Soy and soy products are often associated with the female hormone 'Estrogen' - yet many Asian cuisine's and even products such as Salad dressings contain Soy-based ingredients. Clearly, not all Asians experience E.D nor does everyone who uses condiments for their salad develop suddenly, a pair of flopping man-titties.
However, here in this article we will examine the 'real' evidence and pharmacological actions of soy protein; it's isoflavones and interactions with neurotransmitter systems and hormones.
AN OVERVIEW AND THE SHORT VERSION
Soy isoflavones and constitutes have several biological actions; the first and most important action is it's estrogen modulating action. Soy prefers to activate some peripheral estrogen receptors (hands , feet, penis, uterine tissue etc) (1) (2) but may have anti-estrogenic effects in the brain (3). This action may lower libido alone by distorting the balance between brain and peripheral estrogen activity. However, this is likely to happen in moderate-high amounts of soy intake (20g of soy protein a day or more) (4). Additionally, erection and arousal are reduced by the actions of Daidzein and Genistein within Soy - again, particularly in moderate-high amounts. However, those men with prior estrogen dominance issues or whom are on anti-psychotic drugs or SSRI's may be much more susceptible to these negative effects of Soy. Caution should be taken in those on those particular two classes of psychotropic drugs and the consumption of Soy and soy products. Long-term high intake of Soy can cause histopathologic alterations in the penis ; leading to decreased smooth muscle content and erectile dysfunction (5)
EXTENSION & ELABORATION
SOY INHIBITS DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION THUS IMPAIRING ERECTION QUALITY AND CAPACITY
(click title to see study)
DHT in an important male sex hormone (ANDROGEN) and it's Levels are predictive of erectile function - DHT is necessary for male orgasm (6) and for normal erectile function and penile growth(7) (8) (9) (10).
SOY AFFECTS ACETYLCHOLINE
Soy's estrogen like compounds affect acetylcholine similarly to E2 (Estradiol) - in that they both increase ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) and with slight effects on AcHe (!) - this means that Soy may, under certain conditions - increase acetylcholine synthesis and release but it may also increase it's breakdown. Acetylcholine is involved in erectile function and may be a necessary factor in the process of arousal(!).
SOY INHIBITS NMDA-RECEPTORS
Soy inhibits NMDA-glutamate-ionic complexes (!) - and these receptors are critical in allowing penile erection to occur(!). Although other neurotransmitters can induce/allow for erection, NMDAR's are one of the most potent in doing so. Additionally, Soy's inhibition of NMDAR's may negatively impact memory and fear response levels(!).
MODERATE-HIGH SOY INTAKE DECREASES ESTROGEN INDUCED OXYTOCIN ACCUMULATION - IMPLICATIONS IN BEHAVIOR AND MALE SEXUAL FUNCTION.
As such , Soy may impair any validity in estrogen's actions and thus may present men with both high and low estrogen symptoms(!) - decreasing oxytocin may increase feelings of paranoia, distrust and promote antisocial behavior - therefore soy may precipitate negative behavioral altitudes(!).
CONCLUSIONS
However, here in this article we will examine the 'real' evidence and pharmacological actions of soy protein; it's isoflavones and interactions with neurotransmitter systems and hormones.
AN OVERVIEW AND THE SHORT VERSION
Soy isoflavones and constitutes have several biological actions; the first and most important action is it's estrogen modulating action. Soy prefers to activate some peripheral estrogen receptors (hands , feet, penis, uterine tissue etc) (1) (2) but may have anti-estrogenic effects in the brain (3). This action may lower libido alone by distorting the balance between brain and peripheral estrogen activity. However, this is likely to happen in moderate-high amounts of soy intake (20g of soy protein a day or more) (4). Additionally, erection and arousal are reduced by the actions of Daidzein and Genistein within Soy - again, particularly in moderate-high amounts. However, those men with prior estrogen dominance issues or whom are on anti-psychotic drugs or SSRI's may be much more susceptible to these negative effects of Soy. Caution should be taken in those on those particular two classes of psychotropic drugs and the consumption of Soy and soy products. Long-term high intake of Soy can cause histopathologic alterations in the penis ; leading to decreased smooth muscle content and erectile dysfunction (5)
EXTENSION & ELABORATION
SOY INHIBITS DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION THUS IMPAIRING ERECTION QUALITY AND CAPACITY
(click title to see study)
DHT in an important male sex hormone (ANDROGEN) and it's Levels are predictive of erectile function - DHT is necessary for male orgasm (6) and for normal erectile function and penile growth(7) (8) (9) (10).
SOY AFFECTS ACETYLCHOLINE
Soy's estrogen like compounds affect acetylcholine similarly to E2 (Estradiol) - in that they both increase ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) and with slight effects on AcHe (!) - this means that Soy may, under certain conditions - increase acetylcholine synthesis and release but it may also increase it's breakdown. Acetylcholine is involved in erectile function and may be a necessary factor in the process of arousal(!).
SOY INHIBITS NMDA-RECEPTORS
Soy inhibits NMDA-glutamate-ionic complexes (!) - and these receptors are critical in allowing penile erection to occur(!). Although other neurotransmitters can induce/allow for erection, NMDAR's are one of the most potent in doing so. Additionally, Soy's inhibition of NMDAR's may negatively impact memory and fear response levels(!).
MODERATE-HIGH SOY INTAKE DECREASES ESTROGEN INDUCED OXYTOCIN ACCUMULATION - IMPLICATIONS IN BEHAVIOR AND MALE SEXUAL FUNCTION.
As such , Soy may impair any validity in estrogen's actions and thus may present men with both high and low estrogen symptoms(!) - decreasing oxytocin may increase feelings of paranoia, distrust and promote antisocial behavior - therefore soy may precipitate negative behavioral altitudes(!).
CONCLUSIONS
- Soy impairs/decreases penile nerve function and vascular function by decreasing NMDA activity and impairing oxytocin secretion as well as by causing estrogen dysregulation.
- Soy decreases testosterone production and inhibits DHT in moderate-high amounts. This further impairs erectile capacity.
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