Soy

babs49242
babs49242 Member Posts: 193
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Are we(surviors) suppose to stay away from Soy and soy products?...I was just thinking(yikes!)..I've been eating some and I know somewhere or heard something that we are not to eat it? I'm just CoNfUsEd(rolling crazy eyes).
Thanks :)
Cindie from Georgia

Comments

  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #2
    Hi Cindie,
    this can be very confusing esp when so many websites are advocating the use of soy in the prevention and treatment of Breast Cancer. However, most oncs(I think) advise against it if you are E+, as it is a phytoestrogen. The information I found in the Pubmed journals left me with the impression that small amounts can actually cause cell proliferation while large amounts may inhibit cell proliferation. Also, I seem to remember an article that stated it was a life time usage of soy (tofu?) that gave the most benefit. This does not include the fermented soy
    (miso). For myself I stay away from it.

    It would be good if you did an internet search on the above info so you are comfortable with your decision.

    There are a lot of knowledgeable ladies on this site that I'm sure can add to this.

    Best of luck to you
    jan
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #3
    Soy is very controversial. As Jan has said, most oncs tell you to stay away from large amounts if you are ER+. I actually have 1-2 servings of soy every day and I am ER+. I also follow all the research being done. (I have access to a university database of medical studies.) What I can say definitely is that soy supplements are very bad. I have, however, found no evidence at all that soy milk or soy products should be avoided altogether. Soy sauce is fine - it does not contain any of the phytoestrogens. From my reading, soy works best if taken in conjunction with ground flax seeds - not the oil. It is a personal decision whether or not to eat/drink soy. I am very comfortable with my decision. Japanese women are not told to stop soy products after a diagnosis of breast cancer and they do not have recurrence rates higher than American women.

    I spoke with a registered oncology dietician and she said that 1-2 servings a day were fine. My personal opinion is that the estrogen in cow's milk is far more dangerous than the phytoestrogens from soy. So for me it's soy milk, organic yoghurt or organic kefir.

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • babs49242
    babs49242 Member Posts: 193
    #4
    LesleyH said:

    Soy is very controversial. As Jan has said, most oncs tell you to stay away from large amounts if you are ER+. I actually have 1-2 servings of soy every day and I am ER+. I also follow all the research being done. (I have access to a university database of medical studies.) What I can say definitely is that soy supplements are very bad. I have, however, found no evidence at all that soy milk or soy products should be avoided altogether. Soy sauce is fine - it does not contain any of the phytoestrogens. From my reading, soy works best if taken in conjunction with ground flax seeds - not the oil. It is a personal decision whether or not to eat/drink soy. I am very comfortable with my decision. Japanese women are not told to stop soy products after a diagnosis of breast cancer and they do not have recurrence rates higher than American women.

    I spoke with a registered oncology dietician and she said that 1-2 servings a day were fine. My personal opinion is that the estrogen in cow's milk is far more dangerous than the phytoestrogens from soy. So for me it's soy milk, organic yoghurt or organic kefir.

    Hugs.

    Lesley

    thank you for the inputs..... I am E+ also; eat tofu occasionially and soy burgers once in awhile.
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #5
    My Onc like most tells me No Soy supplements... I tried them for about a week before asking her... It was great for hot flashes... but a No.No...

    But she didn't get as radical as to say no Soy... but I tend to limit it...

    Take Care...

    Susan
  • carmon
    carmon Member Posts: 5
    #6
    Just read last week that we can have some but not to overdue it. check with you oncologist or try webmd health. very informative website.

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