DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone made in the adrenal gland which is precursor to the male and female sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is used to treat conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, depression and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although you cannot obtain DHEA directly from food, wild yam and soybeans contain chemicals from which it can be manufactured. An excess of DHEA may increase your risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, so you must utilize correct dosing levels.
Discuss DHEA options with a physician before embarking on a DHEA regimen.
Wild Yams
According to the University Extension at the University of Iowa, wild yams contain a chemical from which scientists can produce DHEA; however, you cannot increase DHEA levels simply by eating wild yams. According to the National Library of Medicine, nutritionists have prescribed wild yams to treat painful menstruation, hot flashes and headaches associated with menopause, but this would require the body to convert the chemicals in wild yam to estrogen. There is no significant evidence that proves wild yam treats or cures these conditions.
Soybeans
According to the University Extension at the University of Iowa, soy beans contain a chemical from which scientists can produce DHEA. Soybeans have direct health benefits such as reducing the risk of coronary disease, a claim which is supported by the FDA. A regimen of 25 g of soy protein per day, as long as your food choices are also low in fat and cholesterol, is part of a heart healthy diet. It is not scientifically established that eating soybeans will result in DHEA production.
Dosing
Since the body cannot manufacturet DHEA directly from foods, you can take capsules, tablets and injections to directly increase DHEA levels in your body. A daily dose of 25 to 500 mgs is appropriate to treat symptoms of DHEA deficiency. Higher dosing falls between 200 to 500 mgs per day, and may treat depression in HIV and AIDS. Despite the size of your dosage, you must consult a medical professional before beginning a DHEA regimen.
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