estrogen-dependent disease, there is some research on soy. There are very few properly conducted study, but I will highlight one where the study found that the consumption of isoflavones may even reduce the severity of endometriosis.

Now, before we go in with a bucket, I must mention that I have found 2 studies that link soy consumption to endometriosis.

Both were conducted in a Japanese context, where soy is known to be eaten/drunk from early childhood. How is it that the research is so contradictory? Well, because of what I've been stressing since the publication of my first book, The Real Endometriosis Diet: because we as consumers are different.

The bioavailability of isoflavones, their absorption and what the body does with them in general, is determined by the gut microbiome. which is different for everyone, so the effects of these isoflavones on the body can vary greatly from person to person. And it's not just soy. This is why there is no one endometriosis diet that is good for everyone. That's why you need to find and create the TRUTH! My book The True Endometriosis Diet will help you do just that.

Anyway, soy wouldn't be a bad food, it's full of protein and essential fatty acids, magnesium, iron, calcium, antioxidants and also contains plenty of fibre. However, it is one of the most commonly genetically modified products. I say in moderation why not, but stick to the least processed options.