Table of Contents
Can This Crucifix Plant Compound Help Fight Cancer?
Diindolylmethane is a natural substance generated when the body breaks down indole-3-carbinol, a compound in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and lime. Available as a supplement, diithylmethane is said to offer several health benefits.
Why do People Wear It
Diindolylmethane intended to produce changes in estrogen metabolism, a biological process thought to influence the development of certain hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer.
Proponents claim that consuming diindolylmethane can help increase your defense against various types of cancer and promote detoxification and support weight loss.
Also read: Digestive Enzymes: Why you Should Know About It
The Benefits
To date, research on the health effects of diindolylmethane is quite limited. In preliminary research, some scientists have found that diindolylmethane can influence estrogen metabolism.
Although altering estrogen metabolism may help protect against certain hormone-dependent cancers (such as breast cancer), there is still not enough research to determine whether diindolylmethane can help prevent cancer.
Here is a look at some key results from the available studies:
1) Breast Cancer
Although some laboratory studies suggest that it may help inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, there have been few clinical studies.
In a small 2004 pilot study published in Nutrition and Cancer, researchers found that taking diindolylmethane supplements caused changes in estrogen metabolism.
The study included 19 postmenopausal women with a history of early-stage breast cancer.
A 2015 study published in Familial Cancer examined the use of 300 mg per day of diindolylmethane for four to six weeks in fifteen women with a BRCA1 mutation. The proportion of urinary estrogen (a biomarker inversely related to the development of breast cancer) did not change significantly after supplementation.
2) Uterine Cancer
Although some data have suggested that taking diindolylmethane supplements may slow the development of cervical cancer, a 2012 study published in the British Journal of Cancer showed no benefit. The study involved 551 women with low-grade abnormalities diagnosed in cervical cells. For six months, participants took diindolylmethane supplements or a placebo daily. Diindolylmethane accessories did not achieve a significant beneficial effect on changes in the cervical cell or the presence of HPV.
3) Other Forms of Cancer
Preliminary findings from test-tube studies and animal research indicate that diindolylmethane may offer some protection against prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. However, due to a lack of research, it is too early to know if diindolylmethane can help fight these forms of cancer in humans.
4) Weight Loss
Although diindolylmethane supplements sometimes promoted as natural weight loss aids, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that taking it encourages weight loss.
Sources
It produced when the body says indole-3-carbinol, a compound found in the following vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Coles de Brussels
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Berro
It is also available in supplement form, sold in health food stores and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
Possible Side Effects
To date, very little is recognized about the safety of using supplements regularly or in the long term.
Because of the potential of affect estrogen metabolism, there is some concern because taking supplements may aggravate hormone-sensitive conditions (including hormone-dependent cancers, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids ).
According to a report, an otherwise healthy woman reported central serous chorioretinopathy (a condition that caused visual impairment) after an excessive daily intake of diindolylmethane for two months.
After discontinuing the supplements, her symptoms resolved after eight weeks. After using diindolylmethane, a rash with eosinophilia (elevated levels of eosinophils that often occur in response to some allergic reaction or pharmacological reaction) has reported due to muscle and joint pain, mainly in the hips and knees.
Given safety concerns, it is vital to seek medical advice before using diindolylmethane supplements. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take diindolylmethane supplements. Also, people who treated for cancer should not take it.
You can get extra tips on using supplements here. Still, it’s essential to keep in mind that self-monitoring treatment for a chronic illness with diindolylmethane and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.
O Takeaway
Due to the lack of scientific support, it is too early to recommend diindolylmethane supplements as a standard treatment for any health condition.
However, increasing your di-nyl-methane levels by including cruciferous vegetables with indole-3-carbinol in your diet can help improve your overall health. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in several health-promoting substances, including antioxidants.
Helpfull Resources
