Simple Steps to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
By Carolyn Schropp BS, NC, Functional Nutritional Consultant and Educator at HealthWalk™
We are now discovering there are many causes of cancer, the most dreaded disease for many people. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death among American women between the ages of 44 and 55. The incidence of breast cancer is on the rise for both men and women. Awareness of changes in appearance and sensation in breast tissue is an important tool for both men and women. From the time of birth, healthy cells are developing in your breasts. What you put into your body from a nutrition standpoint can determine how strong and resilient these cells stay throughout your life.
Diet- Avoid white food - Refined carbohydrates (pasta, white rice, white flour, cookies, cakes, pies) sugar, processed foods, hormone and antibiotic-injected meat, poultry, dairy products and farm raised fish. A diet heavy with refined/processed white foods causes a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is one risk factor linked to breast cancer among other cancers.
Consuming a diet rich with fresh fruits, vegetables and filtered water (HydroMag™ treated water is even better) will help keep your gastrointestinal system, kidney, metabolic processes and skin function properly. These organs are crucial to detoxification and excretion. Eat a rainbow of colored foods that are high in lycopene and other immune boosting antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day reduces your risk of breast cancer and boosts your immune system.
Powerful antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids and flavinoids - They’re needed to scavenge the free radicals in your body and blood that cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by stabilizing free radicals and avert damage to other cellular components throughout the body. Berries, legumes and other fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and herbs like rosemary, turmeric (curcumin) are excellent sources of anti-Inflammatory support. Vitamins C, A, E and green tea block the effect of estrogen on the cells’ receptors, thus reducing the growth of cancer cells. Iodine is also important, not only for thyroid function, breast cells have iodine receptors which help use energy at the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA level.
Reduce stress- emotional, environmental, biological, physical, or physiological stress prompts a reaction in the adrenal glands causing a rise in cortisol and a decrease in DHEA, melatonin, immune cytokines (proteins produced by a variety of anti-inflammatory, immune and infection fighting cells) and progesterone. Find time to be quiet, meditate and/or pray. Surround yourself with positive people. Remember to accept the things you cannot change, have courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference. HealthWalk’s Comprehensive Wellness Profile analysis (CWP) can reveal the health status of your endocrine system which regulates many aspects of your body functioning including gut health, mental functioning, immune system functioning, chronic stress, weight, energy, sleep and much more. With the information from the CWP Comprehensive Wellness Profile, we can work with you to develop a health and nutritional plan which will increase your wellbeing and immunity including breast health.
Vitamin D levels- We now know that if you can get your vitamin D levels up to 60-80 ng/ml, it will virtually eliminate your risk of breast cancer. This vitamin keeps cancerous cells from multiplying. Breast cancer is particularly sensitive to vitamin D, so it’s very important you monitor your vitamin D status with a test called 25-hydroxy vitamin D, available through HealthWalk. Getting enough vitamin D can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 30 percent according to Harvard researchers. Many experts urge all adults to supplement with at least 3,000 IU of vitamin D per day. At HealthWalk we can monitor your vitamin D level with the Comprehensive Wellness Panel (blood chemistry panel).
Exercise- Any form of exercise increases endorphins, chemicals produced by your body that make you feel good, and boost your immune system. Scientists have discovered that beta-endorphin activates NK Cells (natural killer cells) which can potentially kill cancer cells. Endorphins also relieve pain and stress as well as postpone the aging process. Alternate between aerobic exercise (cardiovascular) and anaerobic exercise (stretching and weight resistance). Exercise will help you feel better, work your muscles, increase your immunity and sweat out toxins!
Rest- relax, meditate and sleep at least seven to eight hours per night so that your immune system and endocrine system (adrenal glands, hypothalamus and pituitary glands) can communicate and regenerate. At the same time your body will recognize abnormal cells and program them to die.
Nutritional supplements - they act as catalysts in enzymatic reactions in hormonal, neurotransmitter and detoxification processes, all critical in preventing breast cancer and strengthening the immune system. At HealthWalk we can work with you to determine the specific nutritional supplements most appropriate for your body’s needs.
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) - This is an FDA approved technology used as an early indicator for many kinds of pathology. For breast health DITI detects the subtle physiological changes that accompany breast pathology, including cancer, at the very early stage of 256-cell divisions. DITI screenings are non invasive, has no radiation, is painless and offer highly effective results.
HealthWalk offers DITI imaging with the images reviewed by medical doctors certified by ACCT to ensure that we provide our clients with the best DITI service. DITI is an affordable, accurate and powerful tool to observe the body as a whole and provide insight not previously available to prevent and detect any diseases or potential health challenges.
There is no better time than now to build a stronger health foundation. Contact us at www.HealthWalk.com, email info@healthwalk.com or call us at 760-929-1520, we have the tools, support and information to empower you on your path to regaining and maintaining vibrant health. We look forward to serving you.