By
Michael A. Zeligs, MD
As we age, many tissues in our bodies become chronically inflamed, resulting in an increased risk of weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. By aiding healthy hormone metabolism and assisting the body to recognize and eliminate stressed cells, we can reduce generalized inflammation and slow the progress of aging-related disorders.
DIM (Diindolylmethane) is a natural antioxidant and phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, and research has shown it to have powerful anti-inflammatory activity. DIM is an indole that is highly insoluble. To be absorbed, pure DIM must be microencapsulated. This has been proven to significantly increase the gastrointestinal absorption of DIM.1 When absorbed, DIM promotes estrogen metabolism to produce healthy and cancer-protective 2-hydroxy estrogens,2 and minimizes the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes,3 thereby reducing cellular inflammation. Activating these pathways encourages remarkable weight loss and hormonal balance and provides many other benefits towards healthy aging.
Maintaining Healthy Cells by Resolving Inflammation
The epidemic of “Metabolic Syndrome” is now recognized as abdominal obesity, rising cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. Evidence shows that low levels of generalized inflammation and cellular stress are linked to insulin resistance and weight gain, and this creates an avenue for the Metabolic Syndrome to develop. This cycle has been attributed to “high-glycemic” processed starches and sugars, trans fats, and lack of exercise, but new research shows that exposure to environmental pollutants can also cause inflammation.4 New population studies show that blood levels of organo-chlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are significantly associated with elevated fasting glucose and greater waist circumferences in US adults who are otherwise considered healthy.5 Dietary exposure from environmental chemicals ranging from plastics to pesticides, tobacco, hydrocarbons, and petrochemicals, can contribute to chronic inflammation, and therefore contribute to aging related disorders such as weight gain, diabetes, and cancer.
Microencapsulated DIM has shown specific activity to control the activity of inflammatory receptors and mediators, as well as support the antioxidant enzymes within cells. Recent research shows that even at low doses, DIM suppresses the inflammatory response from certain white blood cells, called macrophages.3 Macrophages are present in tissue and derived from precursor monocyte white cells in blood. Macrophages accumulate in fat deposits, particularly intra-abdominal fat, and other sites of inflammation. Known as the conductors of the immune response, macrophages produce and secrete an array of pro-inflammatory hormones and cytokines, which may contribute to the metabolic syndrome.6 In the recent research, DIM was shown to specifically inhibit the production and release of inflammation promoting cytokines from macrophages. Taking supplemental DIM supports the metabolic pathway for DIM, which helps to stimulate the metabolism of other poorly soluble substances. This activity assists the body in eliminating poorly soluble, pro-inflammatory environmental chemicals helping to reduce an important source of inflammation.
DIM Specifically Benefits Estrogen Metabolism
Estrogen is an essential pro-growth hormone present in women and men. Due to its potent capability to deliver messages on a cellular level, poorly metabolized estrogen has the potential to contribute to the Metabolic Syndrome. Estrogen is metabolized into several different post-estrogen hormones, namely 2-hydroxy, 4-hydoxy and 16-hydroxy estrogens. Research has shown 4-hydroxy and 16-hydroxy estrogens to be powerful growth and inflammation promoters, with direct connections to cancer, especially in estrogen-sensitive tissues such as the uterus, cervix, and prostate.7 Obesity is also associated with unfavorable estrogen metabolites.8 On the other hand, 2-hydroxy estrogens have been shown to be powerfully protective of those same tissues, helping to prevent cancer and resolve disorders including uterine fibroids and elevated PSA from prostate tissue.9
Research shows that absorbable DIM specifically directs metabolism to produce much higher levels of the 2-hydroxy “Good Estrogens.”10 Encouraging this favorable hormone metabolism produces remarkable results in the body, and invigorates the process of weight loss as well. Lipolysis is the process by which fat cells release stored fat to serve as a primary energy supply. “Good Estrogens” (2-hydroxy) help maintain healthy levels of the catecholamine hormones (epinephrine and nor-epinephrine) that specifically stimulate enzymes in fat cells to release stored fat for energy.11 When given over a period of months in animal studies, 2-hydroxy estrogen prevented obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome. Research with absorbable DIM has shown that supplementation before exercise results in greater lipolysis in the hours following exercise. This effect was associated with enhanced weight loss in adults on a weight loss program.13
Use of microencapsulated DIM supplements by thousands of women and men has demonstrated benefits for painful breasts,14 improvement in painful menstruation,15 improvement in uterine cervical health,16 and improvement in prostate health. Prostate health is the subject of two current clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute where a reduction of PSA levels in men is anticipated. Effectively balancing hormone metabolism is essential for better health and avoidance of the Metabolic Syndrome. It is advised and easy to test your body’s 2/16 estrogen metabolite ratio in order to see if you are in need of further hormone balance. A ratio of less than 2.0 indicates the need for support for estrogen metabolism.
DIM Contributes to Increased Well-being
DIM is compatible with other nutritional interventions to aid successful aging. Absorbable DIM added to a diet further enriched with other natural indoles may offer additional help for weight loss, through better appetite control and a more sensitive sense of satiety or fullness. This is possible by increasing cruciferous vegetable intake as a dietary means of supporting levels of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Adding broccoli sprouts and lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables to meals on a regular basis provides Sulforaphane and Brassinins, which are complementary phytonutrient relatives of DIM.17 Together DIM and these phytonutrients inhibit inflammation induced breakdown of tryptophan by inhibiting inflammation related enzymes.18 Adding these other phytonutrients to supplemental DIM may help maintain optimal tryptophan levels.
Healthy tryptophan levels are central to well-being and help maintain production of the brain chemical, serotonin. Serotonin is necessary for better mood and appetite control. Tryptophan can be further supported by including tryptophan-rich dietary ingredients to our diets. These include spirulina, soy nuts, cottage cheese, turkey and tofu. Individuals who are fighting serious carbohydrate cravings and mood disorders can consider adding 5-HTP supplements taken with absorbable DIM for more predictable and consistent support of brain serotonin, supporting better mood and more successful appetite control.19
Aging-Intervention with DIM
Microencapsulated DIM has been the subject of scientific research for more than 10 years, and more than 20 metric tons of this patented formulation of DIM have been safely consumed by humans. Absorbable DIM provides unique capabilities to reduce generalized inflammation and improve hormone metabolism, both of which have been directly measured in research studies. Reducing inflammation and normalizing estrogen metabolism may be further connected to a reduced risk of obesity and cancer, as well as providing remarkable support for mood, weight loss, and other hormonal imbalances. Supplemental DIM, as offered through VRP in the form of microencapsulated BioDIM®, is part of a natural and effective approach to healthy aging.
© 2008, Michael A. Zeligs, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
Michael Zeligs, MD, conducted a live webinar on September 24, 2008 at 5:00 pm (PST) to discuss the health promoting properties of BioDIM®.
References:
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