Abundant Health & Wellness Center
216 River Park North Drive
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
(678) 445-2746

In the past 40 years we have seen a dramatic rise in female-related illnesses and problems. Estrogen dominance affects not only women but men as well. Signs of estrogen dominance in women are: swollen breasts, swollen fingers, impatience, menstrual cramps, bossiness, missed periods, irregular periods, painful periods, PMS symptoms, fibroids, endometriosis, fatigue, large clots during period, cysts in the breasts, excess hair on the face like peach fuss, hair loss on the head, foggy thinking, depression, constipation and of course weight gain. Excess estrogen is a water loving hormone so you can experience a lot of fluid retention in the breasts, fingers and feet.
There is a link between estrogen dominance and diseases such as: breast cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, gallbladder disease, uterine fibroids, allergies, sinus congestion, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, insulin resistance, prostate cancer, infertility, and fibrocystic breasts.

Here are some of the most common causes of estrogen dominance:

Increased sugar, processed and fast food: These foods lead to a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is linked to higher estrogen.

Coffee, tea and chocolate consumption: Caffeine intake is linked to higher estrogen.

Soy based foods and supplements: Unless the source of soy is organic and is fermented it can become a factor in creating estrogen dominance. Soy contains a variety of toxic chemicals, which cannot be fully metabolized by the body unless it undergoes a long cooking or fermentation process. Unfermented soy increases the risk of mineral deficiency’s including calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Soy is also high in aluminum because it is processed in aluminum tanks.

Exposure to xenon-estrogen. Petrochemical compounds found in products such as creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfume, hair spray and room deodorizers. These compounds often have chemical structures similar to estrogen and can act like estrogen in the body. Other sources of estrogen include: car exhaust, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, solvents and adhesives found in nail polish, paint removers and glues, dry cleaning chemicals, practically all plastics. Industrial waste such as PCB’s and dioxins, synthetic estrogens from the urine of women who take hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills that is flushed down the toilet and eventually finds it’s way back into the food chain and back into our bodies.

Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT): HRT with estrogen alone without opposing progesterone increases the level of estrogen in the body .

Taking birth control pills.

Commercial raised cattle and poultry: Animals are fed estrogen-like hormones as well as growth hormones that is passed onto humans when eaten. One half of all antibiotics in the United States are used in livestock - 25 million pounds a year. These antibiotics can contribute to hormone disruptor exposure. Feeds used contain a myriad of hormone-disrupting toxins including pesticides, antibiotics and drugs to combat diseases in the animals.

Commercially grown fruits and vegetables containing pesticide. Approximately 5 billion pounds of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other biocides , many of which are known endocrine disruptors are found in our fruits and vegetables.

Deficiency of magnesium and vitamin B6

Stress: Stress causes adrenal gland exhaustion and reduced progesterone output.

Industrial solvents: Commonly found in cosmetics, finger nail polish and fingernail polish remover, glues, paints, acetone, alcohol, varnishes, cleaning products, carpet, fiberboard and other processed woods.

Obesity: Fat has an enzyme that converts adrenal steroids to estrogen. The higher the fat intake, the higher the conversion of fat to estrogen.

Ways to reduce estrogen dominance:

Don’t drink tap water
Avoid high caffeine foods like: coffee, tea and chocolate
Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables
Eat organic meat and poultry
Eat non-farm raised fish
Use organic or all natural soaps, tooth paste, lotions, creams, shampoos and conditioners
Avoid contact with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
Use natural progesterone
Eat only organic, fermented soy products like Miso and tempeh
Switch to a high fiber plant based diet
Detoxify the liver
Exercise 30- 60 minutes a day
Don’t use fabric softeners
Do not microwave food in plastic containers, especially plastic wrap
Wash your food well to get rid of pesticides
Do not use plastic goods
Get a good water filter for your water to cook in and drink
Reduce stress
Get on a specialized nutritional program through Abundant Health & Wellness Center

Dr. Ambrosio is a Chiropractor and runs Abundant Health & Wellness Center, a holistic wellness center in Woodstock, Georgia. His clinic works with a variety of patients. If you would like a free consultation on your personal health issues, please call the office at (678) 445-2746.

Other Foods to avoid:

Soy
Millet
Barley
Flaxseed
Kidney beans
Lima Beans
Rye
Clover
Raspberry tea
Evening Primrose Oil
Licorice
Garbanzo Beans
Dairy Products
Red Meat

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Chris Ambrosio maintains a successful practice that incorporates Chiropractic Care and Wholistic Wellness. He graduated from Life University in 1997. He started in the health care industry in 1993 as a Computerized EDS technician and trainer. He is a certified BRT practitioner as well as a certified practitioner in Bio-Cranial Release technique, Koren Specific Technique, Neuro-Emotional Technique and ASERT Allergy Elimination Technique. He uses several different types of testing in his office such as the Computerized EDS testing, Kinesiology (muscle testing) and DPA cardiovascular heart health screening device. His office uses homeopathy, herbs and whole food, organic supplements to help balance the body. He continues his pursuit and thirst for knowledge by continually researching new techniques, attending seminars and researching new products to help his patients acheive the best of health.