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Breasts Health; The best health tips for your breasts

Breasts health come in all shapes and sizes and will change from adolescence to menopause. Breast lumps, cysts, mastitis and painful breasts can occur in many women. Knowing what is normal, how to conduct a breast check and when to see your doctor if you are worried about changes to your breasts is important. Many organisations have information on breast cancer but in these pages you will also find information on breast cancer and menopause, as well as breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Natural Ways to Boost Breast Health

It is no secret that breast cancer and other hormone related breast problems are on the rise. This time of year, grocery stores, car bumper stickers, and even NFL jerseys and cleats sport bright pink ribbons, packaging, and badges designed to “Support the Cure.”

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The rising rates of breast health problems are certainly not caused by a single factor and there are a wide variety of internal and external factors that can contribute. Research is continuing to find new factors that seem to influence breast health, from big factors like Vitamin D levels and chemicals found in breast tissue to the small amounts of toxins and chemicals we encounter daily.

Hormones play a definite role in breast related problems, which is why hormonal contraceptives and abortion are both linked to higher rates of breast cancer.

A Natural Approach of Breasts Health

While there are natural approaches to dealing even with breast cancer and I have personally spoken to several women who reversed their breast cancer naturally, a natural preventative approach gives the body a boost before a major problem arises. Certainly, factors like genetic predisposition contribute, but the research is continually showing how external factors and lifestyle choices can have a big impact on breast health.

Though it is often fighting an uphill battle in today’s world, the body naturally wants to be in a state of health and has an amazing capability to heal itself when given the right support. One thing is certain, a person doesn’t get breast cancer or other cancers from a deficiency in chemotherapy drugs, and while these are often used to treat the obvious problem, they don’t address the cause.

Fortunately, there are a variety of natural ways to boost breast health and these methods are non-invasive and also support the health of the rest of the body. Factors that can directly or indirectly contribute to breast health are…

Diet for Breast Health

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It is logical that diet can affect breast health just as it affects many other aspects of health. Research on cancerous breast tissue shows a high amount of chemicals in many cases, including aluminum, parabens, and others. Eating a real food diet of whole, fresh foods prepared at home can greatly reduce chemical exposure from food.

Eating a freshly prepared, whole-foods diet will also help avoid estrogen like compounds that are found in food packaging, plastics, food additives, canned foods and drinks, and soy products. Even more disturbing are the rising rates of these estrogen mimicking compounds in the water supply that are a result of run off from factory farms and consumption of estrogen based hormonal contraceptives. Most water treatments do not remove these compounds and we (and our children) drink them daily.

Consuming foods rich in antioxidants has also been associated with a lower risk of breast problems.

Herbs and Supplements for Breast Health

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Vitamin D is the most well known for its role in breast health. A study from the University of California reported that..

“University of California researchers estimate 250,000 cases of colon cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D. Sunlight spurs production of vitamin D in the skin, and people who don’t get much sun exposure tend to have lower levels of the vitamin.”

The most natural way to get Vitamin D is from moderate and safe exposure to the sun, which I only do in combination with a skin-supporting diet that maximizes Vitamin D production. Of course, in some places it isn’t possible to get adequate sun exposure daily. Personally, I take Fermented Cod Liver Oil year round as it has a very available form of Vitamin D balanced with necessary Vitamin A. This is the single factor that I have noticed the biggest health improvements from doing.

Omega-3 fatty acids – have also been associated with a lower risk of breast problems. As one article explained: “Women with the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies, have a 500% lower incidence of metastasis compared to women with the lowest levels of omega-3’s”

The theory is that Omega-3’s work to reduce risk in several ways, from reducing the effect of estrogen-like compounds to decreasing inflammation. Fermented Cod Liver Oil also a good source of Omega-3s as are wild caught fish and grass-fed meats.

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Curcumin, an extract from Turmeric – Is a potent antioxidant that has also been found to help boost breast health. It is available in capsule form, or it can be obtained by adding turmeric to the diet in cooking or in a daily cup of Turmeric Tea.

There has also been some research on the link between proper iodine levels and breast health. The book, Breast Cancer and Iodine, covers this in depth and since iodine is also often tied to thyroid function, this is another reason that balancing hormones is so important for many aspects of health.

Deodorant and Breast Health

There has been debate in the past about the presence of chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants and their link to breast health. One recent study found aluminum in cancerous breast tissue that had been removed during a mastectomy. The aluminum concentration was higher in tissue near the armpit.

“Aluminium is added to deodorants to prevent sweating. The metal has been shown to trigger cancer in animals but it is not known whether or not this could cause the same problems in humans.”

Many commercial deodorants also contain parabens and estrogen mimicking chemicals that may also impact breast health.

The great news is that there are natural, inexpensive, effective deodorant options that do not contain any of these chemicals.

Here are my recipes for homemade options:

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Clothing and Breast Health

Though controversial, several doctors and researchers have pointed to a link between bras (especially underwire bras) and increased risk of breast cysts and cancer. The theory is that regularly wearing a snug fitting bra at this point of the body can restrict lymph flow and impede the body’s ability to remove toxins from this part of the body.

A book written on the subject, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, explains that from the authors’ research:

The Evidence on Wearing Bras & Breast Cancer

Some of the most popular evidence that supports a bra-less lifestyle was presented by Medical anthropologists, Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer. They published a book called, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer & Bras, which explains their theory on how bras suppress the lymphatic system and cause toxins to build up in breast tissues, leading to many health problems.

After studying more than 4,000 women, the authors concluded that women who do not wear a bra have a much lower risk of breast cancer.

Here are some of their findings

Women who wear a bra 24 hours a day had a 75% chance of developing breast cancer.
Women who wore a bra more than 12 hours a day, but not to bed, had a 1 out of 7 risk.
Women who wore a bra less than 12 hours a day had a 1 out of 52 risk.
Women who wore a bra rarely or never had a 1 out of 168 chance of getting breast cancer.
Within one month of ditching their bras, women with cysts, breast pain, or tenderness found their symptoms disappeared.
So, based on this study, even if you wear your bra for less time during the day, you’re doing yourself a favor. One of the first things I do when I get home from work is ditch my bra and get comfy.

While this topic has been surprisingly controversial, my personal take is that removing tight-fitting under-wire bras may have a positive benefit and wearing them may have a negative effect. Since I don’t find underwire bras the least bit comfortable anyway, this is a change I’m happy to make. While some women are fine not wearing bras at all, my DDs don’t like that idea…

Hormones and Breast Health

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Hormones play a tremendous role in breast cancer, which is why HRT, contraceptives, and procedures that un-naturally change hormone levels can increase risk of breast problems. As I mentioned above, excess estrogen and estrogen-mimicking compounds have been linked to higher rates of breast cancer.

While we go to great lengths to avoid chemicals in our food, toiletries, and environment, many people are exposed to large amounts of these chemicals willingly in the form of hormonal contraceptives.

Hormonal contraceptives, by their nature, work to alter the normal hormone function of the body in order to prevent pregnancy. As the packaging of any hormonal contraceptive will explain, this puts the user at higher risk of cancers, heart disease, blood clots, stroke, bone loss, and more.

The link between contraceptives and cancer has been well documented and injectable contraceptives seem to carry an increased risk with one study showing that they double breast cancer risk. Hormone replacement therapies, which utilize some of the same artificial hormones are also correlated with a higher risk of cancer.

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Additionally, taking medications that alter hormones (like contraception or HRT) can mask symptoms of hormone-related problems and make them harder to detect.

As Dr. Angela Lanfranchi, a breast surgical oncologist, explains

“This stuff is not new, it’s not magic, it’s in the literature,” she said, linking pill use to the 660% rise in non-invasive breast cancer since 1973. “Women want to know, and women have a right to know, what researchers have known for over 20 years.”

She compared media treatment of the pill’s cancer risk to that of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which was found to be carcinogenic in 2002. Once word got out, 15 out of 30 million women in America taking HRT stopped; by 2007, invasive breast cancer in women over 50 for estrogen-receptive positive tumors dropped 11 percent.

Meanwhile, she noted, hormonal contraception – essentially the same drug as HRT and with a similar cancer risk, about 25-30 percent – continues to be touted as harmless and even healthy. And yet, the International Agency on Research of Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, classified hormonal contraceptives in 2005 as a group one carcinogen along with asbestos and radium.”

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Exercise and Breast Health

Exercise is important for beast health for several reasons. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and obesity has been linked to an increased risk of all cancers, including breast cancer.

Additionally, exercise increases circulation and Lymph flow which help the elimination of toxins in the body. Exercise helps encourage proper hormone production and function, which can help balance the presence of excess estrogen in the body.

Exercises like walking, light jogging, and bouncing on a trampoline or rebounder appear to be beneficial due to the lymph-stimulating activity they promote. Exercises like stretching, pilates, and weight training help improve hormone responses and lower cortisol, blood sugar and other factors which can affect hormones.

An exercise that is particularly touted for it’s Lymph and circulatory affects is the T-Tapp System, which is low-impact and very gentle on the muscles and joints. I’ve been trying this system lately for a review and I’ve been amazed by how much a simple 15-minute basic T-Tapp workoutincreases circulation and works the muscles, yet it doesn’t make me sore (supposedly from the lymph-draining aspect).

Kettlebells are another of my personal favorite ways to get an effective workout in a short amount of time.

Exercise has a host of other benefits besides breast health, so there is nothing to lose!

Lifestyle Factors and Breast Health

Other lifestyle factors have been correlated with an increased or decreased risk of breast cancer. Factors that are commonly associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer are:

Breastfeeding each child for at least six months (exclusively) and preferably for a year
Having a child before age 20
Having more than one child
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Eating an antioxidant and Omega-3 rich diet
Getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight or supplements

Lifestyle factors correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer:

Exposure to chemicals, especially hormone-mimicking chemicals through contraceptives, foods, plastic, and chemicals
Having first child after age 30 or not having children
Being overweight
Having multiple pregnancies but not breastfeeding
Smoking
Low Vitamin D levels
Excess alcohol consumption
Light exposure at night

How to Boost Breast Health

Eat a healthy diet composed mostly of whole, real foods and avoid processed foods like grains, sugars, vegetable oils. Check out this recipe index for a list of healthy recipes sorted by topic.
Drink plenty of filtered water (reverse osmosis will remove hormone disrupting chemicals) and herbal teas.
Especially if you have deficiencies, consider supplements like Fermented Cod Liver Oil(Vitamins A, D and Omega-3s), Curcumin, Iodine, etc.
Get a comfortable and non-restrictive bra. This is my favorite.
Carefully research any medications, contraceptives, or other factors that can impact hormone levels and consider natural options.
Exercise regularly, preferably with an exercise that supports lymph health.
Don’t stress, sleep well, and work to naturally balance hormones (which will improve many other aspects of life as well!)

This is obviously a very complex subject with many factors that contribute. Above are a few of the ways I’ve chosen to support healthy breasts. It is by no means an exhaustive list, and certainly not a replacement for self-exams, screenings or advice from a medical professional.

Health benefits to wear bra

While you might think that women have always worn bras, it’s not the case. It is a very modern invention that’s primarily based on fashion.

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Let’s take a look at 6 of the most common myths and realities about wearing bras:

Wearing a bra is required

Again, we have to refer to Professor Rouillon to answer this claim. According to the doctor, a bra can cause stretch marks, flaccidity, and a loss of firmness in the breast tissue.

Therefore, they are actually a “false necessity.”

You need them to fight the effects of gravity”

We don’t know what Isaac Newton would say about it, but most woman think that wearing a bra can help prevent or slow the breasts from sagging.

While this seems to be a feminine law, the truth is that this garment can actually limit the growth of tissue that supports the breasts.

Because of that, it doesn’t provide any anatomical or physiological benefits.

Bras with an underwire are better

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It’s true that these types of bras frame the breasts and can look very elegant. They have their downsides, however.

Excessive use of bras with underwire can cause injuries – both internal and external. They have even been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

You should also wear a bra at night

Some women don’t take off their bras at night because they’re worried about the effects of gravity or because they believe that wearing one will make it more comfortable to sleep on their stomachs. The first is a myth and the second has to do with personal habits or beliefs.

The bigger the breasts, the tighter the straps

Before considering what kind of adjustment you need, it’s better to purchase a bra type that has straps relative to the size and weight of your bust.

If you have large breasts, the straps need to be wider (and the opposite is true for women with smaller breasts).

You should also understand that the more tension there is in the straps, the less work your ligaments do.

When you take off your tight bra, your breasts will sag more than usual. It’s as if they were an elastic band that was released after being stretched for hours.

You need extra support for exercise and during pregnancy

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This can be completely true, because while you’re exercising as well as during pregnancy your breasts grow (or swell) more than usual.

Of course, you should wear a special kind of bra and always remember to take it off at night or after a sweaty workout.

Other circumstances that lead you to need more support include

Being overweight.
Having large breasts in proportion to your body size.
Breastfeeding or having gone through menopause.

Finally, you shouldn’t wear a bra for more than seven or eight hours straight. You can wear it while you’re at work or away from home, and take it off when you get back home.

This way, your breasts relax and you reduce the risks related to this garment.