Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a chemical produced in the body from the digestion of cruciferous vegetables containing Indole-3-carbinol like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. DIM has hormone-balancing effects for both men and women, and thus prevents any unhealthy effect of hormonal imbalance. Eating these cruciferous helps provide the body with its needed diindolylmethane. DIM supplements are also available and are thought to provide the same diindolylmethane benefits just like its vegetable sources.
According to studies, diindolylmethane beneficially affects estrogen metabolism. Getting more diindolylmethane from the diet or from DIM supplements increase the chances of estrogen being broken down into its health-promoting metabolites called 2-hydroxy estrogens. The increase in good estrogen metabolites causes a simultaneous decrease in the production of the bad estrogen metabolites called 16-hydroxy estrogens. The good 2-hydroxy estrogens have potent antioxidant activities for the protection of the heart and brain. Meanwhile, the bad 16-hydroxy estrogens possess carcinogenic properties. Diinlolymethane benefits on estrogen levels goes to both men and women. Although estrogen is a female hormone, men have small amounts of it in their body.
Diindolylmethane Benefits
- DIM helps reduce estrogen’s carcinogenic effects to the body. Accumulation of too many 16-hydroxy estrogens is associated with increased risk of developing breast and uterine cancer in women.
- DIM for men lowers the risk for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is characterised by prostate enlargement causing mostly urinary symptoms including painful urination, urinary frequency, dribbling of urine, and increased urination at night. BPH is becoming common in older men ages 50 and above.
- The antioxidant activities of the good estrogen metabolites offer protection for the heart and brain against free radical damage. Free radical damage in the cardiovascular system leads to cholesterol plaque build ups in the arteries, increasing the risk for myocardial infarction, hypertension, stroke, and congestive heart failure. For the brain, antioxidants usually boost cognitive functions and protect the nerve cells from the formation of amyloid plaques (the signature of Alzheimer’s disease).
- Low levels of harmful estrogen metabolites help prevent obesity. Obesity or having extremely above ideal body weight with corresponding risks of developing several diseases. Obesity related diseases include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) in women, thyroid conditions, and hyperlipidemia.
- DIM for men promote healthy testosterone production. Testosterone is the male hormone that gives men more energy, leaner body mass, happier mood, and healthy sexual drive.
Diindolylmethane Side Effects
Diindolylmethane when taken in small amounts from foods does not produce any harmful side effects. Diindolylmethane supplements are generally safe when consumed up to 200 mg. Higher DIM dosages can cause mild diindolylmethane side effects like nausea and headaches.
Possible Drug Interactions
Diindolylmethane may decrease the absorption of some medications changed by the liver, reducing their efficacy. Examples of these medications are clozapine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, haloperidol, olanzapine, propranolol, tacrine HCL, and theophylline. Consult your doctor before taking any DIM supplement if any of these medications are part of your maintenance.
