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We all know that vegetables are good for us and for our overall health. But did you know that diindolylmethane (also known as DIM) is one of the reasons the Brassica family of vegetables is considered so healthy? DIM is a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol (13C), which is a compound present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Each of these vegetables belong to the Brassica family. Metabolites are famously useful for supporting the liver detoxification process. This ultimately helps improve the process of breaking down estrogen. DIM is the most studied of all 13C metabolites and is being studied as a chemo-protective compound for certain types of cancer.
Diindolylmethane Benefits
May Help Prevent Cancer
In the few clinical studies that have been conducted, it has been suggested that DIM may help prevent the growth of cancer cells — specifically breast cancer cells. There have been preliminary studies indicating that DIM may help protect against prostate, ovarian and colon cancer as well. However, these are preliminary findings and more research is necessary in order to back these findings.
Research also shows that DIM contains strong anticancer properties. DIM can positively influence estrogen metabolism and balance out hormone levels. In fact, it is sometimes taken by men to help manage enlarged prostates. When estrogen levels are unbalanced in men, their health can take a serious hit. That’s why DIM is believed to help protect prostate tissue from the possible development of prostate cancer.
In 2016, a study was conducted that looked into the positive effects of using DIM alongside the use of enzalutamide in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. The study found that adding DIM to the treatment plan may in fact lead to a better outcome. In a separate study that explored the role of DIM in the reversal of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), it was found that the structural changes in the prostate among those men who took DIM declined. However, it increased in the men who took the placebo.
Some data suggests that taking DIM supplements may slow the development of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, a study published in 2012 failed to show any significant benefit on cervical cell changes among the 551 women who participated.
It is too soon to tell whether DIM may significantly fight these forms of cancer because there has been a lack of research conducted. However, signs are encouraging.
Estrogen Metabolism
When estrogen breaks down, it can break down into either “good” metabolites or “bad” metabolites. DIM helps estrogen break down into the “good” kind. It is possible that these “good” metabolites help lower the risk of cancer and decrease the symptoms of estrogen over-stimulation, which can include growing uterine fibroid tumors, breast tenderness, cervical problems and endometriosis. These “good” metabolites are also important to overall health because they contain important antioxidant activity that can explain why estrogen in women can slow the progress of some age-related diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and cancer. While DIM does not directly mimic or replace estrogen, using it will promote an improved estrogen metabolism.
Acne
DIM can treat acne because it affects testosterone, which has a connection to acne. When hormone receptors in individuals are over sensitive, hormones like testosterone can trigger excess production, which causes skin cells to become sticky, leading to breakouts due to clogged pores. DIM helps prevent these harmful hormones from getting into their receptors and helps prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Essentially, it can be helpful in keeping the hormones in check and in balance.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
While DIM can help eliminate acne, it has also been used by women who have heavy periods, periods that last longer than seven days and who have stronger than normal PMS symptoms. These include mood swings, irritability and anger, among others. It may help women who show symptoms of estrogen dominance, which leads to more evident PMS symptoms.
Food Sources of Diindolylmethane
DIM is a natural substance that is generated when the body breaks down indole-3-carbinol, which is found in certain vegetables, mainly those that are related to the cabbage family. You can get your natural intake of diindolylmethane if you include these healthy foods in your diet:
- • Broccoli (half cup, chopped): 27 mg per 44 g
- • Red Cabbage (half cup, chopped): 29 mg per 45 g
- • Cauliflower (half cup, chopped): 22 mg per 50 g
Diindolylmethane Side Effects
When taken correctly in the small amounts found in foods, diindolymethane is likely safe. Diindolylmethane may cause a decrease in the amount of sodium in the body.
Some common side effects that occur following the usage of DIM include a rash with eosinophilia as well as central serous chorioretinopathy.
Talk with your doctor before taking diindolylmethane supplements if you are pregnant, breast-feeding and if you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Since diindolylmethane sometimes acts like estrogen, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should be careful before adding the supplement to their diet over the concern that it might make hormone-sensitive conditions worse.
Diindolylmethane Dosage
The correct dosage of DIM varies for every person and is dependent on several different factors. A person’s age, health history and other conditions will determine the appropriate dosage. However, it’s best to take about 100 mg (1/16 tsp) or 200 mg (scant 1/8 tsp) once or twice daily. This, of course, depends on the intended effect.
Always consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet and remember to read directions on product labels before use.
The Bottom Line
Diindolylmethane is a naturally occurring substance that can greatly enhance your overall health. When you eat your greens, you reap the rewards. DIM has shown to help keep the body in balance by keeping our hormone levels in balance. The key to adding diindolylmethane to your nutrition routine, though, is to stick with what we know. Because there is a lack of scientific support to back up the claims that DIM can offer these benefits, however, it may be best to speak with your doctor first. At the very least, one can naturally consume DIM through vegetables if supplementation isn’t an option.
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11 DIM Benefits and Side Effects
DIM has shown to have a number of health benefits. DIM benefits include supporting a healthy menopausal transition, promoting hormonal balance in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS often have hormonal imbalances that cause hirsutism (unwanted hair growth on the face and body) and acne. Research also shows promising anti-tumor activity of DIM.
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale.
DIM as the ability to interact with both estrogen and testosterone receptors and may help support hormonal balance. Hormonal imbalance contributes to problems such as acne, menopause/PCOS in women, and estrogen dominance in men and women.
DIM Benefits:
1. DIM for Acne
While research has yet to determine a singular physiological cause for acne or why some are more predisposed to acne, there are a variety of factors that may contribute to acne, including genetics, your environment, and the food you eat.
DIM is particularly beneficial for hormonal acne – the type which occurs during times of hormonal fluctuations, such as adolescence and menopause.3 Androgens (such as testosterone) are male hormones which occur in the bodies of men and women. They stimulate increased sebum production which contributes to acne.
DIM was found to have antiandrogen effects. This effects may be helpful in decreasing sebum production in acne-prone men and women.
There are many acne products on the market, from creams to facial scrubs, toners to acne soaps. The difference with DIM is that it supports clearer skin from the inside.
2. DIM for PCOS
Sex hormones can be categorized into two basic categories, female hormones like estrogen and progesterone and male hormones like testosterone. Both are present in varying amounts in males and females.
PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone disorder involving the sex hormones. PCOS is also characterized by the formation of numerous small collections of fluid known as follicles around the ovaries. This may result in enlarged ovaries and a failure to release eggs regularly, impairing fertility.
PCOS causes irregular menstrual periods, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism (too much testosterone and other male hormones). Hyperandrogenism can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism (increased facial hair growth), acne, and hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Because of DIM’s selective estrogen activation and antiandrogen effects, it may be helpful for PCOS symptoms.
3. DIM for Menopause
During a normal menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone normally oscillate between high and low levels. However, during menopause, estrogen levels decrease as the ovaries stop responding to signals from the pituitary gland. Depleted levels of estrogen result in the common symptoms of menopause:
- • Hot flashes
- • Night sweats
- • Mood swings
DIM has been shown to act selectively on estrogen receptors, which means that it only activates some estrogen receptors. By interacting with estrogen receptors, DIM may be helpful for menopausal symptoms.
Estrogen receptors are found all over the body:
- Brain: In the brain estrogen has an effect on neurons. Mice without estrogen receptors display depression-like behavior. Modulating estrogen receptors in the brain can help reduce some of menopause’s mood symptoms.
- Skin: Estrogen increases the amount of collagen in the skin and promotes skin thickness. Decreased levels of estrogen during menopause can cause thinning of the skin and hair loss.
- Bones: Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density. Women are more prone to osteoporosis after menopause as their bone density decreases dramatically.
4. DIM for Hair Loss
Hair loss is often to excess DHT. Through its antiandrogen (anti-DHT) effects, DIM may be able to help with hair loss.
5. DIM for Estrogen Dominance
Multiple studies have suggested that DIM works on estrogen receptors. By binding to a estrogen receptor, DIM could block excess estrogen in estrogen-dominant persons from binding to estrogen receptors.
6. DIM for Inflammation
Research suggests a correlation between chronic inflammation and the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, and several studies have been conducted to determine if DIM has a potential effect on acute and chronic inflammation. In one rodent study, researchers examined the effects of DIM on mouse macrophages.
The study found that DIM significantly reduced the release and production of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, interleukin, and other pro-inflammatory mediators. DIM also inhibited the increase of protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase. This means that DIM effectively inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in mouse macrophages, which suggests that DIM may help to regulate inflammatory responses.
7. DIM for Antioxidant Potential
Natural oxidation reactions in the body give way to the production of compounds known as free radicals. These compounds can damage cells and your very DNA, resulting in oxidative stress, which may contribute to physical signs of aging and chronic health issues. Antioxidants can help to neutralize free radical activity, preventing the harmful effects of oxidative stress.
Studies suggest that DIM presents some potential antioxidant activity. In one review, scientists examined recent advances that have found that natural compounds isoflavone, DIM, and indole-3-carbinol (a natural precursor to DIM) have been found to possess antioxidant properties that may help to reduce oxidative stress.
Research suggests that the main mechanism of action involves inhibiting a protein complex known as nuclear factor kappa B. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B is well-known to play a significant role in inflammation, oxidative stress, and carcinogenesis. DIM may also regulate several cellular signaling pathways that contribute to oxidative stress.
8. DIM for Weight Loss
A DIM supplement for weight loss may help you maintain a healthy weight. In one study, researchers studied the effects of the DIM precursor indole-3-carbinol on obese mice fed a high-fat diet. In the trial, 18 male mice were assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a high-fat group, and a high-fat group administered with indole-3-carbinol. The latter group was given 5 mg/kg of indole-3-carbinol per day. After 12 weeks of treatment, researchers measured various factors associated with obesity, including body weight and serum concentrations of triacylglycerol, glucose, and adipokines.
Results of the study found that body fat and adipose tissue were higher in the high fat mice. By comparison, the high fat mice given indole-3-carbinol had improved glucose tolerance, decreased body weight, and lower measures for most serum-based obesity factors. These results suggest that indole-3-carbinol may present antiobesity activity, allowing for reduced body weight and fat accumulation.13,18 This may make a DIM supplement for weight loss a valid option for those looking to lose weight naturally.
9. DIM for Men
DIM may be helpful for men as well. DIM for men may be particularly beneficial for prostate health. Studies have noted that DIM inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (cell death) in prostate cancer cells.
Now that we have gone over the important uses of DIM, it is important to talk about the potential side effects and when one shouldn't be taking DIM.
10. DIM for Cancer
Because of the way DIM interacts with estrogen and testosterone receptors, it may have anticancer effects as well. Studies have found that it may be helpful for breast1 and prostate cancers.
DIM Side Effects and Interactions
Dosing:
DIM for men and women is considered to be safe when consumed at doses of 100-300mg daily.
People taking larger doses such as 600 mg each day have reported side effects such as
- headaches
- upset stomachs
- reduced sodium levels
You should avoid taking a DIM supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medication Interactions: DIM can sometimes affect how the liver breaks down certain medications. It may decrease the effectiveness of drugs which are metabolized by the liver, such as imipramine (Tofranil), propranolol (Inderal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
DIM is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA since it is derived from vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. In animal studies of diindolylmethane rats were given up to 20 mg/kg per day of DIM. At the end of the study, researchers collected blood and organ samples to compare serum characteristics and vitamin D levels and determine any significant histological changes.
Results of this study found no significant differences in serum chemistries or changes to the bones, livers, or kidneys of the rats studied. These results suggest that DIM presents no side effects to immature or adult rats despite receiving a serving size ten times that of what is normally considered to be therapeutic.
Conclusion
Although DIM is not suitable for everyone, DIM appears to have benefits for both men and women, and DIM side effects are minimal. It may help to support acne relief, healthy menopause, and prostate health.
If you’re looking for a quality DIM supplement, DrFormulas® DIM Plus BioPerine for Men & Women provides a convenient once-daily dose of all the DIM you need.
DrFormulas® DIM Plus Bioperine Supplement is specially formulated to support hormone balance. What’s more, it contains an optimal dose of BioPerine® for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. It is made in the U.S. and is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, contains no GMOs and is suitable for vegans.
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