What is DIM and What are its Benefits?

What is DIM and What are its Benefits?


There’s a lot of hype surrounding a plant metabolite called diindolylmethane, also known as DIM for short. DIM has gained attention recently due to eye-opening studies showing its potential to benefit health. DIM may help support healthy hormone balance, weight management and immune system function. 

What is DIM?

cauliflower varieties

DIM (diindolylmethane) is a natural compound that is formed when we eat certain foods. Our digestive system breaks down a plant substance called indole-3-carbinol which is most often found in cruciferous types of vegetables. This includes kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. When we ingest these vegetables, our bodies convert indole-3-carbinol into DIM.

DIM and Healthy Hormone Balance*

Young people smiling

Research on DIM has shown a positive effect on balancing estrogen for men and women.* Men have lower amounts of estrogen than women, yet estrogen has a very important purpose in men’s bodies. It plays a role in the development of muscle, bone density, mood, metabolism and other important bodily functions.* For women, estrogen influences countless processes including bone density, fertility and mood.* Studies suggest DIM may affect less advantageous forms of estrogen such as 16-hydroxy estrogen metabolites and support the formation 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites.* Having an excess amount of estrogen can throw off hormonal balance and lead to negative effects on health as well as mood.*

DIM Supports the Immune System*

Woman making smoothie with green vegetables and fruit

DIM may have antioxidant properties which can aid immune system function.* Antioxidants are key in helping our body manage the onslaught of exposure to inflammatory molecules that we experience on a daily basis from pollution and other environmental factors.* DIM may help neutralize the activity of some free radicals which can damage our body’s cells.* This is one way in which DIM supports the immune system; by helping the body’s response to inflammation.*

How DIM Promotes Weight Management*

Female lacing up shoes next to workout gear and DIM supplement

It’s believed that DIM’s influence on inflammation and hormone balance can support weight management. Imbalanced estrogen can lead to excess weight gain in some individuals.* Excess estrogen or too low estrogen can make it more difficult for the body to use glucose or sugar as fuel, leading to weight gain.* Inflammation similarly affects the body by impairing how well it processes sugar for energy. Addressing these two issues, hormone balance and inflammation can support efforts toward weight management.* Of course, taking DIM cannot replace a proper diet and exercise, but it is a helpful tool that may support these goals.* If you’re interested in supplementing with diindolylmethane, Nature’s Lab DIM provides 300 mg of DIM in one capsule plus 5 mg of black pepper extract to facilitate better absorption.* 

Shop Nature’s Lab DIM today!


References

Ellulu, M. S., Patimah, I., Khaza'ai, H., Rahmat, A., Abed, Y. (2017, June). O—--- and inflammation: The linking mechanism and the complications. Archives of medical science : AMS. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5507106/

Gupte, A. A., Pownall, H. J., Hamilton, D. J. (2015). Estrogen: An emerging regulator of i—--- action and mitochondrial function. Journal of d—---- research. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391691/

NCI Drug Dictionary. National C—--r Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.c—-r.gov/publications/dictionaries/c—-r-drug/def/diindolylmethane 

Dorofeev, D. (2022, February 14). The role of estrogen in men's health. News. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Role-of-Estrogen-in-Mene28099s-Health.aspx

 

Blog Posts