See my updated post here.
I couldn't possibly let the whole entire month go by (aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month) without a post on holistic tips for preventing breast cancer. There are simple things you can do to prevent cancer and keep the girls happy!
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 Boobs:
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.
Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the lining of cans and a known hormone disruptor. Only use canned foods in an absolutely 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 tumours from growing. As well, these veggies are all hormonally balancing due to indole-3-carbinol – yet another reason to enjoy them!
Not just because it's invigorating and uplifting, but it's healthy for your girls! Dry Skin Brushingstimulates 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.
Drink green juice,a green smoothiesor 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 it's 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 fibre, lower your cholesterol".
Real food doesn't need a health claim – end of story.
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 very protective agent against breast cancer. If your bedroom isn't dark enough, get yourself an eye mask.
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 my hometown 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 you 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 you 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 boobs and keep them healthy!
I think I'm set! I follow all of your tips already :-D
ReplyI love the green smoothie!! I just didn't think of green as that delicious before....especially having kale which always reminds me of bitterness. I drink it everymorning for my lovely liver :) Thank you, Joy!
ReplyMy tip? Don't wear a bra to bed - it cuts off circulation which promotes cysts and stagnation. For this reason, breast massage is also excellent.
ReplyGreat tip - that sounds really uncomfortable too! I couldn't imagine keeping the girls in a prison all night! ;)
Superb blog post, I have book marked this internet site so ideally I’ll see much more on this subject in the foreseeable future!
ReplyGreat blog! I like how everything is well written. I will be back to check for new posts. Thanks!!
ReplyTo support breast health, have them massaged. Women can do this themselves or request it as part of their treatment plan from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). It promotes circulation (including lymphatic circulation) and by treating muscles of the chest it can help address breast pain which tends to originate from muscle, not the breast tissue. Also moisturizing them with a non-toxic moisturizer.
ReplyI heard that if I don't wear a bra all the time my boobs will fall! Is that true?
ReplyAbsolutely not true!
[...] including tumeric which is a superfood (and for the ladies, a healthy “boob-food” [...]
Reply[...] are 10 more healthy holistic boob tips on my own joyous health blog: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2010/10/28/10-holistic-healthy-boob-tips/ Care to share?TweetSubscribe to this author's posts feed via [...]
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ReplyEnjoy your enthusiasm! I wish you would have a forward button so that people could forward articles that might be useful for others.
ReplyHey Diana! Thanks so much - I'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Joy :) There actually are a number of sharing buttons to share to your social media channels or to email it to a friend. You can find those on the top left side of each article! Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Great tips! Also I refuse mammograms. I will choose thermography.
ReplyHey Ruby, That's a great tip too! Good one :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Dear Joy, I wanted to take this opportunity to say Thank you for creating such an important, informative and empowering post. Honestly, WE ALL NEED - NEED - these tips, together, doing what we can, your article is supportive and more than important. Thank you Joyous Joy! :-)
ReplyHey Nickey, Aw we're so happy to hear you found this to be so helpful :) We're so grateful to have you in our community! Rachel - Joyous Health Team
I enjoy the information and message provided in this blog post, however, I think it would be beneficial to include your sources/references when discussing "facts" found in the literature. Without the source it's hard to believe the strong claims presented.
ReplyHey Nicole, We'll keep that in mind moving forward :) Thanks for the feedback! Rachel - Joyous Health Team