Diindolylmethane Side Effects Benefits and Facts

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound derived from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. On average 10-20 percent of  I3C is metabolized to DIM. When you chew raw or lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables, plant enzymes are activated, which allows Diindolylmethane (DIM) to enter your body. However to get the most efficacy from this indole, you would need to consume too much quantities of raw vegetables each day. Therefore, absorbable forms of pure Diindolylmethane (DIM) have been developed as dietary supplements that use special absorption-enhancing formulas.

Diindolylmethane Sources

Diindolylmethane is a natural substance formed when the human digestive system breaks down a compound named glucobrassicin, found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. With cruciferous intake the human diet provides up to 0.3 mg/kg of DIM.

Diindolylmethane Benefits

Many of the health problems commonly associated with estrogen and testosterone are linked to the imbalance of these hormones and improper hormone metabolism. Diindolylmethane stimulates more efficient estrogen metabolism. The most active dietary indole in cruciferous vegetables, is a healthy stimulus for the useful metabolism of estrogen in women and men. When Diindolylmethane (DIM) increases the “good” estrogen metabolites, there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of “bad” estrogen metabolites. Research has shown “4-hydroxy” and “16-hydroxy” estrogens to be promoters of inflammation and impact the normal growth of cells. These bad estrogen metabolites are responsible for many of estrogen’s undesirable actions in women and men, including further unwanted weight gain, breast cancer. Whereas, 2-hydroxy estrogens have been shown to be powerful protective of tissues, helping to support healthy cell growth. Supplemental use of Diindolylmethane (DIM) in humans is effective in adjusting the pathways of estrogen metabolism to favor the production of 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites. These shifts in estrogen metabolites were significant and showed an 75 percent increase in production of 2-hydroxyestrone and a 50 percent decrease in 16-hydroxyestrone. Case-control studies have  documented that low levels of 2-hydroxy metabolites are associated with breast cancer in women.

Good estrogens 2-hydroxy help maintain healthful levels of the catecholamine hormones that specifically stimulate enzymes in fat cells to release stored fat for energy. The salutary estrogen metabolites have antioxidant effects and help to protect the heart and brain from free-radical damage. Breast, prostate, uterine and cervical health all rely on suitable estrogen metabolism to stay healthy. Diindolylmethane (DIM) prevents estrogen dominance and low testosterone levels that can lead to diseases.

Some research show that diindolylmethane contributes significantly to, not only the balancing of hormones, but also to the prevention of abnormal cell growth. Diindolylmethane  is a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. Demonstrated antiproliferative effects in animal and cancer cell models through various mechanisms. In addition shown to inhibit invasion of normal tissue by cancer cells and to inhibit angiogenesis in cell culture models. In a article published in the journal In Vivo in 2008, Diindolylmethane (DIM) was recommended as a chemoprotective agent for both breast and prostate cancer. In a study published in 2009 found that Diindolylmethane prevents the development of cervical lesions and delays the progression of cervical cancer from cervical dysplasia in mice. (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention). A study  published in the April 2009 Journal of Cell Physiology reported growth arrest and death of prostate cancer cells cultured with Diindolylmethane.

Healthy hormone detoxification is a very important part of the normal functioning of the immune system. DIM is one molecule known for the supportive role it plays in stimulating natural detoxification enzymes and supporting normal hormone metabolism.

Diindolylmethane For Men

Diindolylmethane is the key to eliminating unwanted estrogen in men. Diindolylmethan (DIM) helps to eliminate active estrogen from the male body by promoting its conversion into the “good” metabolites. Estrogen metabolism slows as men age, especially when coupled with obesity and regular alcohol use. Men using DIM can minimize or avoid accelerating their testosterone metabolism, especially the unwanted conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Diindolylmethane  demonstrates an anti-androgenic effect in prostate cancer by inhibiting effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), likely by directly competing for DHT at the androgen receptor. In 2007, the “National Cancer Institute” reported that men who consumed one cruciferous vegetable a week reduces prostate cancer risks by 52%. Supplementation with diindolylmethane resulted in reports of improved prostate function based on reduced nighttime urination in symptomatic older men.

Diindolylmethane Side Effects

Rash, nausea, vomiting, headache, arthralgia and hot flashes have been reported. DIM supplements is commonly taken in doses of 100 mg to 200 mg. No adverse effects have been reported from Diindolylmethane supplements at doses up to 200 mg; however, mild nausea and headache have been reported with doses of 300 mg. Safety in , pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with severe kidney or liver disease has not been established. Theoretically, DIM can induce cytochrome P450 1 enzyme and may reduce serum concentration of medications that it metabolizes. Therefore, please consult your healthcare professional about possible interactions DIM may have with any medications you are taking. Anyone who has cancer or is at increased risk of getting the disease should not take DIM  without a physician approval and supervision.

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