Breast Protection using Nature's Tools

It is scary to read that over 483 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed per day and as many as 1 in 2 women in the next twenty years will be affected by this disease. Thankfully with better research (on the medical and natural front), a personal understanding of how to keep your breast tissue healthy and with early detection/screening these statistics can be dramatically reduced. While there is so much emphasis on finding a ‘cure’ for breast cancer there is very little attention directed towards the education of proactive steps you can take as a woman to ensure your risk is dramatically reduced and you do not fall victim to these statistics.

Of course, genetics have a lot to do with breast cancer risk – however there are many lifestyle and nutritional changes that you can make to reduce your genetic risk. Even though the line up of your genes in your family may look dire (for example having a BRAC gene mutation running in the family), the expression of these genes can be influenced in a positive way by what you do emotionally, nutritionally and spiritually. For example, studies have shown that women who carry BRAC mutations can reduce their breast cancer risk by up to 73% by increasing their intake of organic soy phytoestrogens like natto, tempeh, miso, tofu and edamame.

The human breast tissue is amazing – it is composed of milk ducts, lymphatic vessels, lobes and fatty tissue. Each breast contains around 15 to 20 sections, known as lobes. They are arranged in a flower shape – just like a pretty daisy. Each lobe has smaller structures called lobules that end in dozens of tiny bulbs where you can produce milk. The lobes, lobules and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts that lead to the nipple.

Fat fills the spaces in between the lobules and ducts. There are no muscles in the breast, only under the breast covering the ribs. Each breast contains blood and lymph vessels that carry lymph to the lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are located in clusters under the arms, above the collarbone and in the chest.

Breasts contain a network of nerves with nerve endings found in the nipple and areola. These nerves make the breasts sensitive to touch, cold and nursing. When nursing, nerves are stimulated to release milk from the milk ducts causing a tingling sensation, this is known as the ‘let down’ reflex.

The most common problems to affect the breast tissue are different types of breast cancer. Cancer can occur in different parts of the breast and is often evident when you feel an unusual lump which can be screened with mammograms, ultrasounds or similar. However, some lumps are not always detectable which is why other methods of detection can be used like circulating tumor cell tests and even tumor marker tests. If you are concerned as you have breast cancer in the family, ask the doctor to order a breast tumor marker test known as a Ca15-3. If you are particularly concerned, you can order a circulating tumor cell test (CTC) to help with early prevention.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Breast cancer can be caused from a multitude of factors with the most common being an overproduction of the wrong form of estrogen (from the use of oral contraceptives) or from environmental exposure from xeno-estrogens. Xeno-estrogens are substances in food and the environment that mimic estrogen – these include BPA, plastics, phlatates, heavy metals, canned food, dental sealants, sunscreen, toys, receipts, building materials, home furnishings, PCB’s, commercially raised meats and dairy products, insecticides, pesticides, tap water, parabens found in shampoos, soaps, toothpaste and cosmetics, artificial food additives, GMO soy products and many disposal menstrual products like tampons. When xeno-estrogens enter the body they attach to our receptors taking over estrogen’s natural functions. Estrogens promote growth and development therefore giving you beautiful breasts, skin and the ability to conceive and create new life. However, too much estrogen can also lead to the growth of cysts, polyps, fibroids and body fat and interrupt the balance of the entire endocrine system. The body also metabolises estrogen into 3 forms – 2, 4 and 16. The 2 estrogen is considered healthy as it keeps our bones strong, keeps us young and prevents wrinkles, the 4 estrogen is mutagenic and the 16 estrogen is proliferative. Estrogen is metabolized via the bowel and liver, so a poor diet rich in animal based or saturated fats, a high alcohol intake, stress, constipation, parasites, bacterial overgrowth and other factors can cause a higher estrogen load and poor excretion of estrogen via the bowels and liver.

Not all breast cancers are estrogen dominant. In cases like triple negative breast cancer, there can be other genetic mutations (that can easily be identified with a simple DNA test) that may be causing poor methylation and DNA damage. A perfect example is when a woman carries a homozygous COMT gene mutation. This gene breaks down adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenaline using high amounts of magnesium and if this is not available under times of stress, these substances create oxidative stress damage driving the risk of breast cancer by up to four times. Luckily a simple genetic health test can identify any cancer risk genes and the right foods, lifestyle changes and/or supplements can reduce this risk easily.

Iodine is essential to breast health as it protects the breast tissue against dangerous cellular changes. Many women are deficient in this important mineral because of poor dietary intake, exposure to EMF frequencies, flying, computer and mobile phone use, multiple scans or x-rays and without this mineral the delicate breast tissue can experience unwanted changes. Women with hypothyroidism (often caused from iodine deficiency) are 11% more likely to develop breast cancer. Molecular iodine slows down the proliferation of cells within the breast tissue and protects against fibrocystic breast disease and lumps. Vitamin D deficiency is another common driver towards breast problems as this important nutrient reduces cellular proliferation in the breast tissue as well as maintaining hormonal balance.

Being surrounded by lymphatic vessels, tissues and nodes, the breasts need movement to ensure toxins are quickly circulated away from this soft and delicate tissue. Exercise is essential to stimulate lymphatic flow as without this the lymphatic circulation can become sluggish and toxic and create a perfect environment for disease to grow.

Some great SELF HELP TIPS to reduce your risk of dangerous breast changes:

SELF CHECK your BREASTS – learn to massage your breasts and under your arms to ensure you know the anatomy of your own body. This also encourages healthy blood and lymphatic circulation to stop stagnation.
EAT a HEALTHY DIET – try to eat predominantly a Mediterranean diet low in animal products and rich in healthy omega 3 oils. Only eat organic, grass fed meats if you need meat and include lots of wild fish, ocean plants and vegetables. Opt for organic produce as much as possible. Eat the RAINBOW of foods to increase your natural polyphenol levels.
TAKE HERBS and SUPPLEMENTS to PROMOTE BREAST HEALTH – the most important nutrients for breast health is Vitamin D, iodine, calcium d-glucarate, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, DIM, maitake mushroom, astragalus, turmeric, clivers, poke root and others…
REDUCE the CHEMICAL LOAD – remove chemical cleaning products, makeup, toothpaste, deodorants and others…
SWAP your MAKEUP for NATURAL ALTERNATIVES – Makeup is loaded with heavy metals and toxins that mimic harmful estrogen. By swapping your make-up you can reduce your chemical load – my fav make-up brands that I use daily are Inika @inikaorganic (this has been around for a long time and I am still loving their range), Eye of Horus @eyeofhoruscosmetics (a Byron Bay created makeup line with the most incredible colours and textures you have ever seen),
SWAP your SKINCARE for a NATURAL ALTERNATIVES – some of my fav natural brands are Jurlique @jurlique (one of the first original organic brands in Australia and still a fav of mine), Koraorganics @koraorganics (just divine in every way and ethically sourced and created, Sodashi @sodashiskincare (super expensive, but absolutely incredible and Skinjuice @skinjuice (my new fav introduced to me by my incredible holistic facial saviour Frida @beauty_by-fridabjork – this skincare is inexpensive, Australian, natural and just about edible)
CHOOSE the RIGHT BRA – using underwire or restrictive bras are a great way to reduce lymph flow through the breast tissue. This impedes your body’s ability to remove toxins from under the armpits and it builds driving DNA damage.
WORK towards NATURAL HORMONE BALANCE – ditch the OCP, Contraceptive Implants, HRT and other artificial hormones that can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to a higher estrogen load. The OCP is responsible for a 600% rise in non-invasive breast cancer since 1973.
EXERCISE is essential to maintain a healthy weight and circulation and lymph flow to remove harmful toxins. It also encourages a healthier hormone balance, cortisol levels and a reduction of fat cells where we produce estrogen. By shrinking fat cells, you can pump out less estrogen. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly. Jumping on a bike, running or fast walking, rebounding or any other cardio is useful.
DRINK LESS ALCOHOL – 53 studies have shown that women who drank more than 3 drinks daily had a 1.5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer compared to non drinkers
GET a NEAR FAR INFARED SAUNA and use daily – this is one of the best tools to help detoxify toxins and improve lymphatic circulation. Make sure it is a near far sauna, not a far sauna or full spectrum. For the best sauna on the market visit www.hyperwellbeing.com.au and use the CODE Katrina250 to get a massive discount if you are interested in one.
SLEEP WELL – staying at late at night can reduce a person’s melatonin levels. Melatonin is essential for estrogen regulation. Make sure you get a good 8 hours sleep – if you are having problems look for some natural alternatives.
MAINTAIN a HEATLHY WEIGHT – Excess body weight can increase estrogen production and act as a driver towards different cancers, including breast cancer.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE is amazing for helping to improve lymph circulalation on the removal of toxins.
HYDRATION is essential to lymphatic circulation and without the right water and enough of it, circulation becomes stagnant and toxicity accumulates in the breast tissue. I have two water filters – a whole house filter that I use on my mains to filter the toxins from every shower, tap and bath in the house and an ultrastream on my tap to alkalise and hydrate my water to ensure I stay hydrated and toxin free. If you would like to purchase these amazing filters visit www.alkaway.com.au
DEEP BREATHING – its incredible how most of us forget to breathe – but it is the most important element of health. Deep breathing moves lymphatic fluid and improves oxygenation. Shallow breathing and poor oxygenation drives acidity causing stress on the body, lower energy, muscle tension and a better environment for toxicity and cancer to growth.

At Wholistic House we have created some of the most balancing and health promoting products to encourage healthy hormone balance and breast health. I am particularly passionate about trying to help women prevent breast problems including breast cancer which is why I continue to educate on the power of nature's tools in helping to reduce this risk.

My Fav Wholistic House picks for lymphatic love:

In love, happiness, health and happy breast,