Many studies find that women in East Asia report far fewer hot flashes than women in Western countries. Part of this may be dietary patterns, not just genetics, especially lifelong consumption of soy and other plant foods rich in phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors in the body. Meta-analyses show that phytoestrogen interventions, including soy-based ones, are associated with modest reductions in menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
Some clinical research suggests soy isoflavones can reduce the number and severity of hot flashes over time, though effects are generally smaller than hormone therapy and vary by individual.
Other evidence points to the importance of equol, a plant metabolite produced by gut bacteria from soy isoflavones. Some women have gut bacteria that convert soy into a compound called equol, which may enhance symptom relief and this ability appears to be more common in Asian populations.
In short, it likely isn’t just genetics, it’s a combination of dietary patterns, plant phytoestrogens and how the body metabolizes them.
*Featured photo is my crispy baked tofu.
If you’d like some tofu recipes, hit reply and we can chat about my offerings.
I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
