From the bare-breasted days of the cave woman, through the Renaissance and into the era of blonde bombshells, a woman’s bosom has been an icon representing both sexual prowess and vitality. But the breasts are also vulnerable!
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and, each year, about 40,000 mothers, daughters, wives and girlfriends die from the disease. Starting at puberty and all the way through your elder years, it’s imperative for every woman to take care of her breasts, from the inside out.
These “bust musts” for breast health go beyond annual screenings and routine self-exams. Until recently, the prevalent thinking was that screenings are the best way to detect and treat cancer before it metastasizes. However, increasing numbers of false-positive tests have led to unnecessary medical treatment. In some cases, screenings have failed to detect active tumors. If you are concerned about a family history of breast cancer or think you may have found a worrisome lump, call us at 360-570-0401 to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful naturopathic physicians.
More important than early detection is the power of prevention in the hands of every woman. This includes properly performing breast self-exams, and taking care of body and mind in ways that encourage healthy breasts.
Six Ways to Boost Breast Health
Know Your Bosom. It’s important for every woman to be familiar with the look and feel of her own breasts as all women are unique. Performing a monthly self breast exam is the best way to detect a lump or other abnormality. Watch the video below to learn how to do a self breast exam right.
Manage Stress. In general, excessive stress has negative effects on your health. Research from Ohio State University indicates that stress can also increase your risk for breast cancer as well as its recurrence. Because stress impairs immunity, there is evidence that it can alter how aggressively cancer develops. We have hundreds of methods to help you put your stress to rest including massage therapy and acupuncture. Call us at 360-570-0401 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
Get Cozy with Tea. A component of green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (ECCG) is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to suppress the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. ECCG also seems to play a role in keeping cancer cells from destroying healthy tissue. Who can argue with a cup of hot green tea on a rainy day?
Eat Your Greens. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables contain cancer-fighting compounds that convert excess estrogen into a form that is more “friendly” to a woman’s body. Women who eat a high percentage of cruciferous veggies on a daily basis are less likely to develop breast cancer. Enjoy a “crunchy salad” or add steamed mixed veggies to your daily meal plan. Call to schedule an appointment with our nutritional therapist who can help you add more green goodness to your diet.
Spice Up Your Life. The turmeric plant contains curcumin, which is known to support a strong immune system. Some research shows curcumin can reactivate genes that suppress tumor development and stave off cancer cells. Add a curry night to your weekly meal plan for warmth and health.
Get Your Fiber. Fiber from fruits and whole grains helps rid the body of toxins. In addition, flax contains cancer-fighting compounds, called lignans, that can block the negative effects of excess estrogen on cells. Try sprinkling flaxseed on your salad or yogurt or call us for more ways to get more fiber.
Call us at 360-570-0401 to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful naturopathic physicians.