Aromatase is an enzyme, which converts the hormone androgen into estrogenes in a woman's body. Aromatase also converts excess testesterone in a male's body to estrogens. The presence of aromatase may be undesirable for a number of reasons and medications called aromatase inhibitors can be used to limit the effects of this enzyme. Certain foods also inhibit aromatase and conversely, others can boost aromatase. Avoid foods that boost aromatase if you are taking aromatase inhibitors. Seek the advice of your doctor if you are unsure.
Estrogens
Estrogens are a group of hormones that influence the function and development of the female reproductive system. The three major hormones are estradiol, estrone and estriol. Estrogens are produced in the ovaries and the placenta. Small amounts are also produced in the adrenal glands and the male testes. Doctors try to inhibit the action of aromatase to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen stimulates hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Excess estrogen in men can cause loss of lean muscle tissue, weight gain and gynecomastia --- fat deposits on the chest.
Aromatase Boosters
Foods such as tofu, soybeans, soy protein isolate, sunflower oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, corn oil and alcohol boost aromatase and should be avoided if you are taking aromatase inhibitors advices FoodForBreastCancer.com. Avoid these foods if you are a bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids or if you suffer from gynecomastia. Aromatase converts excess testosterone from steroid use into estrogens.
Aromatase Inhibitors
Foods that inhibit aromatase include blueberries, celery, sour cherries, cranberries, red grapes, purple grape juice, horseradish, kale, tomatoes, white button mushrooms and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. FoodForBreastCancer.com says these foods also enhance the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors. If you have estrogen-dependent breast cancer, seek the advice of your oncologist before including these foods in your diet.
Testosterone
Aromatase inhibitors can help normalize testosterone levels in both younger and older men that exhibit problems with testosterone secretion, according to a study by the Ghent University in Belgium, reported in "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" in 2005. Men taking aromatase inhibitors to combat problems with testosterone secretion should avoid foods that boost aromatase and eat foods that increase the effectiveness of their medication. Do this in conjunction with your doctor.
References
- Food For Breast Cancer: What Should Breast Cancer Survivors Eat During Aromatase Inhibitor Treatment?
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" ; Comparative Assessment in Young and Elderly Men of the Gonadotropin Response to Aromatase Inhibition ; GT 'Sjoen et al; October 2005
- Breastcancer.org: Aromatase Inhibitors
- T Nation; Naturally Ocurring Aromatase Inhibitors; Thomas Incledon
