The relationship between sulforaphane and hormonal balance

The relationship between sulforaphane and hormonal balance

Oestrogen is a crucial hormone that regulates many functions in the body, from reproductive health to mood and metabolism. However, when oestrogen levels become imbalanced, or when the body has difficulty properly metabolising and detoxifying excess oestrogen, it can lead to various health issues, including a hormonal imbalance due to oestrogen dominance. Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, plays a key role in supporting the body’s detoxification processes, particularly when it comes to oestrogen metabolism. 

What is sulforaphane?  

Sulforaphane is a phytochemical compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, specifically broccoli sprouts. It plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of antioxidant proteins, protecting the body against free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Sulforaphane promotes detoxification and helps to reduce inflammation, promote the protection of DNA, and may have the ability to reduce the formation and spread of cancer cells as well as slow tumour growth [6]. 

What is oestrogen detoxification?

Oestrogen detoxification is a multi-step process that takes place primarily in the liver. The body metabolises oestrogen through three key phases. When these processes are impaired, oestrogen can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of oestrogen dominance and associated conditions like PMS, endometriosis, and even certain types of breast cancer. These three key phases of detoxification are:

  1. Phase I detoxification: In this phase, oestrogen is broken down into metabolites (end product of metabolism) by liver enzymes known as cytochrome P450 enzymes. The metabolites produced can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on how they are processed.

  2. Phase II detoxification: The harmful oestrogen metabolites undergo a process that transforms the metabolites into water-soluble forms, making it easier for the body to excrete them through urine or stool.

  3. Phase III detoxification: This final phase involves the actual excretion of these metabolites from the body. Poor excretion can lead to the reabsorption of oestrogen, contributing to hormone imbalances [1].

How sulforaphane supports oestrogen detoxification and hormonal balance

Sulforaphane is known for its ability to upregulate enzymes involved in phase II detoxification, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). These enzymes play a critical role in converting harmful oestrogen metabolites into water-soluble compounds, making it easier for the body to eliminate them. By enhancing phase II detoxification, sulforaphane helps prevent the buildup of harmful oestrogen byproducts that could otherwise increase the risk of oestrogen-related disorders. 

Sulforaphane is a potent activator of Nrf2, a transcription factor (proteins that regulate the transcription of genes) that increases the body’s production of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione, a master antioxidant and a crucial player in phase II detoxification. It binds to harmful oestrogen metabolites, neutralising them and facilitating their excretion. 

Sulforaphane also helps protect against xenoestrogens, which are oestrogen-like compounds found in the environment. These synthetic chemicals, present in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, can mimic oestrogen in the body, leading to hormone disruption. Sulforaphane’s ability to activate detoxification pathways helps the body eliminate these harmful xenoestrogens, reducing their impact on hormonal health [2]. 

Other health benefits of sulforaphane 

In addition to its role in oestrogen detoxification, sulforaphane offers a wide range of health benefits. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that boosts the body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress. This helps protect cells from damage and reduces inflammation, which is key in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Sulforaphane has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties, as it promotes the elimination of carcinogens and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, sulforaphane supports brain health by protecting neurons from damage and may have neuroprotective effects against conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Sulforaphane also has the potential to improve gut health as it influences the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A healthy balance of gut bacteria is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Sulforaphane also helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream, a condition known as leaky gut [3].

How do you take sulforaphane?

One can get sulforaphane from your diet by consuming cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale [4]. Another way to take sulforaphane is to include a high-quality supplement in your regimen. Coyne Bio-Sulforaphane Advanced is a highly bioavailable and concentrated source of broccoli phytonutrients, specifically rich in sulforaphane. This compound plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of antioxidant proteins, providing protection against free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. By promoting detoxification, Bio-Sulforaphane Advanced supports the body’s natural processes to eliminate toxins and maintain overall health. The therapeutic dose response is 20 - 40 mg of sulforaphane.

 

References

  1. Invivo Healthcare. Oestrogen Detoxification [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://invivohealthcare.com/education/articles/oestrogen-detoxification/?srsltid=AfmBOoqHQUAV5UZWPyhJ_RnL5tZwtsLXYJx2ezeY1pBimmrVHc1e8atO
  1. Myzak MC, Dashwood RH. Histone deacetylases as targets for dietary cancer preventive agents: lessons learned with butyrate, diallyl disulfide, and sulforaphane [Internet]. 2006. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4572790/
  1. Axe J. 7 Sulforaphane Benefits, Including Cancer Prevention & Liver Health [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://draxe.com/nutrition/sulforaphane-benefits/
  1. Kubala J. Sulforaphane: Benefits, Uses, and Food Sources [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sulforaphane#food-sources
  1. Examine.com. Sulforaphane - Health Effects, Dosage, Safety, and Research [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://examine.com/supplements/sulforaphane/?srsltid=AfmBOorQiqtNofa_M5meDffi2uzn7czlZGTsz0VwAa7wbYA5sNOfIpYN
  1. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Sulforaphane benefits: How leafy veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts can improve your health [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/sulforaphane-benefits--how-leafy-veggies-like-broccoli-and-bruss.h13-1593780.html 
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