There is so much emphasis put on "finding a cure" in our society. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not against finding a cure. But let's face it, there are so many risk factors that we must pay attention to and minimize to reduce our overall risk.
These are my Top 10 Tips for Holistic Healthy B**bs:
1. REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO XENOESTROGENS
These chemicals with estrogen-like activity are found in common pesticides found on fruits and veggies, industrial pollutants, and as hormone residues in meat, poultry, and dairy products.
2. AVOID CANNED FOODS
Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the lining of cans and a known hormone disruptor. Only use canned foods in an absolute emergency. Eat real food!
3. EAT YOUR VEGGIES, ESPECIALLY THE CRUCIFEROUS KIND
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage all fall into this family and research shows that a chemical called sulforaphane targets and kills cancer stem cells and prevents new tumors from growing. As well, these veggies are all hormonally balancing due to indole-3-carbinol – yet another reason to enjoy them!
4. DRY SKIN BRUSH
Not just because it's invigorating and uplifting, but it's healthy for your girls! Dry Skin Brushing stimulates the lymphatic system which is so very intimately connected with your immune system. A strong healthy body with an efficiently functioning immune system is better equipped to ward of disease.
5. DRINK, DRINK DRINK!
Drink green juice, green smoothies, or lemon and water on an empty stomach every single morning. Greens and lemon both have incredible liver detoxifying properties. Your liver has over 500 functions and one very important job is to get rid of toxins from your cosmetics, pollutants you breathe in, and bad fat. Give your liver a little love and support by starting the morning off right (instead of shocking it with coffee), energize and revitalize with any of the above beverage options!
6. ELIMINATE PROCESSED FOODS
90% of the food that the average person buys from the grocery store has been so modified from its original state that it barely resembles food anymore and this means that foods are being fortified (yes, they are refined and processed so much so, that the goodness needs to be artificially added back in).
Whole grains don't come in a box, they come in bulk. Real food doesn't need a health claim - have you ever seen the produce section with signs that read: "Hello there, I'm an apple! I will prevent asthma, keep your heart healthy, clean your liver". No way! The aisles with packaged foods scream: "Zero trans fat, high fiber, lower your cholesterol".
Real food doesn't need a health claim – end of story.
7. AVOID EXCESS ALCOHOL
More than 4 servings of alcohol per week increases breast cancer risk. The risk is especially higher when several drinks are consumed at one time. So those weekend parties are not going to help your girls one bit.
8. SLEEP IN COMPLETE DARKNESS
Melatonin is the hormone released only when we sleep in pitch black. It is a very protective agent against breast cancer. If your bedroom isn't dark enough, get yourself an eye mask.
9. LET THE GIRLS FREE!
Don't wear underwire bras! The underwire may compress the lymphatic drainage of the breast. While it's not supported by scientific studies, there is still suggestion that the two may be linked. Why risk it? And of course, never ever wear a bra to bed.
10. TAKE YOUR VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT DAILY
I'm proud to say the research that came out of the University of Toronto proves vitamin D supplementation reduces your risk for breast cancer. In fact, a quote from one of the researchers said this: Vitamin D could eradicate breast cancer". That's a pretty bold statement. How much D? Ask your qualified nutritional practitioner or Naturopathic doctor. Or get sunshine on your beautiful face every single day.
I want this post to empower you and inspire you to take charge of your health. Remember it's the little things you do every day, from the food you eat to the thoughts you manifest that will promote disease or health. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone from breast cancer. Take care of yourself and incorporate these tips starting today!
What is your healthy boob tip? Please share in the comments below and tell us how you love your b**bs and keep them healthy!