The most common side effects include darkening of the urine, an increase in bowel movements, headaches, and gas (3, 8). First, you will have to discard the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass stalks by peeling them away with your fingers. Experts remind us that more clinical trials are required to get a better understanding of how DIM reacts with prescription drugs, but the direction of travel is clear: DIM is safe in recommended doses and effective for the majority of people who are taking it. Although DIM is not suitable for everyone, DIM appears to have benefits for both men and women, and DIM side effects are minimal. Hormonal acne occurs when there is an unbalance of estrogen levels and an increase in the male hormone, testosterone. People on hormone therapies or with certain hormone-related cancers should avoid these supplements. Last medically reviewed on July 22, 2020. Dates are sweet fruits of the date palm tree. Take DIM with Milk Thistle for Liver detox & Endometriosis: Taking DIM with another supplement called milk thistle has been shown to reduce the severity of endometriosis. Having too much estrogen in the body can increase the risk of breast cancer, along with cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Estrogen dominance can play a role in the development of acne because it can lead to oily skin and clogged pores. Therefore, a recommended dose from a supplement would look more like 100 to … DIM is particularly interesting to researchers because of its estrogen-like qualities, along with its paradoxical abilities to control an excessive amount of estrogen production. While testosterone is known as a male hormone, it is also produced in a woman’s body, but instead, it converts into estrogen. Many studies on DIM focus on its cancer preventative abilities. No matter your medical history, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before taking these supplements. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A study carried out by the…. DIM can mitigate the level of estrogen in the body by stimulating the breakdown of estrogen in beneficial metabolites. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. It also prevents prostate cancer and BPH. The appropriate amount for each individual will depend on a number of factors, including age, weight, prior medical conditions, and current medications. Keep in mind that human studies are needed. While cruciferous vegetables are the primary food source of DIM, you would need to eat several servings every day to reap this compound’s benefits (1). A DIM supplement is a nutritional supplement composed of a phytochemical that our body naturally produces by breaking down a compound in our diet. How to get oil out of clothes? The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, mainly due to its compound curcumin, is responsible for weight loss. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve. Some people use DIM supplements to help them lose weight, and … Word is getting out, and DIM has started picking up steam as a supplement of choice to deal with a variety of issues such as acne, PMS, mood swings, fibroids, menopause symptoms, and even things like man boobs. Diindolylmethane supplements—DIM for short—have been credited with combatting breakouts and other period problems. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. DIM has been the topic of recent discussions surrounding hormonal health and your menstrual cycle. Test-tube and animal studies indicate that DIM protects against ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers as well. However, it is not a plant estrogen or an estrogen mimic, like soy isoflavones. Resources and Additional Reading: Other uses of DIM supplements, such as weight loss and acne treatment, have not been studied in humans. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that DIM supplements may help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Due to insufficient evidence, dosage information for DIM is lacking. by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) As a result, people looking to treat a specific condition like acne or prostate issues may seek a concentrated dose in the form of a DIM supplement. Diindolylmethane is used for preventing breast, uterine, and colorectal cancer. To date, research on the health effects of diindolylmethane is fairly limited. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, PMS Supplements: 7 Options for Mood Swings and Other Symptoms, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 7 Foods for Lowering Estrogen Levels in Men, Natural and Pharmaceutical Estrogen Blockers for Men, 12 Natural Ways to Boost Estrogen in Your Body, Our Favorite Healthy Finds: Organic Beauty Products for Acne-Prone Skin. Limited studies suggest that DIM supplements may help reduce prostate enlargement and protect against certain cancers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of DIM supplements, including their benefits and side effects. For this, you will have to look out for green stems. DIM has been shown to provide potential protection against hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, uterus and cervical cancer. Benefits of DIM Supplements. Some of the benefits being researched include a positive impact on cancerous cell growth, reduction in acne, prevention of an enlarged prostate, and treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. You can use baking soda, chalk, or dishwashing liquid to loosen the stain before a wash. How to cut and dry rosemary? It is naturally obtained via dietary consumption of cruciferous vegetables. As mentioned above, increased levels of DIM in your system can inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in men. While more research is needed, it’s thought to help balance hormone levels via its effects on estrogen. The DIM supplement helps support the liver detoxification process, improves the procedure of estrogen breakdown. Although it’s not associated with serious side effects, it interacts with hormones and affects genes involved in cancer. He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. You can continue to get DIM through eating cruciferous vegetables and letting your body do the natural process to produce DIM; but be careful how you cook these vegetables. Another DIM supplement benefit is it may help treat symptoms of HPV (human papilloma virus). Due to a lack of research in humans, little is known about the long-term safety and side effects of DIM supplements. It also reduces microbial-induced liver injuries [ 34 ]. As we age, our estrogen decreases, which can cause side…, Chemicals may seem like the best route for acne-prone skin, but it’s not your only option. Benefits of DIM. Find out about natural and pharmaceutical…, Estrogen is one of the sex hormones that is responsible for women's reproduction abilities. On average 10-20 percent of I3C is metabolized to DIM. While these benefits are promising, overall research on DIM’s effectiveness and long-term safety in humans is limited. 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