How To Keep Your Breasts Healthy And Prevent Breast Cancer

The words "breast cancer" will strike a note of fear for many women. This is not surprising given the statistics that 99% of breast cancers occur in women and in Australia 1:10 women will receive this diagnosis. It appears that the risk and likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age with 50% of incidences occurring in women between the 50-69 years old.

The exact causes of breast cancer are not known, but many factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the environment have been implicated and various risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately most of the research and activity relates to the treatment of breast cancer and there is far less attention paid to addressing and minimizing the risk factors. So called preventative health measures such as undergoing a mammogram every two years after the age of 50 years [as recommended by Breastscreen Australia] focuses on early detection and not prevention.

So ladies it's time for us to take back our breast health into our own hands. To help you do this I have provided you with some dietary and lifestyle tips to help you keep your breasts healthy and prevent breast cancer:

• Limit or avoid drinks and foods that contain caffeine, ie. coffee,tea, cola and chocolate. They contain a compound called methylxanthine which can cause an overproduction in breast tissue that is associated with fibrous tissue and cysts.
• Iodine deficiency has been associated with breast disease and iodine supplementation has been shown to reduce fibrocystic breast changes. Including seaweed in your diet is a great way of getting some additional iodine, for instance Arame seaweed, needs only to be soaked for 10 minutes and can then be eaten as it is, or added to salads, soups, stir-fries etc.
• The essential fatty acid omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and research indicates that it also has anti-carcinogenic properties. Oily fish such as sardines and anchovys are high in omega-3
• The liver is responsible for processing and clearing any excess oestrogen and this may happen in either a safe way or unsafe way. when oestrogen is metabolized the unsafe way a chemical called 16a hydroxyestrone is formed; this form of oestrogen is more likely to promote cancer growth. Including vegetables in you diet daily from the cabbage family [ ie, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale and chard] is helpful. They are high in a compound called indole-carbinol-3 which supports the liver in clearig oestrogen via the healthy pathway.
• Avoid constipation by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily and eating plenty of fresh vegetables. Excess oestrogen is eliminated in the faeces, so the longer the transit time the more oestrogen that can be reabsorbed.
• Toxins and chemicals such as pesticides mimic oestrogen in the body and are referred to as xenoestrogens. So minimize your exposure by eating organic food, drinking filtered water, using chemical free skin care products and toiletries and using environmentally friendly cleaning products. Xenoestrogens are "fat loving"and women's breasts are high in fat cells.
• Phytalates in plastic are also xenoestrogenic; so avoid the use of plastic food containers, drink bottles, cling wrap,drinking from styrofoam cups and microwaving food in plastic containers.
• Avoid long-term use of the contraceptive pill and HRT if you have a family history of cancer, lumpy breasts or cysts.
• Maintain a normal body weight and lose fat if you are overweight. Fat cells make oestrogen and obesity has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes, three times a week. Exercise improves clearance of oestrogen by the liver, reduces stress and helps maintain a normal body weight. Studies show that women who exercise regularly are 35% less likely to get breast cancer than women who do not exercise.

• Breast are symbolic of nurturing and nourishment, so make sure you take time out to rest and nourish yourself. Take quite time to yourself such as walking in nature, meditation, having a relaxing bath or doing craft and art work, or simply taking a moment to sit quietly and slow down your breathing.    

Expression Of Interest For An Online Breast Health Course

Would you like to discover:

• What environmental influences increase the risk of breast cancer & what practical steps you can take to protect yourself.
• What foods are risk promoting & what foods are protective
• What common Kitchen spice can stop breast cancer cells from growing
• The true facts about mammograms that will shock you, & are unknown to most women
• What you need to know about bras & clothing
• How to perform a simple self-breast massage technique to help clear toxins from your breasts

This will be an online course that you can do at your own pace & from the comfort of your own home.

It will include access to PDF documents, MP3 audio downloads, a video demonstration of how to perform a self-breast massage technique & a private forum for you to ask questions .

If you would like to receive email notification of when this course will be available please click the subscribe link below: 

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