Herbs and Supplements to Safely Detoxify Estrogen

Herbs and Supplements to Safely Detoxify Estrogen

There are specific compounds which address all of the processed outlined in the Estrogen Detox protocol: prepping the body to release stored estrogen, removing stored estrogen, and protecting the body against the damage caused by the removal. We have put together the following list of compounds which, when combined, will thoroughly and safely detoxify the body of stored estrogen. No single ingredient is adequate to safely detoxify the body is estrogen, and no single ingredient should be overlooked in your estrogen detox protocol.

• Apigenine (5,7-dyhydroxy flavones) Extract. Apigenine is an extract isolated from chamomile flowers and is a potent estrogen metabolizing compound. Apigenine has anti-aromatase, antioxidant, anti-cancerous properties. Combined with trans-resveratrol, Apigenine has been shown to antagonize and destroy estrogen related cancer.
• Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxy flavone) extract. Chrysin is an extract from the Passion Flower plant, and contains anti-aromatase and antioxidant flavons. Chrysin is the main active ingredient in Passion Flower, used traditionally to enhance potency and virility. In terms of removing estrogen, Chrysin is considered the most potent plant estrogen metabolizing compound in nature.
• Calcium D-glucarate. Calcium D-glucarate is a natural substance is found in apples, oranges, broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. To detox toxic estrogens your liver joins it to glucoronic acid. D-glucarate can inhibit an enzyme produced by gut bacteria called beta-glucuronidase that can break this bond and allow the estrogen to be recirculated from the bowel. While Calcium D-glucarate is a naturally occurring compound, is it not present in adequate quantities to remove stored estrogen. 500 mgs of Calcium D-Glucarate is equivalent to the phytonutrient activity found in 82 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• DIM (Diindolylmethane). An naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables, but in too low of quantities to be useful for removing stored estrogen, DIM is known for its beneficial effects on shifting estrogen metabolism away from the harmful metabolites 16 hydroxy estrogens. Additionally, DIM is protective against cancer, and high levels of estrogen are linked with breast and reproductive cancers in men and women.
• Silymarin (Milk Thistle Seed Extract). Silymarin, the active compound found in the seeds of the herb milk thistle, is a powerhouse for the liver. It both protects the liver from damage (even acute poisoning) and it also help rebuild diseased liver tissue and cells. There are over 120 published studies listed in PubMed on the effects of milk thistle on the liver. Clinicians use milk thistle to completely reverse cirrhosis of the liver in 6 months. Silymarin supports both Phase I and Phase II detoxification in the liver. Because ALL HORMONES are processed by the liver, protecting and supporting the liver during an estrogen detoxification protocol is paramount. A common cause of estrogen toxicity in men and women is a diseased or a congested liver. If the liver cannot safely detoxify hormones, including estrogen, and other toxins, it processed them to be stored in adipose (fat) tissue.
• Sulforaphane Extract. Like DIM, Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring extract from cruciferous vegtables (this time broccoli). Sulforaphane is a potent inducer of phase II liver detoxification enzymes. The phase II detoxification enzymes are responsible for eliminating harmful toxins and carcinogens from the body. These powerful enzymes safely metabolize the released estrogen caused by the other compounds including in this protocol. Sulforaphane has been shown in the laboratory to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells, and to reduce their expression of the estrogen receptor. Additionally, research has shown that Sulforaphane acts directly to inhibit cancer cell growth and to initiate apoptosis, or death, of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms.

Supportive Supplements

When undertaking an estrogen detox protocol, several supplements will help ensure effective--and safe--total detoxification. Consider including these supplements in your protocol.

• Citrus Fruits: D-Limomene. D-Limomene, found in the oils of citrus fruits, has been shown to promote detoxification of estrogen. Common citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, limes and tangelos. Research also found that, when administered an extract of D-Limomene, both male and female lab mice evidenced lower body weight. Juicing whole oranges, limes, and lemons while undergoing a detoxification program (or making a hot tea with boiling water poured over the sliced fruit) will aid in the detoxification process.
• Insoluble fiber. Once hormones have been safely removed and detoxified by the body, they must be eliminated by the body. If they are not eliminated, they those hormones will be reabsorbed through the large intestine. Insoluble fiber, the type of fiber you find in oatmeal, oat bran, dried peas, beans, lentils, apples, pears, strawberries and blueberries, binds to hormones and removes them in your fecal matter. If you are detoxing estrogen, you must include extra insoluble fiber in your diet to ensure proper elimination.
• Standardized Zingiber officinale root root extract. Increases metabolism, including the removal of estrogen.
• Trans-resveratrol. The most potent and bio-available Resveratrol comes from the Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) plant. Resveratrol protects the body from harmful toxins caused by metabolism, however, it also aids the detoxification of estrogen. known for its potent antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-aging properties. Resveratrol works as a cofactor in potentiating the effects of estrogen metabolism.