The human body is designed with intricate detoxification systems to eliminate unnecessary compounds such as food waste byproducts, physically inert metals and everyday chemicals. However, our detoxification systems are also needed to regulate steroid hormones such as estrogen. Suboptimal liver and digestive tract function, in combination with excessive exposure to xenoestrogens, can lead to enterohepatic recirculation of estrogens and ultimately create an estrogen- dominant state with negative health implications for the body. Thankfully, a number of natural compounds have been identified to promote proper estrogen detoxification and healthy hormone metabolism.
Indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) is naturally found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower and it is well-known for its ability to support healthy estrogen metabolism. I-3-C upregulates the production of 2-OHE1, the protective form of estrogen that acts as an estrogen antagonist. 16-OHE1, on the other hand, has potent estrogenic and proliferative effects that oppose the action of 2-OHE1. Research has repeatedly shown that a higher ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 is protective against disease and desirable for improving symptoms in estrogen dominant conditions. I-3-C improves this ratio of estrogen metabolites.
Numerous trials have shown that this positive shift in estrogen metabolites, as a result of I-3-C supplementation, is advantageous for health outcomes. For example, I-3-C has been shown to improve estrogen ratios and health outcomes in women with cervical disease. Animal studies have also found that I-3-C can prevent unhealthy cellular differentiation in breast tissue. Not only does I-3-C promote a positive estrogen metabolite ratio, but it additionally influences the expression of multiple genes, such as tumor-suppressing gene p53 and BRCA1, that collectively support the healthy differentiation of hormonally sensitive tissues.
I-3-C is naturally metabolized in the body to provide multiple active compounds, including the predominant metabolite diindolylmethane (DIM). Although debate exists regarding whether DIM or I-3-C is most beneficial as a health supplement, each compound has its advantages. I-3-C provides the body with many active metabolites, while DIM appears to be a primary metabolite with a potent detoxification activity. Both compounds are well-researched and effective treatments for the proper regulation of estrogens in the body.
D-glucarate, or glucaric acid, is another natural compound found naturally in oranges, carrots, apples and broccoli, and it promotes the detoxification of excess hormones, various toxins and carcinogens by deactivating B-glucoronidase. B-glucoronidase is an enzyme produced by colonic microflora that can ‘reactivate’ compounds that had previously been neutralized by the liver, preventing the recirculation of these toxins in the body. Animal studies have found that large doses of calcium-D-glucarate can reduce estrogen levels in the blood by up to 23% and also favorably impact lipid balance. Quite simply, calcium-D-glucarate is one of the best known natural B-glucoronidase inhibitors and the best studied form to safely deliver D-glucarate.
Finally, sulphoraphane glucosinolate (SGS) is a naturally occurring compound that, like I-3-C and DIM, is also found in broccoli and cruciferous vegetables. Numerous clinical trials support its use in promoting healthy cellular differentiation through the removal of xenobiotics and powerful induction of phase 2 detoxification enzymes in the liver. For example, SGS has been shown to reduce the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin exposure on liver tissue. SGS also has anti-inflammatory actions through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkB), prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), it can reduce estrogen receptor expression in breast tissue and it has antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as H. pylori, S. pyogenes and S. aureus.
At three capsules per day, Cyto-Matrix’s Estro Matrix contains 200mg of I-3-C, 100mg of DIM, 1500mg of Calcium-D-Glucarate and 100mg of sulforaphane. Collectively, Estro Matrix provides evidence-based dosages of synergistic ingredients to offer targeted and ongoing hormonal support through the proper metabolism of estrogens.
