Daily Archives: September 27, 2021

Soy foods, including tofu, edamame, miso, soy sauce, and soy milk, are some of the most widely consumed foods on the planet. As more people embrace plant-based diets, their popularity is increasing.

Yet soy is known to produce phytoestrogens in the body, and estrogen has been linked to breast cancer. Is there any reason to be concerned about breast cancer if you eat foods containing soy?

Researchers say no. In fact, theres solid evidence that eating foods rich in soy may actually lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

This article explores some of the research into soy foods and breast cancer. It also discusses some of the other benefits and risks of including soy in your diet.

Why was there a concern about the relationship between consuming soy and developing breast cancer? In some older animal studies, mice that ate soy had an increased number of breast cancer cells in their mammary glands. Those results led researchers to question whether soy might have similar effects on humans.

However, animal studies dont always translate well to humans. In this case, its important to note that there are at least two reasons why these mice might have a different response to dietary soy than humans.

First, mice process the soy differently than humans do. To understand how, a little background is necessary. Soy contains several kinds of phytoestrogens (isoflavones). Phytoestrogens are plant-based substances that act like estrogen in the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, certain types of breast cancer have been traced to increased estrogen in the body. Thats what gave researchers cause for concern about soy and breast cancer. However, in humans, phytoestrogens turn into genistein and daidzein, two isoflavones that are very different from and much weaker than human estrogen.

In fact, soy has been proven to block the action of estrogen in tissues. In tissues with breast cancer cells, estrogen stimulates the multiplication of cancer cells. When soy blocks this stronger form of estrogen, it is playing an active role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Because of the differences in how soy isoflavones are metabolized in mice and humans, the mice in these studies were exposed to much higher concentrations of isoflavones than the amounts human beings typically eat. Researchers have concluded that the higher concentrations mean the outcomes are likely to be different for the two species.

When researchers conducted similar soy studies on primates, whose biology is much closer to human biology, they found no increased risk of breast cancer among the primates who consumed soy.

A number of long-term studies involving human populations have shown that eating soy foods does not increase the risk of breast cancer. On the contrary: Studies show that diets rich in soy may actually help to protect you from developing breast cancer.

A 2020 study that tracked the soy consumption of over 300,000 women in China found that moderate soy consumption did not raise the risk of breast cancer for women in the study. Women in the study who reported eating higher amounts of soy products experienced a lower risk of breast cancer.

A 2020 meta-analysis evaluated the results of 18 separate studies. After evaluating the results of these studies, researchers concluded that higher amounts of soy in the diet lowered the breast cancer risk for women. The protective effect was highest for women who had not yet reached menopause.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or are a survivor, you may be wondering whether you should be cautious about consuming soy. Experts at the American Cancer Society say soy foods are safe and healthy for people to eat. They caution, however, that more research needs to be done to see whether taking isoflavone supplements is equally safe, since these supplements may have higher concentrations of isoflavones than there are in soy foods.

In 2017, the Breast Cancer Family Registry followed the intake of soy isoflavones for 6,235 women diagnosed with breast cancer and living in the U.S. and Canada. It was found that women who ate the highest amounts of soy isoflavones had a 21 percent lower risk of death compared with women with the lowest intakes.

In 2019, researchers analyzed 12 studies that followed 37,275 women who had survived breast cancer. Their analysis found that eating soy foods both before and after their diagnosis was associated with a reduced risk of cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women.

The soy that we eat can impact our bodies in a multitude of ways. There are benefits of eating soy related both to fighting breast cancer and our general health.

Soy products are a great source of protein. As opposed to some other plant proteins, soy proteins contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot make, making it a complete protein. Replacing red meat with soy protein may also help reduce your risk of certain cancers, because eating red meat has been linked to higher cancer risk.

A 2020 research review found that soy isoflavones helped improve bone mineral density and prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis. Researchers noted that it may be necessary to consume the isoflavones for a year or longer to see the most benefit.

Fermented soy foods like miso, natto, and tempeh are cultured with beneficial bacteria. These bacteria boost the health of our microbiome, which can improve our heart health, brain health, and regulate weight.

It is worth noting that most of the studies regarding soy as a cancer-fighting food are observational, and more detailed studies need to be done. The relationship between soy consumption and breast health may additionally be related to the lifestyle and other dietary habits of people who eat soy products.

While there is no link believed to exist between soy and breast cancer, there might be other reasons for you to consider eating less soy.

While soy foods are safe and have a number of health benefits, there is not enough data to say for sure that soy supplements are equally beneficial. At least one study conducted in 2019 recommended against using soy supplements until more research could be done. Its important to note that this study did not find any association between the past use of soy supplements and breast cancer.

One form of fermented soy, soy sauce, contains tyramine and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Some researchers once thought tyramine triggered migraine attacks by constricting and dilating blood vessels. However, blood vessel dilation is not considered the cause of most migraine.

While there is insufficient evidence linking MSG consumption to headaches, it is believed to be a migraine trigger for many people, and soy is sometimes found on lists of migraine triggers.

Many soy products may be created with genetically modified soybeans. Some people are concerned that GMO foods may be linked to cancer and allergies; however, there are no long-term human studies linking GMOs to cancer or allergies. More research is needed.

There is no known link between breast cancer and eating tofu, miso, edamame, soy milk, soy sauce, or any other soy food. In fact, researchers have found that consuming soy foods can actually lower your breast cancer risk.

Soy foods can also benefit your health in other ways: protecting you from bone loss, boosting the beneficial bacteria in your gut, and increasing healthy sources of plant protein in your diet. Its important to note that soy isnt entirely risk-free, however. Soy may be a migraine trigger in some people, and it may be genetically modified, which some people choose to avoid.

More research needs to be done before scientists can say with certainty that soy supplements are as healthful and safe as foods that contain soy.

The rest is here:

Soy and Breast Cancer: Is There a Connection? - Healthline

CBD, the supplement which seems to be everywhere. It's in gels, drinks, chamois cream and even pizza these days.

Already prevalent in rugby, golf, and cricket, CBD is taking the sports world by storm and it shows no signs of disappearing. So is CBD the next big thing in cycling? And is it legal?

In April this year, UCI Continental Professional cycling outift Team Skyline announced a sponsorship deal with the company Gold Medal CBD and Tokyo 2020 was widely viewed as the first time athletes could use CBD in their preparations for the Olympic Games.

Ex-pro and disqualified Tour de France winner Floyd Landis CBD company Floyds of Leadville boasts many elite athletes as ambassadors, including cyclists Sarah Sturm, Gordon Wadsworth and Peter Stetina.

The global CBD industry is projected to be worth $13.4 billion (9.7 billion) by 2028, according to Grand View Analysis.

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant and is also known as cannabidiol.

It is one of hundreds of compounds, called cannabinoids, which make up the cannabis plant.

It is neither intoxicative nor has a psychoactive effect unlike one of the plants more well-known cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis which gets people high.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report states that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.

Like Ketone Esters, CBD is legal in the UK.

CBD products are categorised under the Novel Food Regulation which means they have to be marketed as a food supplement rather than a medicine.

In 2018 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its prohibited substances list but other compounds found in the cannabis plant are still banned including THC.

Cannabis is an illegal class B drug in the UK and almost all cannabidiols are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (excluding CBD).

There are three spectrums of CBD: full, broad and narrow, which indicates the number of other compounds of the cannabis plant present in the CBD itself.

A full spectrum product contains CBD and a small amount of THC (less than 0.2% otherwise it is illegal).

A broad spectrum product contains all the compounds of the plant including CBD but does not contain any THC.

A narrow spectrum product (also called Isolate CBD) contains only CBD and no other compounds of the cannabis plant.

There are many different types of CBD products, from capsules, oils, patches, balms and gels to drinks, gummies, pillowcases and even yoga classes.

According to neurologist and medical cannabis expert, Professor Mike Barnes, the most effective way to ingest CBD is as an oil under the tongue.

Most people take CBD as an oil under the tongue as it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Then its effects will last about 4-6 hours.

Essentially, it depends on what you want CBD for as to how you should take it. For instance, for a painful joint or muscle you could use a balm to rub into the affected area.

CBD advocates say it can aid post-training recovery, improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety.

CBD in general can help with anxiety and physical pain, says Team Skyline Sports Director Michael Tacci. It helps with not only managing nagging minor injuries, bumps and bruises, but can also assist with pain management on the bike during hard efforts.

Most importantly, CBD anecdotally has been seen to significantly improve post-training recovery.

Ex road pro and gravel and endurance cyclist Peter Stetina first started using CBD in 2015 after he broke his leg at the Tour of the Basque Country when he was looking for an alternative to prescription painkillers.

For Stetina, the biggest benefit he gets from CBD is improved sleep quality.

When I take the capsules around dinner time I feel I can fall asleep sooner, he explains. It helps me get to bed early before an early wake-up for race morning.

He also uses a CBD cream to help with acute muscle soreness post-race.

Notably, Stetina doesnt use CBD during competition, but he does notice a smoother recovery afterwards due to the supplements relaxation benefits.

I definitely would recommend CBD to other cyclists, he says. There's no grogginess the next morning, no bad side effects, and it is a legal substance in regard to drug testing. I would say just start with the lowest dose and increase to what works best for you, just like anything really.

Team Skyline rider Wolfang Brandl gets two benefits from CBD.

It helps me to calm down after a race, especially because many of our races are usually late evening or at night, and even after a couple days of racing my legs feel less fatigued, he says.

Brandl first tried CBD in 2019 when he felt fatigued during a 10-day race and a friend told him to try some CBD cream. I used it and my legs felt pretty good, I actually got a podium result that day.

Brandl, who is from Germany, adds that CBD usage is more prominent in the US than in Europe.

There is a huge choice of CBD products on offer, with 217 CBD companies currently operating in the UK.

Professor Barnes emphasises the importance of looking for products with clear labelling which shows which cannabinoids it contains and what percentages, and which comes from a credible source.

In my view, look for broad spectrum products with clear labelling, clear dosing and which dont make unnecessary medical claims,he says.

Not all CBD food supplements are created equally, says Caroline Glynn, chief scientific officer and co-founder of Pureis CBD. Some products found on the market can contain unwanted contaminants along with levels of THC, and some may contain lower levels of CBD as claimed on the product label, unknown to the average consumer.

A paper published in April 2020 tested 29 CBD food supplements available on the UK market and found that 34% of products had 50% less of the CBD content advertised and 55% of products had measurable levels of THC above what is considered safe.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends taking no more than 70 milligrams of CBD a day.

However, for Professor Barnes this is controversial.

This is based on no science whatsoever, he says. I cant find evidence that shows above 70 milligrams is not safe and some people will need more than 70 and some will need less, it is completely different for each individual. I would recommend starting with a low dose, such as 10mg and slowly build it up.

Professor Graeme Close of Human Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University emphasises the importance of applying caution until more research is done.

There is currently not enough evidence for a recommended dose but it makes no sense to go over the FSAs limit.

If you are on other medication, you should speak to your healthcare practitioner before taking CBD and certainly don't jump in taking stupid amounts.

Many CBD products on the market contain CBD as well as other cannabinoids, which means that this could be problematic for athletes in WADA-sanctioned sports.

An athlete could take a CBD product that is 0% THC but happens to have some of the potentially therapeutic non-psychotropic cannabinoids such as Cannabigerol (CBG) and WADA could decide to test for that, and the athlete would fail a drug test for CBG, explains Professor Close.

Unless WADA removes all the cannabinoids from their prohibited substance list, or names the specific psychotropic cannabinoids which are banned and which it will test for, it becomes very difficult for an athlete to try CBD safely.

Close adds that this leads to ethical challenges in research into CBD, as athletes could be given products which cause them to fail an anti-doping test.

Of note, is that WADA recently announced it will reopen discussions about removing cannabis from the prohibited list next year.

Whilst there is a general consensus amongst experts that CBD isnt performance-enhancing, there is debate over how much THC is legally allowed to be in a product and how effective a product is with all the THC removed.

Some people have read the legislation to believe there should be less than a milligram of THC in a product but that is misunderstanding the legislation, says Professor Close. My reading of the current legal status is that there should be no detectable THC in the final product.

No one can hand on heart tell you whether a product will be effective with all the THC removed because of something called the entourage effect, he adds. There's evidence to suggest that you need the full spectrum of cannabinoids, even if there's not a huge amount, for all to work synergistically well together.

We've got to remember that the research is miles behind where it probably should be because it's been prohibited for decades.

Honest Hemp, a CBD company which currently supplies an unnamed cycling club, feels that interest in CBD is growing and wants to educate people about CBD.

We are involved in ongoing studies with Hull University to enhance and develop our products and we continue to educate people that CBD does not get you high as some people wrongly assume but does have a positive effect on recovery, which in turn enhances performance, explains the companys founder Christian Sanderson.

Professor Barnes predicts better quality products, better labelling and more understanding will come to the market.

CBD is not a fad, it is an industry that is here to stay and I think it will help athletes generally, says Barnes.

Professor Close agrees.

CBD isnt going away. I'm actually quite excited about what this product can do but Im also cautious, he says. It is the most controversial and complicated supplement to hit the industry in the last 20 years.

Read the original post:

CBD: What is it and will it improve cycling performance? - Cyclist

Dublin, Sept. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pet Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global pet supplements market size is expected to reach USD 2.32 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028

Pet supplement sales soared as a result of increased consumer interest sparked by COVID-19, particularly in products that target immunity, anxiety, and overall wellness. When it comes to consumer buying patterns, joint health supplements are already at the top of the list, but hip and joint supplements are only one element of the senior pet health picture.

The growing numbers of aging dogs and cats are in need of an immune response, cardiac and cognitive support items, and anti-inflammatory and pain management aid, thanks to breakthroughs in veterinary treatment and pet owner interest in pet wellness and nutrition at an all-time high.

According to Packaged Facts' 2020 Pet Owners Survey, 47% of dog owners have a dog aged 7 or older, up from 43% in our previous study, and 43% of cat owners have a cat aged 7 or older, up from 39% in our previous survey, demonstrating the growth of this pet demographic. Marketers can leverage already-existing products into a growing pet population segment by targeting the senior population with personalized products and senior-specific products, such as multifunctional supplements, thereby offering another viable avenue for market expansion.

According to a survey of pet food producers performed by Petfood Industry in April, 60% indicated higher sales through online shops. Granted, that was during the early lockdown-induced stockpiling of pet food and many other essential household goods; however, in the most recent Petfood Industry Confidence Index surveys of pet food executives and other professionals, e-commerce has remained one of the few bright spots as business confidence has lagged in other areas.

Many dog owners are naturally anxious about administering human-grade CBD oil to their pets. However, firms such as Royal CBD and Gold Bee have created CBD products designed specifically for pets that are less strong.

Story continues

Preliminary research from Baylor College of Medicine suggests that CBD oil can aid in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, which affects 20% of dogs over the age of a year.

Pet Supplements Market Report Highlights

By pet type, the dogs segment accounted for the largest share of over 45.0% in 2020 as dogs are the most popular pets in the world, with an incredibly high adoption rate

The offline distribution channel segment accounted for the largest share of over 75.0% in 2020 and is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period

North America held the largest share of over 40.0% in 2020. An increase in the number of pet owners and increased knowledge among pet owners about various health hazards are some of the factors fueling the regional market growth

Company Profiles

Company Overview

Financial Performance

Product Benchmarking

Strategic Initiatives

Nestle Purina Petcare

Food Science Corporation

Ark Naturals

NOW Foods

Virbac

Kemin Industries, Inc.

Novotech Nutraceuticals, Inc.

Zoetis Inc. (Platinum Performance)

Bayer AG

PetHonesty

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.

Manna Pro Products, LLC

Honest Paws

Garmon Corporation

Zenwise

Only Natural Pet

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

Vetoquinol S.A.

Vetnique Labs

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/65xa4g

Read more from the original source:

Global $2.32 Bn Pet Supplements Market to 2028: Sales Soared During COVID-19 with Focus on Products that Target Immunity, Anxiety, and Overall...

Milk thistle is a flowering herb that some people may consider using as a home remedy to help treat various health conditions, including cancer. Milk thistle and extracts of milk thistle, such as silymarin, are rich in antioxidants and may have some medical uses. However, more research is necessary to prove its effectiveness.

Research is exploring silymarin and milk thistle and their potential use as a breast cancer treatment alongside traditional therapies to either protect cells or reduce potential side effects.

However, milk thistle is not for everyone, as there may be some risks involved. More human studies are necessary to determine whether or not it is effective. Anyone who is looking to use milk thistle for any health condition should consult a doctor first.

This article discusses whether or not milk thistle can help with breast cancer treatment. It also looks at some potential risks and benefits associated with the herb.

Milk thistle may have some health benefits, mainly thanks to the extract silymarin and its active compound silybin, or silibinin.

Research from 2019 notes that silymarin and silybin have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds may help repair and prevent damage in cells, which is an important factor in many conditions including cancer.

That said, researchers note that silymarin is not very bioavailable, meaning that the body cannot use it very easily. This is why some people may make a complex of silybin with phosphatidylcholine to create phosphatidylcholine-bound silybin. This increases its bioavailability.

Research from 2020 notes that silymarin may have roles in preventing cell damage leading to cancer and reducing side effects in healthy cells from cancer treatments.

For example, the compounds in milk thistle appear to counteract the toxic effects on the kidneys caused by some chemotherapy agents common in breast cancer treatment, such as cisplatin. This is important. These chemotherapy drugs are highly effective, but doctors currently need to limit their use due to these toxic effects.

Researchers also note that silymarin may have a synergistic effect with some anticancer drugs to help kill some types of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells. This could mean that it may have use as a potential pre-treatment before other therapies for cancer.

Milk thistle may also help reduce side effects from other cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that in small human studies, applying a cream containing silymarin to the skin helped prevent rashes from radiation therapy in people with breast cancer.

That said, the research is preliminary. More studies in humans may help find better ways to use the compound. Currently, there is not enough evidence to recommend milk thistle as a treatment for cancer.

Milk thistle is a common name for the plant Silybum marianum, which is native to Europe. It has large, prickled leaves with white veins running across them. The active extract of milk thistle is silymarin, which is extractable from the plant and seeds.

Milk thistle comes in a few different forms. Extracts of milk thistle containing higher levels of active ingredients may come in the form of oral capsules, oral tablets, tinctures, or other liquid extracts.

Milk thistle and its active compounds contain antioxidants that may help protect cells and offer some benefits to the body.

There are several potential benefits of milk thistle, thanks to the high antioxidant profile of the extract silymarin.

For example, milk thistle may help protect the liver and its cells. Research from 2019 notes that milk thistle and silymarin have had medical uses for liver disease and gallbladder conditions for thousands of years.

Although further research is still necessary, silymarin may also have medical uses for a few other conditions, including those affecting the:

It may also have potential anti-diabetes actions, as it may help with insulin resistance. However, results are currently mixed, so more research exploring this potential benefit can help clarify whether or not milk thistle is helpful for this purpose.

Until further research confirms that milk thistle is beneficial, people should continue using the current medical treatment options available to them.

Milk thistle is generally safe to use. The NCI notes that side effects from silymarin are rare but can include:

At high doses (over 1,500 milligrams per day), some people may have mild allergic reactions to silymarin. People who have allergies to similar plants, such as chrysanthemum and marigold, may also have allergic reactions to milk thistle.

In addition, some other groups may need to be wary of milk thistle. For example, there is not enough information about the safety of using milk thistle while breastfeeding or pregnant.

There may also be some drug interactions to consider. Research from 2019 notes that the low bioavailability of silymarin makes many drug interactions unlikely, but there are some exceptions, and drug interactions can occur.

Therefore, it is advisable to speak with a doctor before using milk thistle alongside drugs that affect the liver, hormones, or cholesterol, as there may be interactions. People with diabetes should also consult a doctor before using the herb. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels, which could affect medication use or dosage.

Safety and regulation may also be an issue for some milk thistle products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of milk thistle as a treatment for cancer.

Additionally, the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as it regulates food and drug products. As a result, the exact amounts of a compound or other ingredients in any given batch may vary. Because of this, people should also only use silymarin or milk thistle from a trustworthy company.

Silymarin and milk thistle generally come in forms that are easy to use.

For oral formulations, people can consider either working with a doctor to find a safe personal dosage or following the general dosage from the instructions on the packaging.

For topical formulations containing silymarin or milk thistle extract, people can apply an appropriate amount to the skin.

There are several herbs rich in antioxidants that may also possess anti-inflammatory actions. These may help support the body and protect cells in a similar way to milk thistle, but it is important to note that none are a treatment option for cancer.

Some antioxidant-rich herbs and foods include:

Learn more about natural treatments that may help with breast cancer here.

Milk thistle contains helpful antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties could make it a useful adjunct therapy to use alongside traditional therapies for breast cancer.

However, research on the topic is preliminary, so more clinical trials in humans may help expand on these possibilities. There is currently not enough evidence to recommend it for use in any type of therapy for cancer.

Anyone who is curious about whether or not milk thistle may be right for them can discuss this with a doctor. Each case of breast cancer is different, and doctors may have different recommendations for each person to help prevent side effects or make treatments more effective.

See more here:

Can milk thistle help with breast cancer treatment? - Medical News Today