How to Take Care of “The Girls” and other Breast Health Tips

How to Take Care of "The Girls" and other Breast Health Tips

Tatas. Boobs. Jugs. Knockers.  We all have a name for our breasts.  We dreamed about having them when we were growing up, cursed them for being too big or too little, have used them to flirt, and for the fortunate among us, have used them to feed our children.  

Unfortunately, there are too many women whose breasts became cancerous.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women.  This is not only in the western world, but in the developing world also. They say that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing world because of several factors.  These include an increase in life expectancy, increase in urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.

The adoption of western lifestyles. That means that they are moving away from the traditional healthy foods and lifestyles and adopting the highly processed, refined foods and sedentary lifestyles that are causing so much ill health in the Western world.

In 2012, there were an estimated 1.67 million cases diagnosed, which makes up 25% of all female cancers, making it the 2nd leading cause of death in women.

Early detection is key

Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.  If you're over a certain age or you have a female relative who has/had breast cancer,  you've probably had, or are likely being told that you should have a regular mammogram. 

You also will have your health care practitioner perform a physical breast exam during your yearly check up.

In addition to this, you should also be performing a regular physical breast exam on yourself, if not weekly, at least once a month.

Food, lifestyle and environment

Breast cancer is a disease that could happen to any of us, however, there is a lot we can do on a daily basis to reduce our risk.

I always tell my clients, that the cleaner your home, environment and especially your body, the better you and your body can be at fighting disease.

Here are a few tips for cancer prevention:

• Choose to use chemical and toxin free household and personal care products.  Read the labels and put them back if they contain parabens or phthalates.  
• Avoid the use of plastics and choose glass or stainless steel instead for drinking water and storing food.  Many plastics leach BPA or phthalates, which mimic estrogen.
• When purchasing your fruits and vegetables, follow the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list.  Purchase organic wherever possible for the top 3 on the Dirty Dozen List and choose all of the produce on the Clean Fifteen to reduce your toxic load.
• Reduce your stress and improve your sleep.  Your body needs rest to repair.  An overly stressed and/or sleep deprived body cannot fight disease and is more susceptible to illness.
• Participate in regular exercise - 30 minutes every day - something that makes your heart rate increase and causes you to lightly sweat.
• Choose breast-friendly foods such as flaxseeds, brazil nuts, seaweeds, garlic, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts and beets.

Yummy Beet and Watermelon Salad (full of breast nourishing ingredients!)

Ingredients: (Use organic wherever possible)

• 1 pound beets, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 pound watermelon seedless or with seeds removed cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoons finely chopped red onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tsp flaxseeds
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (sherry or balsamic work nicely too)
• 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
• 1 dash black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375° . Place beets in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.
2. Place on a sheet pan and bake until soft, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove beets from oven and let cool to room temperature.
4. Toss beets with the remaining ingredients and serve or refrigerate before serving for up to 24 hours.

Serve and enjoy!

Click the picture below to find other great meatless Monday Recipes!