Kate Jackson, Melissa Etheridge, Edie Falco, Suzanne Somers, Jaclyn Smith, Olivia Newton John, Shirley Temple, and Anastacia. They are only the very few who have survived the fearful clench of the wicked claws of breast cancer among millions of women world-wide. In America, an average of 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The same report indicated an increase in breast cancer incidence among Asian and Pacific Islander women.
In the United Kingdom, the survival rate for breast cancer cases is also on the rise. From 52 percent survival rate among diagnosed cases from 1971 to 1975, the relative five-year survival rate improved to 80 percent from 2001 to 2003. The Cancer Research UK also reported an increase for relative twenty-year survival rate from 44 percent in the early 90s to 64 percent for the most recent period. Still in UK, the classified measurement of breast cancer survival rate according to age, stage of diagnosis, and access to treatment has led to more progressive efforts in mitigating the claims on women's lives.
Albeit generally leaning on the positive slant, the increase of survival rate on breast cancer cases still has a long way to balance the death rates. Of the average 180,000 breast cancer cases diagnosed each year (this is in America alone), it was projected that about 40,410 lives were claimed in 2005. The death rate is continuously decreasing since 1990, but a 40,000 or so figure is still a big number especially if we are talking about human lives, women at that. Good thing everyone seems to be vigilant about this health concern.
Various sectors of the society recognize the scale and magnitude of deaths and damages caused by breast cancer. They are very much aware that apathy is their greatest nemesis. Multi-sectoral efforts continue to accelerate in the attempt to save more lives. Medical researches, technological innovations, governmental, and non-governmental advocacy campaigns are launched almost everywhere exhausting all possible efforts to save more beasts and lives.
Commendable is the undying dedication of many scientists, researchers, and health institutions around the world to arrive at deeper studies on the causes, risk reduction, treatment, and post-treatment care of breast cancer. The affiliates of www.breastcancer.org have not only made remarkable feats in doing researches but have also made their findings easily accessible to the larger public. New researches on risk and genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, screening and clinical trials, surgery, *radiation therapy*, herceptin, and many others are available for public reading through their website.
The United State's National Cancer Institute is on a progressive partnership with many federal and private entities in providing resources and funding for breast cancer researches. In UK, the Cancer Research UK has been instrumental in the improvement of currently available treatments and the study and discovery of new ones. The group is responsible for the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study, the on-going international collaboration of doctors and scientists called the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group (EBCTG), along with many fundings they provide to other progressive measures.
Civic groups are also very active in campaigning for breast cancer awareness and prevention. Breakthrough, a leading charity group in UK, has thousands of member sharing a single vision of a future free from the fears of breast cancer. Breakthrough is currently on its way of developing new treatments for breast cancer through its researches on new drug tests, drug resistance, and treatment for hereditary breast cancer.
Movie stars, musicians, athletes, socialites, are also contributing to the efforts to fight breast cancer. Ann Jillian has turned herself into a motivational speaker, sharing her story to others on how she coped with breast cancer. Anastacia has been on different breast cancer awareness programs after surviving the disease. Celine Dion, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Amy Jo Johnson, Alison Krauss, Erin Brokovich, and Whoopi Goldberg are just some of the stars speaking in an online talking dictionary about breast cancer in breastcancer.org. It will not come as a surprise to see Sheryl Crow added on the list one of these days, after winning her own battle against breast cancer. Unbelievably, even Hollywood is taking part in the fight to promote awareness about this major killer.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Menopause: Male Fretting
Menopause: Phytosterols
(Go ahead; try saying it, “Fi-to-ster-ols”)
Menopause (definition): The almost inevitable fretting by husbands whereby they first anticipate (sometimes in sheer terror), the looming specter of being “outside the affections of the marital bedroom” looking in…
Let’s concede the obvious. Menopause affects desire…and it can affect marriage.
That concern is as old as civilization. Even Roman husbands dreaded the onset of this problem associated with menopause. What was it they said?
“Hic astabo tantisper hac forma et factis frustra?”
(Rough translation: “Am I to stand idle and unnoticed, so handsome and so heroic, all for nothing?”). Menopause does evoke theatrics in men at times.
Of course, menopause is really a condition which develops in women usually between the ages of 45- 50. Menopause occurs when an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone causes symptoms such as:
· the uncomfortable hot flashes,
· vaginal dryness,
· osteoporosis (reduction in bone density),
· loss of drive, and
· Fibrocystic growths.
There’s certainly much more to menopause than that of marital relations between spouses. Incidentally, the loss of drive occurs in menopause when the hypothalamus (an endocrine gland) lessens marital desire due to reduction in the production of progesterone.
Menopause: normal or abnormal condition?
Progesterone deficiency simply doesn’t exist in many cultures around the world. As a result, menopause is practically unknown among such people. Why? The diets in those cultures are rich in certain nutrients found in fresh vegetables and legumes.
Those nutrients are called natural Phytosterols. Foods which are rich with such natural Phytosterols keep the body’s progesterone capacity at the necessary levels. Menopause doesn’t develop in these women. They show no symptoms of menopause. They do have strong marital desire, strong bones, no hot flashes…forcing the men to fret about other things besides menopause.
Progestins and Menopause
Of course, when we have a medical problem, it seems we immediately turn to some sort of drug to “fix it.” Progestins are substances which are made to act like progesterone. So… voila! The problems of menopause are expected to disappear.
Anyone with a prescription of progestins to help them with the symptoms of menopause knows that “it just ain’t so.” Progestins do not provide all of the same effects as progesterone and there is a substantial body of research concerned with their side effects. Yes, some relief from menopause may take place but the side effects can be considerable.
I know, I know. “Nulla tam bona est fortuna de qua nihil possis queri.” (“No luck is that good that you can’t find something to complain about.”).
Well, if you are looking for relief from menopause and tempted to take prescriptions, consider the side effects of progestins:
Acne
Jaundice
Depression
Insomnia
Nausea
Tenderness
Fluid retention
Bleeding
Menopause and DHEA
Because the “mother hormone” – DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) – is used by our bodies to produce as many as 50 other hormones, many use it to help regulate the estrogen – progesterone imbalance and to maintain good health.
Again, we have a problem like menopause, so we jump at the chance for a prescription. But, synthetic DHEA can result in liver damage. On the other hand, almost all of the degenerative diseases out there, are accompanied by low DHEA levels. Synthetic DHEA supplementation creates an imbalance with substances produced by our body, such as cortisol.
That imbalance creates further problems- such as low energy, Thyroid dysfunction, decreased immune function (see immune system at http://www.glycoshare.com/), compromised sleeping habits, Muscular dysfunction and many other issues and complications.
Wouldn’t it be better to simply take foods –or natural supplements – which contain Phytosterols to deal with menopause? Menopause can be prevented or mitigated by the progesterone produced from natural Phytosterols. Why go to drugs for relief? DHEA can be regulated by the progesterone produced by Phytosterols. Why, I say, do we run for drugs as our only choice?
Incidentally, Phytosterols can aid in other conditions besides relief of menopause and its symptoms:
1. Fat loss (Are you beginning to understand why dieting often doesn’t work?)
2. Bre*astCancer involves low levels of DHEA. Phytosterols help the body handle that issue and in turn, aids in combating breastcancer. In fact, one study showed that of 5,186 women who developed breastcancer, all of them – 100%! – had a dramatic fall in their DHEA levels up to 9 years earlier (R.D. Bulbrook, J.L. Hayward, C.C. Speir, “Relations Between Urinary Androgen and Corticoid Eccretion and Subsequent BreastCancer.” Lancet. 2:395-398.) 1971.
3. PMS along with menopause (See my article on PMS and Phytosterols).
4. Depression
5. Diabetes (for help with diabetes see my articles “Diabetes: The $132 Billion
Dollar Pandemic” and “Diabetes: “So Far, So Good…”)
5. Stress
6. Prostate
7. Obesity
8. Arthritis
9. Many other diseases and conditions.
Phytosterols is a natural food substance which translates into hormonal action in the body. It is safe and it is almost a “menopause prevention program” by itself…
Women need it for menopause. Persons using phytosterols don’t have to worry about side effects as they would with progestins and synthetic DHEA.
However, as with any treatment, you should consult a health care professional, if you have concerns.
Perhaps a new “definition” for menopause can begin to emerge. Yes, let’s try that.
Menopause (New Definition): Menopause is no longer the disruption of the marital bedroom. Rather, it is replaced by the almost inevitable glee experienced by husbands whereby they (sometimes quite “boyishly”) anticipate the constancy of your doting attentiveness lavished upon them as they stand before you “idle and noticed, so handsome and so heroic. ”
(Go ahead; try saying it, “Fi-to-ster-ols”)
Menopause (definition): The almost inevitable fretting by husbands whereby they first anticipate (sometimes in sheer terror), the looming specter of being “outside the affections of the marital bedroom” looking in…
Let’s concede the obvious. Menopause affects desire…and it can affect marriage.
That concern is as old as civilization. Even Roman husbands dreaded the onset of this problem associated with menopause. What was it they said?
“Hic astabo tantisper hac forma et factis frustra?”
(Rough translation: “Am I to stand idle and unnoticed, so handsome and so heroic, all for nothing?”). Menopause does evoke theatrics in men at times.
Of course, menopause is really a condition which develops in women usually between the ages of 45- 50. Menopause occurs when an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone causes symptoms such as:
· the uncomfortable hot flashes,
· vaginal dryness,
· osteoporosis (reduction in bone density),
· loss of drive, and
· Fibrocystic growths.
There’s certainly much more to menopause than that of marital relations between spouses. Incidentally, the loss of drive occurs in menopause when the hypothalamus (an endocrine gland) lessens marital desire due to reduction in the production of progesterone.
Menopause: normal or abnormal condition?
Progesterone deficiency simply doesn’t exist in many cultures around the world. As a result, menopause is practically unknown among such people. Why? The diets in those cultures are rich in certain nutrients found in fresh vegetables and legumes.
Those nutrients are called natural Phytosterols. Foods which are rich with such natural Phytosterols keep the body’s progesterone capacity at the necessary levels. Menopause doesn’t develop in these women. They show no symptoms of menopause. They do have strong marital desire, strong bones, no hot flashes…forcing the men to fret about other things besides menopause.
Progestins and Menopause
Of course, when we have a medical problem, it seems we immediately turn to some sort of drug to “fix it.” Progestins are substances which are made to act like progesterone. So… voila! The problems of menopause are expected to disappear.
Anyone with a prescription of progestins to help them with the symptoms of menopause knows that “it just ain’t so.” Progestins do not provide all of the same effects as progesterone and there is a substantial body of research concerned with their side effects. Yes, some relief from menopause may take place but the side effects can be considerable.
I know, I know. “Nulla tam bona est fortuna de qua nihil possis queri.” (“No luck is that good that you can’t find something to complain about.”).
Well, if you are looking for relief from menopause and tempted to take prescriptions, consider the side effects of progestins:
Acne
Jaundice
Depression
Insomnia
Nausea
Tenderness
Fluid retention
Bleeding
Menopause and DHEA
Because the “mother hormone” – DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) – is used by our bodies to produce as many as 50 other hormones, many use it to help regulate the estrogen – progesterone imbalance and to maintain good health.
Again, we have a problem like menopause, so we jump at the chance for a prescription. But, synthetic DHEA can result in liver damage. On the other hand, almost all of the degenerative diseases out there, are accompanied by low DHEA levels. Synthetic DHEA supplementation creates an imbalance with substances produced by our body, such as cortisol.
That imbalance creates further problems- such as low energy, Thyroid dysfunction, decreased immune function (see immune system at http://www.glycoshare.com/), compromised sleeping habits, Muscular dysfunction and many other issues and complications.
Wouldn’t it be better to simply take foods –or natural supplements – which contain Phytosterols to deal with menopause? Menopause can be prevented or mitigated by the progesterone produced from natural Phytosterols. Why go to drugs for relief? DHEA can be regulated by the progesterone produced by Phytosterols. Why, I say, do we run for drugs as our only choice?
Incidentally, Phytosterols can aid in other conditions besides relief of menopause and its symptoms:
1. Fat loss (Are you beginning to understand why dieting often doesn’t work?)
2. Bre*astCancer involves low levels of DHEA. Phytosterols help the body handle that issue and in turn, aids in combating breastcancer. In fact, one study showed that of 5,186 women who developed breastcancer, all of them – 100%! – had a dramatic fall in their DHEA levels up to 9 years earlier (R.D. Bulbrook, J.L. Hayward, C.C. Speir, “Relations Between Urinary Androgen and Corticoid Eccretion and Subsequent BreastCancer.” Lancet. 2:395-398.) 1971.
3. PMS along with menopause (See my article on PMS and Phytosterols).
4. Depression
5. Diabetes (for help with diabetes see my articles “Diabetes: The $132 Billion
Dollar Pandemic” and “Diabetes: “So Far, So Good…”)
5. Stress
6. Prostate
7. Obesity
8. Arthritis
9. Many other diseases and conditions.
Phytosterols is a natural food substance which translates into hormonal action in the body. It is safe and it is almost a “menopause prevention program” by itself…
Women need it for menopause. Persons using phytosterols don’t have to worry about side effects as they would with progestins and synthetic DHEA.
However, as with any treatment, you should consult a health care professional, if you have concerns.
Perhaps a new “definition” for menopause can begin to emerge. Yes, let’s try that.
Menopause (New Definition): Menopause is no longer the disruption of the marital bedroom. Rather, it is replaced by the almost inevitable glee experienced by husbands whereby they (sometimes quite “boyishly”) anticipate the constancy of your doting attentiveness lavished upon them as they stand before you “idle and noticed, so handsome and so heroic. ”
Breast Cancer Facts- Men Get Breast Cancer Too
One of the most common cancers among Black women, as you may know, is Breast Cancer.
And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer.
More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year.
Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear.
Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over.
Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women.
Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend.
Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%.
Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%.
Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women.
There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women.
Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors.
And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer.
Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease.
And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please.
The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age.
But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage.
Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years.
Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there.
Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay.
The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say.
Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone.
But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one.
Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do;
They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.
I have been busy promoting my book- Smiling Thru the Tears- A Breast Cancer Survivor Odyssey, doing radio interviews, television appearances and booked solid with Motivational Speaking engagements. I publish an enewletter- Metamorphosis, for Breast Cancer survivors and I stay busy. It is my way of staving off the demon and I thrive on the challenge of staying busy. Every new pain or change could become a potential point of worry and that is no way to live and I have no time for worry. I rise every morning cognizant that I overcame breast cancer...I am a survivor. I live with chemo related vertigo and neuropathy but I try not to let it define who I am. I know I have a new reality; the things I once took for granted have now become a challenge. I can't turn my head suddenly or lay flat on my back, but I can breath, I can laugh and I can rejoice and thank God for His New Year gift to me- my blessing. I had a biopsy on my left breast and on January 5th, 2005 after a second breast cancer scare, I was told that my biopsy came back negative. Yes folks, I am cancer free...isn't God great?
And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer.
More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year.
Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear.
Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over.
Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women.
Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend.
Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%.
Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%.
Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women.
There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women.
Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors.
And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer.
Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease.
And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please.
The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age.
But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage.
Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years.
Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there.
Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay.
The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say.
Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone.
But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one.
Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do;
They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.
I have been busy promoting my book- Smiling Thru the Tears- A Breast Cancer Survivor Odyssey, doing radio interviews, television appearances and booked solid with Motivational Speaking engagements. I publish an enewletter- Metamorphosis, for Breast Cancer survivors and I stay busy. It is my way of staving off the demon and I thrive on the challenge of staying busy. Every new pain or change could become a potential point of worry and that is no way to live and I have no time for worry. I rise every morning cognizant that I overcame breast cancer...I am a survivor. I live with chemo related vertigo and neuropathy but I try not to let it define who I am. I know I have a new reality; the things I once took for granted have now become a challenge. I can't turn my head suddenly or lay flat on my back, but I can breath, I can laugh and I can rejoice and thank God for His New Year gift to me- my blessing. I had a biopsy on my left breast and on January 5th, 2005 after a second breast cancer scare, I was told that my biopsy came back negative. Yes folks, I am cancer free...isn't God great?
3 Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Unfortunately one in nine women will develop Breast Cancer, and it is important that women screen themselves weekly for changes in their breasts. Most women will find a lump at some time, but these are usually lumps of fibrous tissue, and are generally not harmful. Any unusual changes in your breasts should be mentioned to a doctor. For more information on self screening log on to www.breastcancer.org
Breast Cancer has been linked to 3 factors:
1. Exposure to natural (produced by the body) and synthetic (chemicals in the environment) Oestrogen (a hormone).
2. The way your liver breaks down and deals with both of these.
3. The speed at which these breakdown products are removed from the gut.
We can reduce or risk of developing Breast cancer in three ways linked to this:
1. Minimizing exposure to synthetic oestrogen.
2. Keeping our liver healthy and in good working order.
3. Keeping our intestines and colon (gut) healthy and working well.
How can we do these things? Well, synthetic Oestrogen’s are found in plastic food wrapping; punnets, cling film, plastic trays, and in soft plastic containers such as food storage containers, in un-filtered tap water, household cleaners and meat, among other things. Synthetic Oestrogen can have up to 100 times more effect on breast tissue than natural Oestrogen. We can help ourselves and our family by trying to cut down on plastic wrapping- buy a basket or a material shopping bag and buy your food from local vegetable shops and fishmongers/markets, requesting that food is put directly into your basket, or a box or shopping bag. You must notice how half the dustbin is full of plastic bottles, punnets and wrapping stuff. By cutting down on these plastics you can help the environment at the same time. When making lunch to take to work or children’s lunch boxes, pack food in grease-proof paper and paper bags, you can also save little glass jars for your work lunch box. (There are now glass baby bottles available if this issue worries you). Exposure to synthetic Oestrogen can also be limited by using a water filter, using more eco-friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, by eating less red meat and by choosing Organic foods (which also often use less plastic in wrapping)- especially organic meat which will contain less hormones and chemicals. The bad effects of Oestrogen are also thought to be counteracted by eating plenty of soya products, so supplement your diet with soya milk, soya yoghurts and puddings, Tofu and tofu sausages, and soya beans.
The second way to reduce our chances of developing breast cancer is to support our liver, so that it can efficiently break down the Oestrogen in our body. To do this we should cut right down on alcohol. The government guideline for safe alcohol limits is 14 units for a woman per week and 21 units for men, but the Breast Cancer awareness organization recommend that we drop our consumption to several units per week. Lowering your alcohol intake will keep you healthier for longer. Some drugs used to help support the livers of Breast Cancer patients are made from an extract of broccoli, and it is well known that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, and sprouts) can guard against cancer. So boost for liver health by eating plenty of fresh steamed broccoli. We can also promote liver health by drinking plenty of water, cutting down our salt intake, avoiding smoked and cured meats and foods, and also by exercising frequently and avoiding recreational drugs, and unnecessary medication. The liver can also be put under stress by environmental toxins such as paint fumes, aerosols and household chemicals, so use masks when decorating, and protect children from fumes. When cleaning, limit use of chemicals and choose gentler products such as Ecover. Try traditional methods such as using bicarbonate of soda to clean the fridge, and vinegar to clean glass- ask your mum and grandma for hot tips!
The third way that you can limit your risk factors is to promote bowel or gut health, and move unhealthy substances quickly from the body (stay regular). There are several ways that we can do this; eating fiber rich foods- lots of complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables including the skin where possible, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. All of these things will keep the waste products in the gut moving through the body and quickly out again, reducing the chances of the Oestrogen breakdown products from the liver causing damage to the body. Keeping our gut healthy also involves keeping the gut flora healthy (friendly bacteria). This can largely be done by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, drinking water, eating natural yoghurt and avoiding excessive alcohol.
Some of you reading this will already have developed breast cancer, and there are many changes to diet and activity levels which can improve recovery and reduce chances of developing cancer again. Recent research has found that women who have previously done several hours of exercise a week are likely to recover better from breast cancer, and women with breast cancer who perform gentle exercise for half an hour three times a week are more likely to recover faster and survive breast cancer. Eating complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables and soya products will also aid recovery, and balanced diets may help with the fatigue endured by many women undergoing treatment. Gentle exercise helps to reduce the stress associated with living with cancer and undergoing treatment, and sufferers and non-sufferers may benefit from releasing stress and tension and unburdening the mind though relaxation, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or prayer. People with breast cancer and those who wish to avoid it will benefit from a diet rich in anti-oxidants (cancer-busting chemicals) these can be found in colourful fruit and vegetables such as; broccoli, red, yellow and orange peppers, apricots, beetroot, spinach and chard, mango and papaya, cherries and carrots, blueberries and strawberries. Another super food containing a powerful anti-oxidant called selenium is Brazil Nuts- eat a few every day. Healthy eating and sensible activity levels worked in around cancer treatments will aid recovery and support the body through chemotherapy, and recovery from surgery. For more information and support on nutrition contact the Bristol Cancer Help Center- a world-famous organization devoted to helping people recover.
To finish, here are some ways in which you can help your body, (and the bodies of those that you care for) ward off breast cancer or recover from it:
• Give up smoking.
• Self-monitor and check breasts weekly, reporting any unusual changes to doctor.
• Cut down on plastic packaging, plastic bags, and cleaning chemicals.
• Eat less meat, and choose organic meat. Swap meat for soya products which is a good protein source, and rebalances the harmful effects of synthetic protein.
• Cut down on your alcohol intake.
• Eat complex carbohydrates, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colours.
• Take regular exercise- 3x30minutes for people recovering from breast cancer, and 3-4 hours per week for everyone else. This exercise does not need to be strenuous or structured, and can be broken into small manageable chunks; 20 minute walk to the park, 10 minutes gardening, vacuuming enthusiastically to loud music for fifteen minutes!
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce the stress in your life where possible. Try and be organised as this can help. Find time to look after yourself and to relax. Try yoga, meditation and Tai chi- there are many classes, books and videos on offer. Release stress through gentle exercise, having a candle-lit bath or watching a weepy or funny film- whatever works for you. Remember that you are important and you deserve time to relax your body and mind.
• Breastfeeding your babies for as long as possible reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
If you can live this way as much as possible you will reduce your chances of developing many other cancers, and other chronic conditions such as heart disease. Setting a good example of healthy living to children and grandchildren will reduce their chances of suffering from chronic disease in later life.
Breast Cancer has been linked to 3 factors:
1. Exposure to natural (produced by the body) and synthetic (chemicals in the environment) Oestrogen (a hormone).
2. The way your liver breaks down and deals with both of these.
3. The speed at which these breakdown products are removed from the gut.
We can reduce or risk of developing Breast cancer in three ways linked to this:
1. Minimizing exposure to synthetic oestrogen.
2. Keeping our liver healthy and in good working order.
3. Keeping our intestines and colon (gut) healthy and working well.
How can we do these things? Well, synthetic Oestrogen’s are found in plastic food wrapping; punnets, cling film, plastic trays, and in soft plastic containers such as food storage containers, in un-filtered tap water, household cleaners and meat, among other things. Synthetic Oestrogen can have up to 100 times more effect on breast tissue than natural Oestrogen. We can help ourselves and our family by trying to cut down on plastic wrapping- buy a basket or a material shopping bag and buy your food from local vegetable shops and fishmongers/markets, requesting that food is put directly into your basket, or a box or shopping bag. You must notice how half the dustbin is full of plastic bottles, punnets and wrapping stuff. By cutting down on these plastics you can help the environment at the same time. When making lunch to take to work or children’s lunch boxes, pack food in grease-proof paper and paper bags, you can also save little glass jars for your work lunch box. (There are now glass baby bottles available if this issue worries you). Exposure to synthetic Oestrogen can also be limited by using a water filter, using more eco-friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, by eating less red meat and by choosing Organic foods (which also often use less plastic in wrapping)- especially organic meat which will contain less hormones and chemicals. The bad effects of Oestrogen are also thought to be counteracted by eating plenty of soya products, so supplement your diet with soya milk, soya yoghurts and puddings, Tofu and tofu sausages, and soya beans.
The second way to reduce our chances of developing breast cancer is to support our liver, so that it can efficiently break down the Oestrogen in our body. To do this we should cut right down on alcohol. The government guideline for safe alcohol limits is 14 units for a woman per week and 21 units for men, but the Breast Cancer awareness organization recommend that we drop our consumption to several units per week. Lowering your alcohol intake will keep you healthier for longer. Some drugs used to help support the livers of Breast Cancer patients are made from an extract of broccoli, and it is well known that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, and sprouts) can guard against cancer. So boost for liver health by eating plenty of fresh steamed broccoli. We can also promote liver health by drinking plenty of water, cutting down our salt intake, avoiding smoked and cured meats and foods, and also by exercising frequently and avoiding recreational drugs, and unnecessary medication. The liver can also be put under stress by environmental toxins such as paint fumes, aerosols and household chemicals, so use masks when decorating, and protect children from fumes. When cleaning, limit use of chemicals and choose gentler products such as Ecover. Try traditional methods such as using bicarbonate of soda to clean the fridge, and vinegar to clean glass- ask your mum and grandma for hot tips!
The third way that you can limit your risk factors is to promote bowel or gut health, and move unhealthy substances quickly from the body (stay regular). There are several ways that we can do this; eating fiber rich foods- lots of complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables including the skin where possible, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. All of these things will keep the waste products in the gut moving through the body and quickly out again, reducing the chances of the Oestrogen breakdown products from the liver causing damage to the body. Keeping our gut healthy also involves keeping the gut flora healthy (friendly bacteria). This can largely be done by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, drinking water, eating natural yoghurt and avoiding excessive alcohol.
Some of you reading this will already have developed breast cancer, and there are many changes to diet and activity levels which can improve recovery and reduce chances of developing cancer again. Recent research has found that women who have previously done several hours of exercise a week are likely to recover better from breast cancer, and women with breast cancer who perform gentle exercise for half an hour three times a week are more likely to recover faster and survive breast cancer. Eating complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables and soya products will also aid recovery, and balanced diets may help with the fatigue endured by many women undergoing treatment. Gentle exercise helps to reduce the stress associated with living with cancer and undergoing treatment, and sufferers and non-sufferers may benefit from releasing stress and tension and unburdening the mind though relaxation, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or prayer. People with breast cancer and those who wish to avoid it will benefit from a diet rich in anti-oxidants (cancer-busting chemicals) these can be found in colourful fruit and vegetables such as; broccoli, red, yellow and orange peppers, apricots, beetroot, spinach and chard, mango and papaya, cherries and carrots, blueberries and strawberries. Another super food containing a powerful anti-oxidant called selenium is Brazil Nuts- eat a few every day. Healthy eating and sensible activity levels worked in around cancer treatments will aid recovery and support the body through chemotherapy, and recovery from surgery. For more information and support on nutrition contact the Bristol Cancer Help Center- a world-famous organization devoted to helping people recover.
To finish, here are some ways in which you can help your body, (and the bodies of those that you care for) ward off breast cancer or recover from it:
• Give up smoking.
• Self-monitor and check breasts weekly, reporting any unusual changes to doctor.
• Cut down on plastic packaging, plastic bags, and cleaning chemicals.
• Eat less meat, and choose organic meat. Swap meat for soya products which is a good protein source, and rebalances the harmful effects of synthetic protein.
• Cut down on your alcohol intake.
• Eat complex carbohydrates, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colours.
• Take regular exercise- 3x30minutes for people recovering from breast cancer, and 3-4 hours per week for everyone else. This exercise does not need to be strenuous or structured, and can be broken into small manageable chunks; 20 minute walk to the park, 10 minutes gardening, vacuuming enthusiastically to loud music for fifteen minutes!
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce the stress in your life where possible. Try and be organised as this can help. Find time to look after yourself and to relax. Try yoga, meditation and Tai chi- there are many classes, books and videos on offer. Release stress through gentle exercise, having a candle-lit bath or watching a weepy or funny film- whatever works for you. Remember that you are important and you deserve time to relax your body and mind.
• Breastfeeding your babies for as long as possible reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
If you can live this way as much as possible you will reduce your chances of developing many other cancers, and other chronic conditions such as heart disease. Setting a good example of healthy living to children and grandchildren will reduce their chances of suffering from chronic disease in later life.
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