Gut Research
(I should really make a new thread for these things)
These are some VERY interesting reads:
"While a healthy gut can help to eliminate excess estrogens from the body, an
unhealthy digestive tract which is fueled by refined carbohydrates, processed foods, gluten and alcohol
can lead to leaky gut and an up regulation of an enzyme called B-glucouronidase, this breaks apart the bound estrogen that is getting excreted out of the body through the intestines making it easier to reabsorb into the body. This can be one of the
biggest causes of excess estrogen in women and men. Beneficial bacteria can prevent this from happening by reducing dysbiosis as it is high levels of the bad bacteria that uncouple the bond between estrogen and glucuronic acid."
http://www.planetnaturopath.com/hormones...gen-levels
"Beta glucuronidase, for example, is an enzyme produced by certain unfriendly gut bacteria. High levels of beta glucuronidase disrupt the body's ability to detoxify both natural hormones and environmental chemicals. People who have high levels of beta glucuronidase in their stool may be at increased risk for breast and colon cancer. Because beta glucuronidase in the stool is easily measured, it may help assess a person's cancer risk.
Can we reduce our exposure to beta glucuronidase? Taking
probiotic supplements increases the proportion of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in the G.I. tract, which thereby
decreases the number of beta-glucuronidase-producing bacteria. A diet that reduces red meat and emphasizes plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains and fermented milk products containing live organisms also promotes a healthy population of friendly bacteria."
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Bact...then.shtml
It seems like a terrible cycle --> herbs and too many supplements cause irritation to the stomach and decrease healthy gut flora --> increases amount of estrogen in body because it cannot be excreted --> have to take more supplements to reduce estrogen --> causes more irritation (!!)
I am definitely adding some probiotics (culturelle brand) to my program also because i will be on antibiotics for the next few months so that is only going to worsen my stomach issues. And for now I will be staying away from estrogen and just taking vitex. It seems that my estrogen is too high, but not sure if progesterone is necessarily LOW it may just be low compared to estrogen but still within a normal range. So I'm still not sure on the PC.
I noticed my breasts getting slightly smaller the last few days (while taking PM) but I also did lose a little weight (back to 108
- need to figure out a way to maintain my weight better) but today when I didn't take PM and just took vitex, I noticed my breasts swelled up after massaging, a little to how they were before I took PM so I think vitex is definitely working for me! But it's too soon to say for sure so I'll post more updates as they come.
Happy growing lovely ladies!