Soy Protein: A Natural Choice For Menopause (NAPSA)—When it comes to the menopause symptomsexperi- enced daily by millions of women, manyare now looking for natural remedies. “T always felt in my gut that natural choices were best,” said Patricia Rice, a 55-year-old nurse who began hormone replacement therapy 15 years ago. Rice is one of many women looking for natural ways to address the hot flashes, mood swings, bone loss and heart problems commonly associated with menopause. With all the rumors and speculation about what works and what doesn’t, physicians need clinical proof before making recommendations. The highest level of confidence exists with human clinical studies and a randomized, double-blind, (placebo) controlled study is the gold standardof studies. “Tt has the fewest flaws and is thus the most reliable,” said Susan Love, author of Susan Love’s Hormone Book. When it comes to published humanclinical studies for menopause-related issues, no other natural ingredient has more promise than soy protein. “Human clinical studies show that soy protein can help lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduce plaque build-up in arteries,” says Mary Anthony, Ph.D., Wake Forest University, a leading researcher in the field. “Other human studies show that soy protein, particularly when combined with calcium and vitamin D, can reduce bone loss. These are major health issues for women as they begin menopause.” Other studies show a potential Ee v uy trolled clinical studies have found to have no effect on bone health or hot flashes when soy protein was absent. Also, note that daily consumption of 25 to 50 gramsof soy protein is required for optimum results, based on guidelines from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. There are many tasty ways to incor- porate more soy protein in the diet, from a complete soy protein supplement such as Naturade Total Soy Menopause Natural ingredients such as soy protein may Relief powder and be one wayto treat menopause symptoms. ready-to-drink soy protein benefit of reduced hot shakes, to soy protein-rich foods flashes. A 1998 human clinical such as soy protein burgers, trial led by Paolo Albertazzi found soymilk, soy protein bars, soy a 45 percent reduction in the yogurt and soy nuts. number of hot flashes in postHowever, the greatest concenmenopausal women with 40 trations of soy protein are found gramsof soy protein daily. in soy protein shakes (14 to 25 “By including soy protein with grams) or soy protein burgers(6 to isoflavones in your diet, you get a 18 grams). low-fat, excellent source of proThese products are widely tein, as well as a functional food available at major supermarkets, with a range of health benefits,” club stores and health food stores. says Anthony. “While science may Some of the best tasting items not yet have found a magic bullet, carry the Solae brand ingredient women could measurably improve logo on thelabel. their health in the menopause Before trying any methods of years throughincreased use of soy menopause treatment, consult your doctor. Physicians are quickly protein foods.” Whenconsidering the useofsoy, getting up-to-date on what natural makesureit’s soy protein. remedies are available. For more information, call Some women havetried soy isoflavone pills, which placebo-con- (800) 367-2880.
