Breast Cancer Prevention

https://d1vof77qrk4l5q.cloudfront.net/img/c546ef625e5de75bcff425bc7bab1bae8752928e.jpg

Breast cancer prevention has its foundation in a healthy diet and regular exercise. Food culprits such as refined sugar, excess carbohydrates, saturated fat found in red meat and dairy, and alcohol are each associated with poor health and increased risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, consumption of at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruit every day lowers the risk of developing breast cancer by 25%. Add ½ hour of daily exercise to that healthy consumption of vegetables and fruits, and the risk of developing breast cancer is lowered by 50%! Walking, bicycling, and swimming are ideal, and weight-bearing exercise is critical for healthy muscles and bones. An important part of lifestyle-based breast cancer prevention is stress reduction. Recent studies have demonstrated that psychological stress accelerates tumour growth rates. Daily stress reduction with meditation, reading a good book, sitting in the sun, playing with your pet, spending time with your loved ones – all of these activities will lower stress and improve your immune defenses. In addition to lifestyle, there are a few supplements, which can exert powerful actions against breast cancer. Green tea consumption is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Consumption of at least 5 cups of green tea daily reduces the risk of breast cancer by about 20%. Vitamin D is another important cancer fighting supplement. Many adults are deficient in vitamin D due to our limited sun exposure. Deficient vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and with decreased survival of those women already diagnosed with breast cancer. Ask your doctor to check your blood level of vitamin D to determine if you are a candidate for supplementation. Finally, women with low levels of the hormone melatonin are at increased risk for the development of breast cancer. Night shift workers and ‘night owls’ are especially at risk since melatonin is secreted during the dark phase of the day while we are sleeping. Sleeping at night in a dark environment (no night lights!) will support your body’s production of melatonin. Melatonin can also be taken as a supplement under naturopathic guidance in order to determine the best dosage. Over 80% of all people with cancer use some form of complementary medicine along with conventional care. There is a growing body of scientific data that supports the use of natural therapies alongside conventional treatment. While cancer is a frightening illness, the best way to take control of the experience is to become knowledgeable about all prevention and treatment options. This article was written by my wife who is a naturopathic doctor. Posted using [Partiko iOS](https://partiko.app/referral/steemsportsguy)
Originally posted here: https://steemit.com/naturalmedicine/@steemsportsguy/breast-cancer-prevention-b4rbvz2o