Did you know that when your body breaks down vegetables in the cruciferous family (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.) it produces a beneficial molecule known as diindolylmethane or DIM?

DIM is a product of indol-3-carbonol metabolism and has many health benefits including detox support in the liver, improved hormone metabolism, as well as specific anti-estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. The latter is a result of DIM’s ability to lower inflammation and the fact that it favors the conversion and elimination of estrogen to the less potent or carcinogenic form (2-OH’ Estrone). Therefore, DIM is often used to provide support and relief in estrogen dominant conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids and potential breast, cervical and prostate cancer prevention.^1,2,3

Ideally, adequate intake of DIM would be achieved through food sources, as this also provides the benefit of increased fiber and nutrient intake. That said, DIM supplementation is an alternative option in those who have an intolerance to these vegetables or would benefit from a more potent dose.

Be sure to reach out to your naturopathic doctor to see if DIM would be beneficial for you and at what dose!

References:

1.) Thomson CA, Chow HHS, Wertheim BC, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamoxifen. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017;165(1):97-107.

2.) Gee JR, Saltzstein DR, Messing E, et al. Phase Ib placebo-controlled, tissue biomarker trial of diindolylmethane (Br-dimng) in patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing prostatectomy. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2016;25(4):312-320.

3.) Morales-Prieto DM, Herrmann J, Osterwald H, et al. Comparison of dienogest effects upon 3,3’-diindolylmethane supplementation in models of endometriosis and clinical cases. Reprod Biol. 2018;18(3):252-258.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.