Hormones are the quiet workhorses of the human body, regulating many of the body's intricate systems, including weight, the aging process and reproduction. Men and women have notoriously different hormone levels, explaining the biological differences between the sexes. Estrogen is one of the primary reproductive hormones of the female body. Men also have estrogen, but in smaller amounts. However, exposure to plant-based estrogens, called phytoestrogens, during pregnancy and early development can disrupt the delicate balance of the male hormonal system. Limiting exposure to phytoestrogens may reduce negative effects such as impotence and infertility in adulthood.
Step 1
Limit or avoid consuming soy foods during pregnancy. Soy milk, edamame and tofu are all soy foods. Soy contains a compound called genistein, which may have some feminizing effects on male fetuses in utero. Some of these feminizing effects include delayed puberty and a malformation of the penis called hypospadias.
Step 2
Feed your son alternatives to soy infant formula if possible. Breastfeeding has the optimal levels of nutrients your baby needs. If you cannot breastfeed, select a formula based on cow's milk rather than soy unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Step 3
Read the labels on food packages. Many processed foods contain soy ingredients and labels will state this information due to potential allergy concerns. Even foods that you might not expect to contain soy, such as canned soup or potato chips, can have soy ingredients.
Step 4
Use moderation in consuming other fresh foods that contain phytoestrogens. Some foods in their natural state contain high concentrations of phytoestrogens, including peanuts, garbanzo beans, alfalfa, sesame, wheat and flaxseed. These are all healthy, beneficial foods, but should be eaten as small parts of a balanced diet.
