There are many controversial views about soy and soy products.
This article was updated December, 2018. Truth stands the test of time.
The negative talk about soy usually relates to it being indigestible and its phyto estrogens promoting early puberty, sterility in males, estrogen receptive breast cancer, depressing thyroid function.
The positive side refers to it being a viable, environmentally green protein source, and its phyto estrogens helping with menopausal symptoms and preventing breast and other cancers.
Our take on soy uses the same approach that we encourage our clients to embrace concerning ALL natural health issues:
1. Do your research and try to find out who has paid for the research you are reading – this is not always easy to determine and untangling sponsorship connections can take some time!
2. Look at historical perspectives from whatever part of the world this plant (or herb, product, diet, etc.) originates from.
3. Pay attention to YOUR body if you implement something new. Learning to listen to your body will tell you more than anything else.
This being said, these are our additional thoughts concerning soy:
- People have to be moderate in their consumption of soy – we do not need a 1/2 lb. slab of tofu – look at how Japanese have traditionally used small pieces in soups and stir fries
- Avoid over consumption of sugar laden soy products, milks and yogurts filled with guar gum and other fillers and thickeners – not a Japanese staple
- Fermented soy products DO add other benefits – miso is one of the most nutritious
- Understand that phyto estrogens are not hormones. Only animals have hormones. Phyto estrogens are plant (phyto) estrogens. They act beneficially in the body by filling hormonal receptor sites, which prevents the body from utilizing more potent or toxic hormones, such as the type of estrogen that does promote ER breast cancer, and chemical hormones, called xeno estrogens. So most people experience positive results.
- In our office we used a non-GMO soy isolate based protein powder for more than 20 years. Our clients loved this product and after so many years, not one had any thyroid issues; many experienced most of the benefits listed below.
- It has become more difficult to obtain reasonable quantities of non GMO soy based protein at competitive prices, plus people have been unduly scared off with soy misinformation. Nature’s Sunshine has replaced soy proteins with other excellent protein blends. Three favorites available in both Canada and US are: In.Form Metabolic Age Support Pea Vanilla Shake, which is vegan, gluten free and contains phytosterols; IN.Form Metabolic Age Support Whey, and Nature’s Harvest, containing protein, vitamins, minerals and vegetables. In the US many people also love the Love and Peas Sugar Free.
- Some of the benefits that any quality protein supplement will provide for people are:
- weight management
- endurance and energy for athletics
- balancing blood sugar levels for both hypo and hyper glycemia
- reducing negative hormonal symptoms of menopause and andropause
On pages 203 -204 of Lorene Benoit’s book: The Paw Paw Program – The “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally, a recipe for Super Shakes is given, which can include this SynerProtein.
For more information, and personal advice for supplements specific for YOU, or to order from our same supplier at wholesale discount, please contact our office.
Should you wish a document of soy related research which has helped form this opinion, we will gladly share a multi-page reference list gratefully provided by Dr. Hugo Rodier, Board Certified MD PLUS Nutritional and Integrative Doctor. Just email us and ask for “Dr. Rodier’s Soy Research”.