Soy vs. flaxseed, and other supplements?

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Soy vs. flaxseed, and other supplements?
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 2:09pm

Does anyone know if it's OK to take flaxseed supplements (I picked up some softgels that contain a combination of fish oil, borage oil, and flaxseed oil, which are Omegas and are supposed to be healthy)? I read about taking supplements on Mary Shomon's site about thyroid conditions, and she mentioned that these could be helpful for people with thyroid conditions.


My question now is, doesn't flaxseed contain phytoestrogens, and aren't those the same natural hormones that are in soy products? I have been avoiding soy products since I was diagnosed four years ago as hypothyroid (Hashimotos), as I've read their consumption is linked to thyroid troubles.


Anyway, just wondering if anyone knows the difference, what it is about soy that is troublesome, and why flaxseed is OK (or isn't). I've also been taking a multi-vitamin (Centrum chewable, since I'm not great at swallowing pills, and most multi's that contain vitamins *and* minerals seem to be huge). We're currently trying to conceive, without much luck, and I've been looking into some natural supplements that might help. Specifically, I'm thinking of trying Vitex (chasteberry), or perhaps evening primrose oil.


Thanks so much for any input!

~Kim


"Becoming a parent means agreeing to allow your heart to go walking around outside of your body."

~Kim

"Becoming a parent means agreeing to allow your heart to go walking around outside of your body."