Could soya beans help stroke victims recover?24th september 2008.

[Antaletriangle]

Could soya beans help stroke victims recover?

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:50 AM on 24th September 2008


A compound found in soya beans and chickpeas could help stroke patients, research suggests.

A study into a dietary supplement containing isoflavone found it improved artery function in stroke patients.


Heart disease patients who had suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot were split into two groups, with one given isoflavone and the other a placebo.



Research suggests that a compound found in soya beans could help stroke victims


Researchers measured the way the main artery in the arm dilated following an increase in blood flow, known as flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The greater the FMD, the better the artery is working.


The results showed the level of poor FMD was similar between the groups at the start, but after 12 weeks the FMD was ‘significantly greater’ in those taking isoflavone.


Strokes kill 50,000 people in England each year.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...s-recover.html

That sounds promising, but soy isn't as safe to consume in large quantities as was once thought. Those healing isoflavones also contain much natural estrogens, which can be toxic to at least half of the population. Maybe the scientists can isolate the good stuff in there that helps with circulation, and block out all the estrogen, somehow?

How many of the stroke victims I've treated, would be "normal" or have better functioning if they had access to something like this?

A word to the wise: If anyone in your immediate family has had an aneurysm, you need to get to your doc, and get an MRI of your head and spine done. They can be found and repaired before they blow! The tendency to get aneurysms is inherited, and they can happen anywhere, not just the brain.

[Wandering Daoist]

"isoflavones found in soy (like genistein and diadzein) block some receptor sites where estrogen binds to cells. The effect is to prevent estrogen from accumulating in your body. "



Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones.
Kalman D, Feldman S, Martinez M, Krieger DR, Tallon MJ.

Miami Research Associates, Nutrition/Endocrinology Division, Miami, Florida, USA. dkalman@miamiresearch.com.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests an inverse relationship between soy protein intake and serum concentrations of male sex hormones. Anecdotal evidence indicates that these alterations in serum sex hormones may attenuate changes in lean body mass following resistance training. However, little empirical data exists regarding the effects of soy and milk-based proteins on circulating androgens and exercise induced body composition changes. METHODS: For 12 weeks 20 subjects were supplemented with 50 g per day of one of four different protein sources (Soy concentrate; Soy isolate; Soy isolate and whey blend, and Whey blend only) in combination with a resistance-training program. Body composition, testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured at baseline and week 12. RESULTS: Protein supplementation resulted in a significant increase in lean body mass independent of protein source (0.5 +/- 1.1 and 0.9 +/- 1.4 kg, p = 0.006, p = 0.007). No significant differences were observed between groups for total and free testosterone, SHBG, percentage body fat, BMI or body weight. The Testosterone/Estradiol ratio increased across all groups (+13.4, p = 0.005) and estradiol decreased (p = 0.002). Within group analysis showed significant increases in the Testosterone/Estradiol ratio in soy isolate + whey blend group (+16.3, p = 0.030). Estradiol was significantly lower in the whey blend group (-9.1 +/- 8.7 pg/ml, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that 12 week supplementation with soy protein does not decrease serum testosterone or inhibit lean body mass changes in subjects engaged in a resistance exercise program.

Dietary soy protein containing isoflavonoids does not adversely affect the reproductive tract of male cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis).
Perry DL, Spedick JM, McCoy TP, Adams MR, Franke AA, Cline JM.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. dlperry@wfubmc.edu

Short-term dietary studies of soy-protein-derived isoflavonoids, using rodent and nonhuman primate models, have documented variable effects on the reproductive tract. Long-term effects of dietary soy and/or isoflavonoids on the reproductive tract of nonhuman primates have not been determined. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of long-term consumption of dietary soy isoflavonoids on histomorphology of the mammary glands and prostate gland, testis, and sperm counts in adult male cynomolgus macaques. Ninety-one adult male cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were fed diets for 3 y differing only in protein source: 1) a soy-free, casein-lactalbumin-based diet or 2) a low-soy isoflavonoid diet ( approximately 6 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1)) or 3) a high-soy isoflavonoid diet ( approximately 12 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1)). Serum isoflavonoids were measured by liquid chromatographic-photodiode array electrospray MS. Mammary gland, prostate gland, and testes were obtained at postmortem and evaluated histopathologically and histomorphometrically. Epididymal and testicular sperm counts were performed. Serum isoflavonoid concentrations at 4 h postfeeding differed among all groups (P < 0.001) and were (means +/- SEM) 67 +/- 23 (soy-free diet), 799 +/- 44 (low-soy isoflavonoid diet), and 1458 +/- 80 nmol . L(-1) (high-soy isoflavonoid diet). Diet did not alter serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations or epididymal and testicular sperm counts. Organ weights and histologic indices did not differ among treatment groups. Mammary gland histopathologic and histomorphometric analysis revealed no abnormalities and no indication of gynecomastia. We found no evidence of an adverse effect of soy isoflavonoids at physiologically relevant doses within the reproductive organs of adult male macaques.

PMID: 17513396 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Good for Prostate:

Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate suppresses androgen receptor expression without altering estrogen receptor-beta expression or serum hormonal profiles in men at high risk of prostate cancer.
Hamilton-Reeves JM, Rebello SA, Thomas W, Slaton JW, Kurzer MS.

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of soy protein isolate consumption on circulating hormone profiles and hormone receptor expression patterns in men at high risk for developing advanced prostate cancer. Fifty-eight men were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 3 protein isolates containing 40 g/d protein: 1) soy protein isolate (SPI+) (107 mg/d isoflavones); 2) alcohol-washed soy protein isolate (SPI-) (<6 mg/d isoflavones); or 3) milk protein isolate (0 mg/d isoflavones). For 6 mo, the men consumed the protein isolates in divided doses twice daily as a partial meal replacement. Serum samples collected at 0, 3, and 6 mo were analyzed for circulating estradiol, estrone, sex hormone-binding globulin, androstenedione, androstanediol glucuronide, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, and free testosterone concentrations by RIA. Prostate biopsy samples obtained pre- and postintervention were analyzed for androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor-beta expression by immunohistochemistry. At 6 mo, consumption of SPI+ significantly suppressed AR expression but did not alter estrogen receptor-beta expression or circulating hormones. Consumption of SPI- significantly increased estradiol and androstenedione concentrations, and tended to suppress AR expression (P = 0.09). Although the effects of SPI- consumption on estradiol and androstenedione are difficult to interpret and the clinical relevance is uncertain, these data show that AR expression in the prostate is suppressed by soy protein isolate consumption, which may be beneficial in preventing prostate cancer.

PMID: 17585029 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Serum prostate-specific antigen but not testosterone levels decrease in a randomized soy intervention among men.
Maskarinec G, Morimoto Y, Hebshi S, Sharma S, Franke AA, Stanczyk FZ.

Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. gertraud@crch.hawaii.edu

BACKGROUND: Low prostate cancer incidence and high soy intake in Asian countries suggest a possible protective effect of soy foods against prostate cancer. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized, crossover soy trial among men and to investigate the effects of daily soy intake on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels. METHODS: We randomized 24 men to a high or a low soy diet for 3 months. After a 1-month washout period, the men crossed over to the other treatment. During the high soy diet, the men consumed two daily soy servings; during the low soy diet, they maintained their usual diet. During the entire study each man donated four blood samples and five overnight urine samples. Dietary compliance was assessed by soy calendars, 24-h dietary recalls, and urinary isoflavone excretion measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Blood samples were analyzed for serum testosterone and PSA by radioimmunoassay. When necessary, variables were log transformed. Two sample t-tests compared the two groups before each study period. Mixed models incorporating the repeated measurements were used to evaluate the effect of the soy diet on urinary isoflavone excretion and serum analytes. RESULTS: Twenty-three men aged 58.7+/-7.2 years completed the study. The compliance with the study regimen was high according to self-reported soy food intake and urinary isoflavone excretion. No significant between-group and within-group differences were detected. During the high soy diet, dietary isoflavone intake and urinary isoflavone excretion increased significantly as compared to the low soy diet. A 14% decline in serum PSA levels (P=0.10), but no change in testosterone (P=0.70), was observed during the high soy diet in contrast to the low soy diet. CONCLUSION: The high adherence as shown by three measures of compliance in this pilot trial demonstrated the feasibility of an intervention based on soy foods among free-living men.

PMID: 16775579 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.mothering.com/articles/gr...soy_story.html

Full footnotes for sources are at the bottom of the page.

I did feed my son soy formula when he was an infant, after he was weaned, with no issues, but in light of the data above, do not believe it is something that any of us need to be eating in very large quantities. As something to help out in clearing arteries, my point is, it could be promising.

[omshanti2]

I have read that soya milk shrinks gall stones, I cannot remember if it was in the Book called, The Pharmacology Of Food The Miracle cure, by Jean Carper. I am sure this is the title of the book, I will post in a few days when I find out for definite

[Flying Fish]

I am so not into soy, I have read far to many accounts that it is not the 'wonder food' we once thought. One doctor claimed that in one glass of soy milk there was 5 times the amount of estrogen then there is in 1 birth control pill, and that it can lead to infertility in males. I think that there are so many sources of information on this topic that it needs to be thoroughly researched and not just discussed. To me it looks like a money maker, especially when you consider that it was completely inedible and was not consumed until about 20 years ago when they discovered how to process it into something digestible. We wouldn't process a carrot to that extent and call it healthy would we?

[Daria]

No it would not. Keep away from soy or soya.

[Blufire77]

I would like to encourage everyone to always take research and information to the most foundational point. Please do not just go to the first research data you find or regurgitate info you have heard vicariously. Please use common sense.

It is fact that most of the healthy or beneficial attributes of soy are true. The Asian cultures have been using soy beans and soy products for many generations and hundreds of years. I would caution the espousing that it is a miracle health food. It is like most vegetables and fruits grown naturally or organically . . . . good stuff needed for good health.

The tragic problem today with soy products today is that 95% is from GMO (genetically mutated or modified organism) seed. The high estrogen levels that are now recorded in soy (and corn) is not solely from the bean it is from the herbicides the plant is doused with during and prior the growing season. Also the amino acids and proteins in the mutated bean are not digestible. When we ingest the traces of herbicides that are in everything that we eat . . . even fish and other meat . . . our bodies convert it into estrogen.

All you have to do is trace back 10 to 15 years ago when GMO, herbicides and pesticides became common in all agriculture that accounts of prostate cancer, infertility , breast and reproductive cancer, erectile dysfunction, obesity, male breasts became rampant. All these dis-eases can be attributed to high estrogen levels as well as other chemical toxins.

Also I plead with all parents who are feeding their babies formula which are all soy based to make sure the soy is from an organic and non-GMO source. Illnesses like autism, ADD, ADHA, allergies, asthma, etc can also be traced back to mutated forms of food. Better yet, find someone who is consciously raising milk goats. Goat milk is closest to human mother’s milk.

We are all here to find the truth and to establish a true abundant way of life.

Grow a garden with heirloom or open pollinated seed or support a farmer or community that does.

I live south of the Kansas City area and I will be teaching homesteading and gardening this coming year . . . free or at cost. Let me know if you are in the area and interested.