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Breast Health: What are you doing about it?

According to the 2007 World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research’s  Expert Report on” Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective”, there are three steps that we can take to prevent about 1/3 of cancers:¹

Eat a mostly plant-based diet; this would include at least 5 portions or servings of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruits of different colours including red, green, yellow, white, purple, and orange including tomato-based products and allium vegetables such as garlic.

Maintain a healthy weight; aim for a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 21 and 23 and avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference in adulthood.

Exercise regularly; start with 30 minutes of brisk activity every day and work up to 60 minutes of vigorous, physical activity every day. (Before commencing any exercise regime, speak with your healthcare provider to assess your fitness readiness and advise you on pacing your program.)

Beyond these general recommendations, there are a number of specific things you can do to support and maintain your breast health:

Breast Thermography: Measures body tissue heat energy. Generally "problem areas" show high temperatures due to increased blood flow and increased metabolic activity. Problems with tissue function can be found before structural abnormalities are seen on mammograms. Early detection provides the best outcomes. No squeezing, no pressure, no touching by equipment or technician.²

Rebounder Trampoline: “Rebounding for 10 minutes has the aerobic effect equivalent to playing tennis for 40 minutes or jogging for 30 minutes.”³ The main effect that rebounding has on the body is through the lymphatic system. Rebounding improves lymphatic circulation. 

EGCG Found in green tea extracts:  “A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi researchers now finds that consuming EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumour growth in female mice.”⁴ EGCG extracts help prevent premature cellular aging and damage.

Indole-3-Carbinol: Has been shown to prevent the expression of receptors in human breast cancer cells.⁵ I3C also helps to support the healthy metabolism of estrogen through the liver thereby reducing the negative impact of excess estradiol and estrone on breast tissue.

The Heart Chakra: Chakra Four is your heart chakra located at the center of the chest. Its purpose is emotional empowerment and the spiritual lessons associated with it are forgiveness, unconditional love, trust and compassion. Foods that support this chakra are spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, green teas, basil, cilantro and parsley.⁶ 

by Dr. Allison Patton