do certain foods promote more estrogen in the body?

[reallyconcerned]

Since my Mother's breast cancer is so high w/estrogen positive HORMONES are there certain foods she should avoid or is there anything she really should eat a lot more of? thanks for your help!

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear reallyconcerned, There is not a specific diet or definite do's and don'ts.  In general, there is evidence that obesity with increased caloric intake of fat, increases risk for breast cancer, so there is support to the suggestion of changing a diet to one that is low-fat.  There is some concern with components of soy that may act in an estrogen-like fashion (research continues) so caution is recommended particularly in regard to soy supplements.  Dietary soy in moderation is OK.  Avoidance of hormone containing foods, you need to read labels.

[MrsH]

Hello - I have heard that alcohol can boost estrogen levels; also have heard that it is a good idea to avoid meats and dairy products that may have hormones in them. (Some dairy, chicken and beef farms use hormones to boost production.)

There are other chemicals in food that researchers are concerned about, such as pesticide residues, though I think they are more worried about these estrogenic chemicals causing an increase in the number of people getting cancers.