Speak to any woman today and you will hear the anxiety and fear associated with the words breast cancer.  Unfortunately, in today’s toxic world, there is cause for concern.  Breast tissue is very responsive to female hormones. It is the combination of estrogen and progesterone that fuels the development and maturation of the breast in young women.  Women have several different kinds of estrogen that impact breast cells.  A form of good estrogen is called 2 hydroxyestrone and is protective of breast tissue.  A form of bad estrogen is 16 alpha hydroxyestrone and it can cause inflammation and damage to the breast cells.  The ratio of good to bad estrogen is one of the determining factors in assessing breast cancer risk.  The higher the good as opposed to the bad estrogen the lower the risk, and vice versa.  Obviously, the goal is to maintain a healthy ratio, a process that is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s chemically loaded environment.  Sensitive breast tissue is being exposed to inordinate amounts of toxins in food, air, lotions, creams, and just about anything you can think of, that mimic the bad estrogen in the body.

Unfortunately, these false estrogens are the kind that can lead to cancer development.  To make matters worse, many women have liver and gallbladder, as well as digestive and bowel issues.  Since the liver and intestines are integral in clearing estrogen out of circulation and minimizing the breast’s exposure, a plugged-up system can result in your natural balance of good to bad estrogen becoming skewed in favor of the bad estrogen.  The result is cancer, a diagnosis that no woman ever wants to hear.  So what can you do?  First of all, understand that your health is primarily your responsibility.  Second, educate yourself on the issues at hand.  Don’t assume that you’re getting the whole truth from the news or some other source where often things are omitted, avoided, or distorted to add sensationalism to the report.  Third, take steps whenever and wherever you can to protect yourself and your sensitive breast tissue from metabolic harm.

Here are some things you can do to help yourself after consulting with your healthcare provider.  The standard American diet of processed and fast foods does not provide the necessary nutrients for healthy cell function.  Just like a luxury automobile needs premium gas to run optimally, so too does your body.  Several studies point to the value of a healthy diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits particularly cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts.  Eat them as much and as often as you can.   Avoid using strong chemicals to clean your house or business, many mainstream companies are now manufacturing less harsh and toxic household cleaners.  Avoid the use of pesticides in eating and sleeping areas, they are one of the biggest sources of false estrogens.

If you want to take it a step further and be sure, we offer a simple inexpensive urine test that will determine whether your ratio of good to bad estrogen is out of balance.  We also provide the supplements used in a recent study to tip the balance back in favor of good estrogen.  If you’re ready to take control of your health, call our office today at 561-357-8495 for your appointment and peace of mind.