Several classes of chemical compounds which naturally occur in fruits and vegetables possess anticarcenogenic properties. The cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage and broccoli are particularly rich sources of such compounds, including Indole derivatives [indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and indole-3-acetonitrile], dithilthiones and isothiocyanates. Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with reduced tumor incidents in humans and experimental animals.
Diindolylmethane (DIM, in short) is the principal breakdown product of indole 3-carbinol (I3C), the phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, collards, mustard greens, radishes, watercress, and turnips. DIM, has been shown in scientific studies to reduce the risk of prostate and other hormone-driven cancers by helping the body to make a better balance of the hormones.*
Can taking 250 – 300 mg. of DIM (or its equivalent in raw cruciferous vegetables) reduce your risk for prostate cancer?
Yes, according to Dr. Michael Zeligs, M.D. author of All About DIM. “A recent study of Seattle men showed that three or more servings of cruciferous vegetables a week can reduce prostate cancer risk almost by half.” His statement is based on an article by J. H. Cohen, et. al. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. Natl. Cancer Inst. Jan 2000; 5;92 (1): 61-8.
The following quotations are taken from All about DIM by Michael A. Zeligs, M.D. and A. Scott Connelly, M.D., based on research related to men’s use of diindolylmethane (DIM) and the phytochemical compounds (indole-3-carbinol) found in cruciferous vegetables from which DIM is derived. Following the quotations is a partial bibliography substantiating the claims made in the article.
DIM & Testosterone
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is an important contributor to healthy hormonal balance in both men and women. Testosterone is known as an androgen because when its effect dominate male characteristics are seen. These include male distribution of body hair, a deeper voice, and male genital development. Testosterone is also identified as anabolic hormone due to its ability to promote protein synthesis. Active protein synthesis produce bigger muscles and stronger bones, especially in response to exercise. This process also increase metabolic rate and consumes fat, resulting in a leaner physique. The more subtle effects of testosterone have to do with its action as a support for mood and libido. Testosterone has a clear anti-depressant action and promotes interest in sex and men and women.
How does DIM benefit testosterone activity?
Testosterone acts differently depending on whether it is free or bound to carrier proteins in the blood. DIM, through its effects on estrogen metabolism supports testosterone by helping to maintain the level of free or active testosterone. Free testosterone refers to defraction of testosterone that circulates in the blood and is not associated with or bound by SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), its carrier protein. Since only free testosterone easily crosses into the brain, muscles, and fat cells much of the desirable action of testosterone has to do with the free portion. However, this represents only a tiny amount of the total testosterone equal to only to 2% of the total in men and even less in women.
High levels of SHBG lock up free testosterone making it unavailable to support mood or metabolism. Interestingly, unmetabolized estrogen is the body’s primary signal to increase the production and levels of the testosterone-binding protein. Low levels of free testosterone have been identified during perimenopause and are most dramatic in women with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. (24)
How can DIM help with age-related reduced levels of free testosterone?
Since DIM promotes a more active metabolism of estrogen, unmetabolized estrogen levels fall and the 2-hydroxy-estrogens increase. The 2-hydroxy-estrogens possess the unique ability to displace testosterone from SHGB and set it free. Therefore, the combined effect of DIM to reduce unmetabolized estrogen and increase 2-hydroxy-estrogens can reduce elevations in SHGB and allow for more free testosterone. Both of these changes help maintain and restore a youthful balance between estrogen and free testosterone. This balance is a key to a healthy and active metabolism. (25)
Does DIM help maintain a healthy testosterone level in older men?
Zelligs: “The same dynamics for maintaining higher total and free testosterone levels apply to healthy aging in men. Estrogen metabolism is slowed during aging in men, especially in association with obesity and regular alcohol use.” [translation: As we age, our bodies take longer to “clear” the estrogen in our cells and higher than healthy levels of estrogen are common, especially in men who are obese or who are regular social drinkers.]
“Avoiding overactive testosterone metabolism, [clearing the testosterone too quickly] and reducing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen are goals of nutritional support in middle aged and older men.”
“It is well documented that estrogen accumulates in the prostate gland starting at age 50 (42) and that estrogen is associated with the degree of prostate enlargement. (43)
“Based on animal and human testing, DIM is again preferable to I3C in the area of men’s health. Using DIM in men avoids accelerating testosterone metabolism, especially regarding unwanted conversion of testosterone into estrogen.”
Does DIM help improve prostate health and reduce night time urination in older men?
“Regarding men’s health, supplementation with absorbable DIM has resulted in reports of improved prostate function based on reduced nighttime urination in symptomatic older men.”
“Once absorbed, DIM is uniquely active in promoting healthy estrogen metabolism and improving symptoms of estrogen-related imbalance in both men and women.”
“Apart from therapeutic potential, dietary supplement use of DIM and I3C relates to hormonal balance and symptoms of “estrogen dominance.”
Even more impressive is research showing that unmetabolized estrogen accumulates in prostate tissue in men as they age. Exposure of human prostate tissue to unmetabolized estrogen in the laboratory did indeed result in activation and increased production of prostate specific antigen protein (PSA). The PSA protein level in men’s blood is now used as a screening test to determine the severity of prostate enlargement or to determine the chance of prostate cancer. Recent studies also have shown that estradiol, the active form of estrogen, causes the prostate gland to increase its production of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Increased PSA production, however, can be inhibited by the “good” estrogen metabolites promoted by DIM. This indicates that “good” estrogen metabolites are more beneficial for prostate health than unmetabolized estrogen-like estradiol. (53)
Various supplements, including DIM, can now be used to reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and promote a healthy prostate. Optimum testosterone-2-estrogen hormonal balance achieved with the use of DIM can help to preserve a youthful urinary tract, prevent age-related prostate growth, and perhaps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Long term safety has been demonstrated in DIM.
Article source: https://wholeworldbotanicals.com/facts-about-dim-and-mens-health/
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