Should Flaxeed Scare Us With Estrogenic Properties?

Recently on Dr. Oz the benefits of flax seed was discussed, but it was also mentioned to contain estrogenic properties. This has made some women nervous about using flax seed. Some even claim that taking flax seed has increased hot flashes, which is contrast to many reports stating otherwise, if you were to google "flax seed and hot flashes". This article and news from the Mayo Clinic supports another boost for flax seed oil. 
Here in lies a probable misunderstanding...flax seed oil does not contain phytoestrogens, however, the whole flax seed (which contains fiber rich lignans) does - as the estrogenic properties are found in the lignans. Lignans, in fact, have cancer protective properties, which is why flax seed is an essential food in the Budwig protocol, which  has saved the lives of 1000s of cancer patients through the years.

Let's dispel some myths or concerns regarding phytoestrogens...and take a look at some facts:
Phytoestrogens take up estrogen receptors. Estradiol (E2) is the cancer causing estrogen (we have 3 types in our body, both men and women). When plant estrogens take up receptors, in essence, they take up a "parking spot" for estradiol 2.  Phytoestrogens actually BENEFIT the body by reducing stored estrogen load.

For those experiencing hot flashes, usually caused by low estrogen, another hormone, often overlooked, is bio-identical progesterone. Personally, I used the Arbonne Prolief bHRT progesterone cream (Prolief) to head off my hot flashes when I went through :"the change" a couple of years ago. 

Many Arbonne clients prefer PhytoProlief, and those experiencing major flushing or even "soaking the sheets in sweat" add in the Menopause Support oral supplement. It pretty much depends on the stage you are at. 

Another favorite for women experiencing hot flashes...  instant relief is realized with the cooling Arbonne SeaSource Renewing Body Gelee, a sea botanical based, none hormonal gel-like lotion that can also hydrate very dry skin.. For my "wise through the years" clients, it is a most favored Arbonne product - a best seller during the holidays for the grandparent on the shopping list.

A word of caution, however, for flax seed users... Whole seed is not going to break down to provide the Omega 3 benefit...it is recommended to use a coffee grinder and grind fresh every couple of days to release the benefits of the oil so they become bio-available (absorbed) by the body. A bottle of expressed flax seed from the grocery store most likely already contains free radicals...as flax seed oil has a short shelf life.  

When using vegan Omega 3 supplements, Raymond Francis, author of the book "Never Fear Cancer Again" recommends a supplement that preserves flax seed oil with nitrogen. Such is the case with the Arbonne Omega 3 that we utilize in our family. It is equivalent to 4 salmon steaks, is pure, and also contains DHA from environmentally controlled/grown sea algae to ensure purity. (ORAC 8,000)

Soy, estrogenic in nature as well, poses a number of health concerns... such as a high glutamate content, even organic, as it absorbs glutamate from soil more than any other plant in the plant kingdom. (paraphrased from Russell Blaylock "Excitotoxins, The Tastes that Kills")  Excitotoxins destroy brain cells, and brain cells do not regenerate. A few days ago we watched a documentary on the Gerson Therapy for cancer treatment...if all of you could see the video, I suspect you would eliminate soy from your diet immediately. (I am grateful to have learned about this several years ago at my first Arbonne party/workshop that I attended.) Soy products affect thyroid, which is why you may notice many vegetarians with swelling around eyes, facial features, etc. Dr. David Browstein writes a book I highly recommend about the deception of soy.

ESTROGEN HORMONE 101Estrogens have a number of sources: human body manufacture (3 types), environmental and plant based. If you were to ask your physician how many types of estrogens there are, I would not be surprised if they only know of one.  What may be even more shocking, per a hormone expert/author/MD friend of mine...endocrinologists may not be know much more. I point this out only because of a recent experience we had, and if you are not satisfied, seek a 2nd opinion. It could be critical to your health later on.

Phtyoestrogens are very different from chemical based, xeno estrogens introduced to the body by environmental toxins. These sources include, but are certainly not limited to: 
FUMES: exhaust fumes from automobiles, paint, hair styling/dying products, nail lacquers
HYGIENE & MAKE-UP: parabens, petro-chemicals (petrolatum, mineral oil, etc), formeldahyde-producing preservatives, sodium laurel sulfate, hydroquinone, etc.
FOODS: growth hormones in livestock, eggs, GMO foods, non-organic foods, processed foods

Xeno-estrogens, unlike plant estrogens, STORE in the body. Fat cells are major "storage closets" for estrogen and it is estrogen in excess that creates a number of health issues. 

Flax seed continues to be a highly recommended source of Omega 3, and lignan fiber, by the top alternative medicine doctors treating cancer. In fact, it is a key ingredient in the highly acclaimed Budwig Diet protocol. It would be a shame for people to stop taking this highly beneficial food because of a little sweat.

Regarding hot flashes, in the past several years studies are finding HEALTH BENEFITS for the heart, even though we may not be keen on the idea that we may benefit from the sweat equity in transition.  Yes, we need sleep, and we do need to function. If hot flashes and night sweats are debilitating and preventing a good night's rest...it should be addressed.  However, if a hot flash is a mild flushing - as I experienced moments ago while typing this (oh, the irony!).... a dab of Seasource Renewing Body gelee on the back of my neck, forehead and behind the knees quickly did the trick!

I wish for you VITALITY. May you feel great, look great and live great!
Rita S.