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DIM supplements have been receiving a lot of attention recently in the medical field, specifically regarding their effects on hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer. As a dietary supplement, DIM has been known to promote a healthy estrogen metabolism and balance, which results in a number of health benefits. The health benefits of DIM include weight loss, clear skin, increased energy, cancer prevention, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms.1
There’s good estrogen and there’s bad estrogen. Good estrogen promotes good things, such as healthy bones and a strong heart. Bad estrogen, however, is the culprit behind many conditions associated with aging. A relative excess of bad estrogen has been linked to hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer.2
DIM works in several ways to rid the body of excess estrogen, but at its core, DIM’s ability to bind to and activate estrogen receptors has led it to be used as a supplement in the fight against these types of cancer. DIM is structurally similar to estrogen and thus can compete with estrogen for receptor binding. Once it has occupied these receptors, DIM alters its structure to that of a weaker estrogen.
Related: Evening Primrose Oil Benefits For Hormonal Balance
When this happens, it is no longer able to activate the receptor. As a result, bad estrogen loses its power to stimulate any more estrogen production. Without this stimulation, the body’s bad estrogen levels are reduced, allowing good estrogen to thrive. Unmetabolized estrogen is then eliminated through the body’s natural detoxification process.
Excess hormone production is a common issue for both men and women as they age. For women, this excess production can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. For men, it can lead to issues such as enlarged breasts, low libido, and an inability to build muscle mass.3
DIM supplementation is great for anyone who is at risk for hormone-related cancers. Those who are recently off birth control and experiencing early menopause symptoms will likely see significant benefits from their use. However, women who are pregnant or nursing should not take DIM supplements until more is understood about their effects on fetuses and infants.4
11 Health Benefits of DIM
1. Weight loss
A hormonal imbalance within the body can lead to weight gain around the hips, thighs, and back of arms. DIM helps regulate the hormones that are directly tied to gaining weight in these areas. Water retention also contributes to weight gain, and DIM helps rid the body of these excess fluids by helping it metabolize estrogen. The result is a slimmer figure and a more toned body.5
With a high-fat diet and low levels of good estrogen in the body, it can be difficult to maintain healthy body weight. The health benefits of DIM combined with a sensible diet and exercise routine provide a natural and healthy solution to the obesity epidemic.
Related: The Best 13 Adaptogenic Herbs for Hormone Balance
2. Clear skin
Unbalanced levels of estrogen can result in hormonal acne, which is characterized by large, painful cysts that form under the skin. This type of acne is particularly hard to get rid of, but DIM is an effective solution for controlling this condition. DIM supplements can help detoxify the liver, which is the main regulator of hormones in the body.6
By naturally balancing estrogen levels, DIM helps to clear up skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis. It also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Dim supports collagen production, which gives skin its elasticity and prevents sagging.7
3. Increased energy
As women age, they often experience a decrease in energy levels. This is due to the body’s declining production of estrogen. DIM can help increase energy levels by restoring balance within the body’s hormones. With a healthy hormonal balance, DIM supplements have even been shown to improve endurance and athletic performance.8
Estrogen dominance has also been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. DIM is a natural way to combat this debilitating condition. The natural compounds found in DIM help to reduce inflammation and improve energy production. This results in a significant increase in energy levels and a reduction in fatigue.
Related: Caffeine In Cacao Vs Coffee: Which Is Better For Your Health
4. Cancer prevention
Hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer are on the rise. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is now the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and DIM is a natural way to decrease that risk.9
DIM is a natural way to reduce the risk of developing these types of cancer. It does this by binding to and altering the activity of estrogen receptors. This reduces the amount of bad estrogen in the body, which decreases the risk of hormone-related cancers.10
5. Improved mood
When estrogen levels are unbalanced, it can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Too much estrogen is also known to inhibit the production of serotonin, which is responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. DIM helps to restore balance within the body’s hormones, leading to a more positive mood and outlook on life.11
Hormone therapies, such as antidepressants, can often have harsh side effects. DIM is a natural alternative that has no harmful side effects and helps to improve mood. DIM helps to restore balance within the body, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
6. Improved brain function
Estrogen is important for healthy brain function. It helps to protect against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Free radicals are known to damage cells in the brain, and estrogen acts as a powerful antioxidant to scavenge these harmful toxins.12
The health benefits of DIM provide the same benefits as estrogen for protecting the brain from free radical damage. This makes them a valuable tool for preventing age-related cognitive decline.
7. Improved cardiovascular health
High levels of bad estrogen can increase the risk of developing heart disease. This is due to the fact that estrogen increases the production of fatty acids, which can clog the arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke. An estrogen imbalance can also increase the risk of blood clots.13
DIM helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by binding to and altering the activity of estrogen receptors. This decreases the amount of bad estrogen in the body and helps to keep the arteries clear and free from obstruction.
8. Reduced PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects many women each month. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including bloating, mood swings, and cramps. These symptoms can be quite severe and interfere with daily life.14
The health benefits of DIM have been shown to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms. This is due to the fact that they help to restore hormone levels to a more balanced state. With a balanced hormone level, PMS symptoms are less likely to occur.
9. Reduced menopause symptoms
Menopause is a natural process that all women go through as they age. It is marked by the cessation of menstruation and the gradual decline in estrogen production. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.15
The health benefits of DIM have been shown to reduce the severity of menopause symptoms. This is due to the fact that they help to restore hormone levels to a more balanced state. With a balanced hormone level, menopause symptoms are less likely to occur.
10. Reduced inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a condition that can lead to a wide variety of health problems. It is characterized by the body’s constant state of inflammation, which can damage cells and organs. estrogen is known to play a role in chronic inflammation.16
DIM supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation by binding to and altering the activity of estrogen receptors. This decreases the amount of bad estrogen in the body and helps to keep inflammation under control.
11. Improved Libido
Sex hormones play a role in libido and sexual function. When estrogen levels are unbalanced, it can lead to a decline in libido. DIM helps to restore balance within the body’s hormones, leading to more healthy and active sex life.17
The health benefits of DIM have been shown to improve libido by restoring balance within the body’s hormones. This helps to ensure that sexual function is at its best.18
Many women report feeling better when they take DIM supplements. This is likely due to the fact that they help to restore hormone levels to a more balanced state. With a balanced hormone level, a variety of health problems can be avoided or minimized.
The best way to increase the amount of DIM in your body and improve your overall health is through a healthy diet. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, and cabbage are all high in DIM. Although to receive the same amount of DIM as a supplement you’d have to eat pounds of cruciferous vegetables, consuming these food items daily is still highly beneficial.
Our Favorite DIM Supplements
Side Effects Of Too Much Dim
There are certain risk factors associated with taking high doses of DIM supplements. Potential side effects include:
- May interfere with fertility
- Could cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy
- May increase the risk of blood clots
A clinical study found that DIM supplementation at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 12 weeks was safe and well-tolerated in healthy premenopausal women. When taken at this dosage, DIM was found to increase the ratio of good to bad estrogen, improve biomarkers of inflammation, and decrease levels of circulating C-reactive protein.
It is best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including DIM. They can help you determine if DIM is the right supplement for you and can provide dosage recommendations. If you have any health concerns, it is especially important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting DIM supplementation.
When consumed in moderation, DIM supplements offer a wealth of health benefits. They help to restore balance within the body’s hormones, reducing the risk of many common health problems. If you are considering taking a DIM supplement, it is important to speak with your doctor first. He or she will be able to advise you on whether or not this is the right choice for you and whether you need to take any precautions.
As you can see, DIM has a wealth of health benefits. By restoring balance within the body’s hormones, it can help to improve a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. If you are experiencing hormone-related problems, speak with your doctor about whether a DIM supplement may be right for you.