Dallas County Living Well Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 29

cers such as breast cancer. In women that already suffer from the disease, soy can have a positive effect as well. Evidence suggests that soy can cut the recurrence or mortality in half (ShuXo, Zheng Y, Cai H, et al., 2009) because isoflavones block the effects of estrogens. Soy also prevents osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density (BMD). In these cases, the isoflavones are responsible to increase the BMD in women with high soy ingestion in their diets. study that appeared in the Journal of Human Reproduction suggesting that men who consume high amounts of soy foods can have low sperm count as well as low testosterone levels (Teller, 2012). The relationship with gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, and other related conditions in men is still under study. What is suggested is that men 40 and above limit soy intake until more studies are revealed. Look at the ingredients in products and practice moderation. Men and Soy Julie Alvira, M.D,. holds a MBA in healthcare management, and is the owner of AJBodysculpt and a personal fitness and nutrition coach. You can email her at [email protected]. YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/2013bodysculpt. It is already known that testosterone is a hormone predominant in men. Testosterone plays a main character role in muscular development, libido, and bone development. Men also have small amounts of estrogen. As they age, testosterone levels tend to decrease with lean muscle mass. When this happens, it is said that estrogen levels tend to increase as well as an increase in body fat. Ma