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Aaron Tabor, M.D. |
The HRT Controversy Series
Power Surge™ Live!
Host: Dearest
Guest: Aaron Tabor, M.D.
Soy Isoflavones
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Dearest: My guest tonight is AARON TABOR, M.D., Medical Director of Physicians Pharmaceuticals, developers of Revival Soy Protein. Physicians Pharmaceuticals is a group of mainstream doctors trained at, and associated with, prestigious medical institutions, such as Johns Hopkins. Studies have proven that soy is beneficial to heart and bone health. Its use also lowers cholesterol, protects us from osteoporosis, and for many women will completely eradicate hot flashes, depression, fatigue, mood swings, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms. Soy isoflavones are a rich source of natural plant estrogens and act in estrogenic and anti-estrogenic ways in our bodies, thereby also helping to protect us from breast cancer. Welcome back, Dr. Tabor and thank you for joining us for Power Surge's "HRT Controversy" series of chats. Dr. Aaron Tabor: Thank you Dearest! Dearest: Dr. Tabor, the news on everyone's mind these days, especially menopausal women, is the Women's Health Initiative Study which was abruptly stopped before its conclusion, the women involved advised to stop taking Prempro immediately. Can you explain why the study was stopped? Dr. Aaron Tabor: The study was stopped by the National Institutes of health because women were being harmed by the HRT drug being studied (Prempro). The drug produced a significant increase in breast cancer risk while also increasing risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots and gallbladder disease. These results were unexpected. Dearest: Thanks, Dr. Tabor, but what confuses me is that in Power Surge, we've been talking about this for years. What's so surprising about these findings? Dr. Aaron Tabor: The reason doctors have placed millions of women on HRT was for the reason of preventing heart disease, even though doctors have known for many years that HRT increased risk of breast cancer. Doctors felt that the risk was worth the potential benefits. Now, the data shows that HRT increases risk of BOTH heart disease and breast cancer. That is why this is such big news worldwide to millions of women. Also, another study shows that estrogen alone increases risk of ovarian cancer. Dearest: Would you agree that many doctors have put women on HRT because doctors and the pharmaceutical companies are holding hands, so to speak? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Well, I'm sure that any industry has some problems, but when so much money is spent on promoting certain drugs, it is easy for consumers and physicians to want to believe that a drug works and that it is safe. I don't know if this is the case here, but most physicians that I've spoken to are removing their patients from HRT. Dearest: I have two more questions before we go to the audience. So, the women participating in the study were advised to stop HRT (Prempro) immediately, yes? Dr. Aaron Tabor: They were advised to discontinue use of the study HRT, Prempro, drug and to talk to their physician as I understand it. This will leave millions of women more confused and frightened than ever about midlife health. Dearest: Dr. Tabor, if a woman decides to stop using HRT, what do you recommend is the best way to stop? Dr. Aaron Tabor: 1. Talk to her own doctor and inform him/her that she wants to stop. 2. If she plans to use an alternative, like soy protein, then the HRT should be tapered off over a few weeks period (or whatever period the doctor recommends) while at the same time beginning use of the soy protein. Dearest: And there are no contraindications to using Revival soy protein with HRT? While she tapers off, that is. Dr. Aaron Tabor: Revival Soy should be integrated into any woman's health plan-- regardless if she is using HRT or not. New data, from Wake Forest University, shows that soy may reduce detrimental changes in the breast and uterus that is caused by HRT. Dearest: Thank you for your excellent answers, Dr. Tabor. Dotbo: Dr. Tabor, it sounds as if dietary supplements are our next best bet. what is your opinion of other natural products for menopause, such as red clover or black cohosh? I've heard results of a clinical trial for a supplement called Promensil. What should my doctor and I be discussing when it comes to supplements? Are they promising for night sweats, etc.? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Soy protein has been consumed for thousands of years--safely. Soy protein is a natural FOOD for HUMANS. Red clover and other herbs do not have the BROAD range of health benefits that soy protein does. So, my position is "Why consume something that is not natural, doesn't work as well, and may not be as safe?" Dearest, what are your thoughts on this? Dearest: Obviously, I agree. I've been using Revival since June of '98. I believe "natural" is the best answer and we always come back to nature :) HSpec: How is the estrogen derived from soy different from the naturally compounded estrogens, such as biest? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Thank you for that question! It is VERY important to understand that soy does NOT contain estrogen like the body's own estrogen, HRT, or natural hormones! Soy bioactive compounds, although similar in structure, act very differently in the body and actually function as ANTI-ESTROGENS in many tissues like the breast and endometrial tissues. There are many differences: (between soy protein and HRT) 1. Soy is a food, while HRT is a prescription drug. 2. Many studies show that HRT increases risk of many diseases. 3. Many studies show that HRT has severe side effects (like nausea, irregular bleeding and hair loss) and 4. HRT and other hormone sources raise your levels of estrogen, while soy protein will NOT raise your estrogen levels. Soy produces benefits via different mechanisms. As far as natural or bio-identical hormones, I'm sure that large studies will have to be done to show they are safe given the recent bad news about HRT and estrogen. HSpec: Thank you for this extremely helpful information. Sally: I am having symptoms of numbness & tingling in hands and sometimes feet and vaginal dryness until I feel irritated. My doctor prescribed Estradiol 1 mg. and Prometrium 200 mg. I began on .5 mg. Estradiol but now have doubts about continuing to stay on it. Have been drinking 8 oz. a day of Revival Soy for a 3 months and still have symptoms. My doctor leans toward HRT, said women didn't use to live as long as they do now that we have HRT. I've read that Estradiol and Prometrium are not synthetic. What do you think about them and what should I do?? Dr. Aaron Tabor: After speaking with your doctor, you may want to increase your amount of soy. Menopause severity waxes and wanes. We have many customers that simply increase their amount of Revival Soy protein during these times and do great. In regards to soy and uterine health, soy does NOT stimulate endometrial tissues. In fact, many studies show the exact opposite--soy is an anti-estrogen and reduces endometrial proliferation. Read more about Revival and endometriosis. Also, Revival Soy is patented for endometrial health BushBaby: I have been taking Premarin for about 10 years. Is there any way I can obtain Revival Soy in Australia? You have already answered my query about a changeover phase. I have severe osteoporosis, gallbladder problems and had DVT (deep vein thrombosis) a few months ago. My doctor advised stopping Premarin, but has offered no alternative advice for dealing with hot flashes, anxiety, etc. apart from just 'toughing it out'. Dr. Aaron Tabor: If you will e-mail Dearest your information, or e-mail to doctors@revivalsoywomen.com, we will see if we can ship to Australia. Dr. Aaron Tabor: You're welcome. Hope you are feeling better soon. Xstraz: Is the soy in Revival from genetically modified soybeans? And are there other ingredients? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Revival is genetically-pure (it does not contain genetically-modified soy). We have plain versions if you don't want anything but the soy protein (plain shake). Dearest: Women continually ask if they need to use some form of progesterone supplementation while using Revival. Is it necessary? If so, why? If not, why not? Thanks. Dr. Aaron Tabor: No, it is not necessary! Soy protein doesn't stimulate the endometrial lining. The notion of using a progestin or progesterone along with estrogen came when doctors realized that estrogen alone significantly increased risk of uterine cancer, therefore "HRT", a combination of estrogen and progestin, was born. This is not needed with soy protein. JoRosa: I am in perimenopause for about a year now, I have suffered so much, the worst is the migraine headaches, what do you suggest to help me with migraines during this time? Dr. Aaron Tabor: I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad. My mother had a terrible time (Revival was created for her for this same reason). I recommend that you insist on seeing a headache specialist (make sure it is due to perimenopause) and consider adding Revival Soy. See numerous testimonials from other women who have had a great improvement with Revival. Joy: Is Revival safe for people who are diabetic or on heart medication? Dearest: I take Tenormin (a beta blocker) for arythmia for years and I use Revival with no problem. Dr. Aaron Tabor: Good question! Yes, Revival is EXCELLENT for anyone with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The FDA and the American Heart Association recommend eating more soy protein to reduce risk of heart disease. For full details, read more about Revival and diabetes and Revival and heart disease. Jade: What peri and menopause symptoms does the soy protein alleviate? Thanks! Dr. Aaron Tabor: Research shows all of the common complaints like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, depression, fatigue, vaginal dryness and hormone-related headaches. The majority of Revival users are women who had these symptoms. We have a very good review here. HeyJude3: Is progesterone necessary with Revival? Dr. Aaron Tabor: No, but it seems to be a very hot topic! (see above) Soy doesn't stimulate the endometrial tissues and Revival Soy is actually patented to promote endometrial health! KittyMom: I have problems with acne while on HRT. Not sure which hormone causes it. Do you feel Revival Soy could help if I switched?? Dr. Aaron Tabor: It sounds like some of the symptoms my mother was having on HRT. She had terrible side effects. Revival Soy should help you feel much better and soy protein has never been shown to increase acne. Regardless of whether you are on HRT or not, you can add Revival Soy as the nutritional component of your health plan! Hottie: I drink 16 oz of Revival Soy a day, take 1 mg of Estradiol, eat a lot of fresh veggies and fruit, exercise, and do everything I can possibly think of to relieve stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, I still suffer from occasional "power surges," lots of irritability and forgetfulness, and have been taking 10 mg of Ambien every night for the past 2 years (if I don't take it I don't sleep at all. Went sleep deprived for 2 months when I tried to not take it). I don't have a large intestine due to a total ileostomy. Any chance that I'm not absorbing enough soy in my system? Dr. Aaron Tabor: The symptoms of menopause wax and wane in severity, particularly during the first few years, so you may need to increase your soy protein intake. We have had good success with this strategy. With your digestive state though, you may not be absorbing enough. Try taking 1/2 of the Revival in the morning and the other half in the evening. This may give your digestive system more time to absorb more of the soy and soy nutrients. Dearest: Dr. Tabor is also Power Surge's Soy Aficionado. You can read answers to hundreds of questions women have asked HSpec: Dr. Tabor, you said that we can increase the amount of Revival Soy we take daily; how much of an increase? I am currently having one shake per day. Dr. Aaron Tabor: Simply try 1/2 more serving per day (shake or bar--we will soon have soy pasta too!) for a period of 2 weeks to see if that helps. Some customers do have 2 servings per day. Dearest: Dr. Tabor, short and simple: Is Revival soy protein a viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy as far as effectiveness? Dr. Aaron Tabor: We have tens of thousands of customers that rely on Revival Soy for that very reason and the research is very strong. Dearest: We already know it's an alternative as far as safety :) HSpec: Also, are there other sugar-free Revival soy items besides the shake? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Back to Hedda! We will soon have sugar-free low-carb bars! (end of August is our target date).Something that I want to mention that is very important-- the key to soy's benefits if eating enough of it on a daily basis. One serving of Revival is equal to 6 cups of soy milk or 1 pound of tofu. Our patented process allows us to do this naturally. You can't drink enough soy milk to get the full benefits of soy (unless you give up your entire diet). HSpec: Yeah, the diabetics out here thank you. Dr. Aaron Tabor: We are working hard on it, Hedda! Dearest: Dr. Tabor, what about the nay sayers who say Revival is too high in soy isoflavones? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Revival contains the level of soy isoflavones recommended by a panel of world soy research experts (the most accomplished researchers in the soy research world). As new studies show, these higher levels are needed to get the full benefits of soy. Revival is the easiest and best tasting way to get enough soy to make a difference. We have not had problems with hundreds of thousands of customers. Sally: You did not addresses the numbness and tingling sensations that I have had - I don't hear of many people having them - Is HRT (Estradiol and Prometrium which my Dr. mentioned) my only answer? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Sorry! I would insist on seeing a neurologist if you are having numbness and tingling to make sure they are related to menopause/HRT. MaryO: People on the Power Surge Message Boards keep asking when Revival will be available in Canada (and other countries). Any news? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Revival is available in Canada, but the shipping is high unless you order it together with a couple of your friends or family. We are working to find a good Canadian distributor to make it much more affordable to customers there. Unfortunately, NAFTA did nothing to help soy sales in Canada (tariffs are still charged). Dotbo: Dr. Tabor, are you saying that soy is the only natural alternative to handle basic menopause issues, such as hot flashes and night sweats? Didn't the Menopause Society recently present research on isoflavones from red clover that showed the supplement cut hot flashes? Just sorting stuff out here. Thanks. Dr. Aaron Tabor: I strongly believe that soy protein is the safest and most comprehensive natural HRT alternative. Red clover is not a natural food for humans, so why take something that is less effective and may not be as safe? Remember that soy protein has an official FDA and American Heart Association claim, while red clover does not. There are thousands of studies on soy and it has been consumed safely for thousands of years. Red clover sales are very slow also. Soy protein is growing rapidly because it works for so many women. With red clover supplements, they are chemically-extracted while Revival Soy is not chemically-processed in any way. Dearest: I have to tell you something. I have women who come to Power Surge's message boards and chats who say they never believed that soy could have that affect on their symptoms. If they hadn't actually seen it with their own eyes, they'd never have believed it. If you recall, in the beginning, Dr. Tabor, I had the same doubts after trying many, many soy products - shakes, soy milk, soy pills - until I tried Revival and I've been hooked ever since. This isn't a plug. It really works. Airthatibr: Regarding the sugar-free products. What form of sweeter do you use? Dr. Aaron Tabor: We have many options! We have UNSWEETENED shakes (you add your own choice of sweetener) and our new sugar-free products will contain sucralose, a new sweetener derived from real sugar but calorie free. We are eliminating our aspartame line because the sucralose tastes so much more natural and better. Our new low-carb bars will contain "sugar alcohols" derived from fruit. These type of sugars taste very good but are poorly absorbed. Xstraz: I have been taking Remifemin, but have been told black cohosh is bad when having headaches. What is your opinion on this? Dr. Aaron Tabor: I would discontinue use if you are having problems or are afraid to take it. I would recommend that you speak to your doctor about any herbal product. Many negative studies and drug interactions are possible with chemically-extracted herbal products like black cohosh, red clover and vitex. We recommend that all customers consult their physician before using herbal products. Dearest: Xtraz, you might want to try 500 mg. of magnesium for the headaches. It's very effective for headaches, migraines and palpitations often associated with menopause. Marlo: I've been taking Revival for over a year. It helps with everything. The only thing I don't like is it upsets my stomach. Is there anything you can take for it? I tried the enzyme pills, they didn't help. Dr. Aaron Tabor: I would recommend trying a smaller serving size and taking with other food. If you will contact our Medical Staff at doctors@revivalsoywomen.com, we can help you find a solution. Glad to hear that it is helping you so! It may be as simple as trying a different version of Revival -- try our sampler pack with all varieties. Triesrealhard: what about those of us who are lactose intolerant? Dr. Aaron Tabor: All Revival shakes and bars are lactose and dairy free, so enjoy! Our shakes are designed to mix great with water alone (you can use whatever fluid you want). Scarlett: Please help with vaginal dryness. It's very bad. I use no form of HRT. Any suggestions? Dr. Aaron Tabor: The amount of soy protein and soy bioactive compounds found in Revival Soy are effective at stimulating connective tissue. Revival is actually patented to help promote younger looking skin (see younger looking skin for a listing of Revival patents (we have 12 patents now--more will be posted soon--I believe 10 or so are already posted. Also, you will need to use Revival for about 3 months to see these connective tissue benefits unless your body responds faster. Dearest: Scarlett, you can e-mail me at Dearest@aol.com and I'll send you some additional info on vaginal dryness, too. Scarlett: thank you, Dearest Bikearoux: I have problems with constipation when taking soy products, any solutions that will help me digest better? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Yes! We have developed a very good digestive aid enzyme for people with any type of digestive difficulty. It helps you break down the protein and natural carbohydrates (just ask for "Digestive Enzymes") Also, make sure that you are taking plenty of fluids and not consuming it too fast. Dearest: Dr. Tabor, please provide us with information to those who make connections between high doses of soy and thyroid issues. Thank you. Dearest: Also, Bike, you may want to break up your serving of Revival into two. Dearest: Well, while we're here, can you share some of your wisdom with us about it, Dr. T? Dr. Aaron Tabor: Soy is very safe for the thyroid and new human studies show that it may lower risk of certain thyroid cancers (we don't claim Revival to be a drug though).The FDA looked at the data and didn't find any evidence that soy harmed the thyroid or the breast tissues. Newer human studies have put these concerns to rest. Everyone must read this! New data on Revival and breast inflammation reduction can be seen at http://www.revivalsoywomen.com/breastinflammation.html Jade: Dr.Tabor, I see your comments on Red Clover, what about dong quai(not sure of spelling) and black cohosh, what exactly are these herbal substances? Dr. Aaron Tabor: They are all chemically-purified herbal products. The reason that I got interested in creating Revival Soy for my mother was because so many thousands of soy protein studies exist. Soy is accepted by both 'alternative' and mainstream doctors. Soy has an official FDA heart health claim and American Heart Association statement. Soy will reduce your menopause/PMS symptoms AND reduce your risk of heart disease, so why use these herbal products when they are less effective and not as safe as soy protein? Good question! HSpec: If sucralose is derived from sugar, is it safe for diabetics? Thanks again for answering all my questions. Dr. Aaron Tabor: Yes, very safe! It is FDA-approved and has a very clean taste (the retail name is Splenda). Soy can help diabetics maintain better heart health and improve kidney function. Cg: As a vegetarian who eats a lot of soy I'm wondering if it's possible to eat TOO much soy, can adding Revival to my diet mean too much total soy? Dr. Aaron Tabor: No studies have ever shown that it is possible to eat too much soy protein. Research data suggests that one couldn't eat enough soy to do harm. Marbles: Do the Revival bars give you the same amount of soy that the shakes do? And are they just as effective? It costs me 7 cents a minute to be in here. I'm happy that all your questions and answers are so pertinent. THANKS! Dr. Aaron Tabor: The shakes have a few more grams of protein per serving, but they are essentially the same. We have half-and-half units, so you can order half shakes and half bars for a great variety. Yes, the bars are just as effective. Dearest: Dr. Tabor, thanks once again for another informative chat about SOY ISOFLAVONES and REVIVAL SOY PROTEIN. I have personally used Revival since June of '98 and Power Surge highly recommends it to peri and postmenopausal women. For more information about Revival, visit the Revival Web site and you can read my personal story. Thank you, Dr. Tabor, for your generous offer to supply everyone present with a free sampler packet of 7 Revival shakes, 4 Revival bars and chocolate covered soy nuts! I know everyone will benefit from and enjoy them. Dr. Aaron Tabor: You're welcome. God bless everyone and have a good night! Read Dr. Aaron Tabor's twenty first transcript Read Dr. Aaron Tabor's twenty second transcript Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994-2008 by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.