One of our favorite products from BioTE that we recommend to everyone simply because it's amazing: DIM SGS+. The versatile compound is packed with tons of essential nutrients your body needs to maintain it's hormonal balance. In this blog we talk DIM: what it is, the health benefits of taking the supplement, and if it might be right for you.
What is DIM SGS+?
DIM, or diindolylmethane, is a hormone balancer. The hormone therapy supplement is derived from broccoli and pomegranate, two foods that are classified as cruciferous vegetables. These types of vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and are packed with things like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, spinach, and cabbage, contain glucosinolates. Research shows glucosinolates have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to protect our cells from disease-causing damage. (1) They are also so beneficial to women's health in particular because they help prevent estrogen dominance (more on that later). DIM is packed with loads of cruciferous vegetables, aiding in a multitude of bodily functions.
DIM and Estrogen
You may think that estrogen is purely a female hormone, but it's not. In males, some of their testosterone is converted to estrogen and metabolized in the liver, and levels of a certain kind of estrogen may lead to higher risks of cancer in both men and women. (2)
When we age, our testosterone levels drop, naturally increasing our estrogen levels. Too much estrogen can cause significant damage to our bodies. Studies have shown that people with high levels of estrogen have a higher risk of increased weight gain, bloating, water retention, and other complications. But let's be clear, DIM is not a plant estrogen or an estrogen mimic, like soy isoflavones. DIM may help to stimulate a more efficient metabolism for estrogen, meaning it aims to regulate the ratio of healthy to less healthy estrogen. (3)
Estrogen Dominance in Women
It is estimated that 75% of women are estrogen dominant, but the vast majority (90%) don't know they are. (4) Estrogen dominance is the condition of increased estrogen levels relative to progesterone levels in the body, and can be the result of stress, poor gut health, medications, body fat (which produces estrogen), alcohol consumption, liver problems, and more. Common side effects of estrogen dominance include:
mood swings and irritability
anxiety and depression
low sex drive
worsening PMS symptoms
heavy and painful periods
bloating and weight gain
hair loss
trouble sleeping and fatigue
fertility issues
mental fog
hot flashes and night sweats
DIM may help to stimulate a more efficient metabolism for estrogen, meaning it aims to regulate the ratio of healthy to less healthy estrogen, preventing estrogen dominance.
Health Benefits of DIM
Research show that 1 in 3 cancer deaths is related to poor nutrition and could be prevented. Scientists see lower cancer risks in people who eat more vegetables - which is why DIM is so important for your diet. DIM is a compound that boasts anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties thanks to its ability to help promote a healthy estrogen balance in the body. (5) In addition to this, the versatile compound has a long list of health benefits including: (5)
Prevention of estrogen’s adverse effects on cells
Decreases toxins produced by the body’s natural metabolism (detox)
Promotes weight loss
Enhances memory
Reduces symptoms of PMS
Supports cardiovascular health
Improves mood
Reduces hair loss
Promotes good muscle development
Improves prostate health
Boosts antioxidants
Improves Hormonal Acne
How Long Does it Take for DIM to Work?
As with anything new, we recommend trying a supplement/product/service for at least 3 months before warding it off. Everyone's body is different, just as your concerns are, and DIM can take different amounts of time to work for weight loss vs hormonal acne, and so on. Some concerns may take 6 months to notice a difference. The times listed below are estimates only, and will vary from person to person.
Weight Loss: DIM doesn’t burn fat. Instead, it boosts your body’s capacity to metabolize estrogen, so your lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, etc.) will strongly determine the effectiveness of DIM for weight loss. People who use DIM supplement as a part of their weight loss program can realistically expect to see results within six weeks to six months. (6)
Hormonal Acne: DIM can effectively decrease acne because it blocks androgen receptors, which means that no testosterone can get into the receptor. So when you take DIM for hormonal acne, you can expect your skin to start clearing up anywhere from 3 days to 30 days depending on your unique situation. For some women, it may take six months to see optimal results. (6)
Estrogen Balancing: It usually takes about 30 days for DIM supplements to start balancing estrogen. And it may take a few tries to get you on the best possible dosage. (7)
Adding DIM to Your Diet
Even if you are a vegetable connoisseur, eating enough DIM from your diet alone can be difficult. In fact, you'd have to eat eight cups of raw brussel sprouts every single day to reap the full benefits of DIM. (5) DIM supplements are a quick and easy way to start adding the compound to your diet - and it may be the best way. One study found that DIM supplements are more effective than DIM that comes from food. (2) Supplements may be boosted for better absorption and contain a high, isolated dose of the miracle compound. We do not recommend persons who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who are breast feeding to take this supplement.
At The Lotus, we carry BioTe's DIM SGS+ for $, If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to talk about weight loss or nutrition, give us a call or schedule online by pressing the button below. If you would like to purchase DIM, give us a call or stop by the clinic.
210-774-2850
14743 Old Bandera Rd, Bldg 7
Helotes, TX 78023
Sources
(1) Health Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables. (2020, November 12). WebMD. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cruciferous-vegetables
(2) Health Benefits of DIM. (2021, April 8). WebMD. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-dim
(3) Biote DIM SGS+ Supplement | Biote Nutraceuticals. (2022, April 14). Biote. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://biote.com/nutraceuticals/biote-dim
(4) Wszelaki, M. (2022, February 28). Estrogen Dominance in Peri- and Menopause. Hormones & Balance. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/estrogen-dominance-in-peri-and-menopause/
(5) Thermography, I. (2021, June 16). The Biggest Health Benefits of DIM (for Men and Women). Insight Thermography of Oklahoma. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://insightthermographyok.com/blog/the-biggest-health-benefits-of-dim-for-men-and-women/
(6) Vein, D. (2022, January 19). DIM Supplement: How Long Does it Take to Work? Denver Vein Center. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://denvervein.com/dim-supplement-how-long-does-it-take-to-work/
(7) Vein, D. (2021, May 14). Is DIM Safe? Your Questions Answered and More! Denver Vein Center. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://denvervein.com/is-dim-safe-your-questions-answered/