Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound produced during the body’s metabolism of indole-3-carbinol, found in vegetables like broccoli, kale and cauliflower.

As a supplement, DIM has shown promise for increasing overall health and reducing one’s risk of developing certain diseases.

Could you benefit from taking DIM supplements? Let’s explore the research.

Benefits of Diindolylmethane Supplements

Cancer Prevention

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Researchers at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey have found that DIM supplements can prevent cancer growth by regulating estrogen levels.

Specifically, DIM increases the production of 2-hydroxy estrogen (a good hormone) while decreasing the production of 16-hydroxy estrogen (a bad hormone).

DIM supplements were found by researchers to be more effective at doing this than the natural precursor, indole-3-carbinol, due to the loss of potency that occurs during the metabolic process.

Indole-3-carbinol is also much more unstable in its basic form and thus, its effects on the body cannot be accurately measured by researchers in the way DIM supplements can.

Treatment of PMS Symptoms

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Research has shown that DIM helps the female body better metabolize pregnenolone sulfate, an anxiety-inducing brain hormone that reaches elevated levels during premenstrual syndrome.

The healthy metabolism of pregnenolone sulfate reduces its effects on the brain and can make dealing with PMS much less stressful.

Weight Reduction

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Research has found that DIM supplements taken by both men and women can promote weight loss and active fat metabolism.

Men in particular see great benefits from this mechanism because it cuts short a vicious hormonal cycle that makes it tougher to lose weight.

As a man ages, his testosterone levels will drop. This leads to weight gain and loss of muscle mass. To make matters worse, enzymes that throw this balance out of wack are most abundant in fat cells.

DIM supplements restore a healthy testosterone balance to the body, cutting a hole in this loop.

Precautions

DIM supplements are generally considered safe. However, they can produce side effects such as an increase in bowel movements and darkening of urine.

It’s important to talk with your doctor before taking DIM supplements, as you should with any health formula.

Your doctor will be able to help you determine the correct dosage for your needs as well as help you track any progress or changes to your health.

Here’s a good search to give you a few supplement options to present to your doctor at your next appointment.

Sources:

LiveStrong.com

NaturalNews.com

Examine.com