DIM or 3, 3’ di-indolylmethane is produced from indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which is found as a predominant component in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale and sprouts. The compound acts as a remarkable cancer preventive agent by aiding in chemical therapies against estrogen linked carcinoma of breast, uterine and colorectal. Apart from exhibiting chemo preventive properties, DIM also acts as the following agents:
- anti-proliferative
- antioxidant
- anti-parasitic
- anti-inflammatory
- antitumor
How does DIM control estrogen effects?
DIM is naturally formed in the body on ingestion of cruciferous vegetables. The major component in the plants, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is I3C and DIM is a dimeric form of that compound. The supplements of DIM are gaining importance in the world of bodybuilders and steroids, as they have shown promising results in terms of wellness and myriad medicinal benefits. There are online reviews of DIM for bodybuilding purposes that will guide beginners on how to use the supplement and get the benefits within the blink of an eye.
Indole-3-carbinol is formed by the metabolism of a glucosinolate named glucobrassicin present in broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower. The compound is cultured in laboratories as a treatment weapon for cancer patients. The phyto-nutrient DIM is produced from I3C and is stealing the limelight in the medical field as a marvellous invention, in the first line prevention of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The supplement holds the potential to combat neoplastic cell lines by balancing the estrogen metabolism in the body.
Both I3C and DIM have the same mechanism of action in the body as estrogen regulators and testosterone boosters. They both regulate the Phase 1 and Phase 2 metabolic pathways in hepatocytes and promote detoxification of estrogen hormones in the liver. Some in-vivo experiments performed in the livers of rodents show how di-indolylmethane reduces the rate of 16-α-hydroxyestrone synthesis from estrone. DIM also modifies the breakdown of 4-androstenedione that results in the aromatization of estrogen molecules. To lower the level of estrogen, in another study DIM revealed its potential of reducing the digestion rate of 17-beta-estradiol.
How does DIM help in bodybuilding?
Since DIM naturally balances the estrogen levels and boosts testosterone production in testes of males, it is a favourite of professional bodybuilders who wish to heighten their athletic performance. Like a miracle drug, DIM helps in cutting down fat layers from the stubborn regions of your body by accelerating basal metabolism without losing your toned muscle mass. The male sex hormone is not only for enhancing libido and sperm count, but also for increased muscular unit and extreme fat loss. High levels of testosterone promote strengthening of bones and improved lipid panels at a speedy rate. Men generally secrete estrogen on the stimulation of aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol. If the level of aromatase increases in blood, the estrogen level shoots up and testosterone level starts diminishing which is not favourable for men. On the dominance of estrogen production, men can suffer from breast enlargement, rapid loss of hair, infertility and psychological errors.
The recent reviews of DIM for bodybuilding activities alongside workouts shows how effective this supplement can be to enhance sexual drive, sports performance and for treatment against osteoporosis and other estrogen related disorders.
