Findings from a Chinese study indicate that soy and soy based products may reduce the risk of death and breast cancer recurrence.
The study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicated that women with the highest intake of soy protein had 29 percent lower risk of death, and a 32 percent lower risk of breast cancer.
A natural alternative to hormone-replacement therapy
This is yet another piece of data that indicates that soy, and the isoflavones it contains, can improve health. Soy isoflavones are an estrogen-like compound that is currently used as a way to reduce symptoms of menopause and as a natural alternative to hormone-replacement therapy.
You’ve probably heard conflicting reports about the benefits of soy, including some studies that showed an increase in breast cancer cells in mice stimulated by soy isoflavones.
This Chinese study, however, included data from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, and included a population-based study of 5,042 female breast cancer survivors. Their ages ranged from 20 to 75.
The researchers noted that the reductions in both mortality and breast cancer recurrences included soy protein intake of up to a level of 11 grams per day. Beyond that, no significant reductions were noted.
Recommendations from the naturopathic doctor
The naturopathic doctor recommends Spectrasoy – that contains 45 grams of soy isoflavones per tablet. The recommended dosage is 1-2 tabs/day.
If you’d rather have non-soy derived isoflavones, as well as additional help with the detoxification and elimination of potentially harmful estrogen metabolites, the naturopathic doctor recommends EstroFactors at 3-6 tablets daily in divided doses.
Very surprised you’d recommend (is this an article used by many docs?) soy, and not even say a word about it needing to absolutely organic. Almost 100% of soy if genetically modified. Also, based on the history of Chinese fiascos having to do with foods, such as the melamine deaths, and their integrity re. same, I’m very surprised you’d feature a Chinese research project on their women…..and it unfortunately does reflect the, on your credibility as a practitioner.
Great point about the soy and GMO – I (incorrectly) assumed that most of our readers would only buy organic (and therefore GMO-free) foods. This is a very valid point, as I would certainly recommend that people only consume non-GMO products, especially soy products. I will certainly mention this in future posts – thanks for bringing this to my attention!
As for the validity of the study; normally I would share you skepticism about studies of this sort coming out of China. However, this study was reviewed and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Source: Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume 302, Issue 22, Pages 2437-2443
“Soy Food Intake and Breast Cancer Survival”
Authors: X.O. Shu, Y. Zheng, H. Cai, K. Gu, Z. Chen, W. Zheng, W. Lu)
This is one of the most prestigious medical journals, as well as one of the most difficult in which to get studies pertaining to complementary therapies published. That is why it is such big news – the reviewers of JAMA found the study to be credible and accurate – so much so that they accepted it for publication. I have included the source if you would like to follow up.