| Women in America are in
the middle of a breast cancer tsunami. Breast cancer strikes around 250,000
American women every year and as much as 50,000 may die because of this
ailment. There are a number of factors that make women more susceptible
to breast cancer. Much has been talked about this. The primary risk factors
that have been identified are lack of childbearing or breastfeeding and
higher hormone levels. Hereditary and genetics pose only a minuscule level
of threat. Only around 5% of breast cases have been attributed to hereditary
factors. This means that if some in your immediate family or parents have
this disease it does not mean that you will get this disease. The contrary
is also true in fact very much true as 95% of those who are diagnosed with
breast cancer do not have anyone in their immediate family with this ailment.
So you cannot be complacent if there no history of breast cancer in your
family.
The fight against breast
cancer will be a lifelong one. When it comes to breast cancer you never
win the war but you only win series of battles. Fortunately it also takes
only minimal effort and time to fight this battle. You can win this battle
merely by eating right. You can indeed eat your way out of breast cancer.
A right mix of nutrients,
diet and lifestyle changes can strengthen your immune system and help you
win the battle against breast cancer. Following are widely advised and
recommended by various healthcare professionals.
First let us see what you
should avoid and not do in order to decrease your chances of developing
breast cancer. Alcohol in any form (including red wine which is touted
to have anti cancer properties) should be avoided. Alcohol increases both
estrogen and androgen levels as well as increasing mammary gland susceptibility
to carcinogenesis. Lower or avoid your intake of polyunsaturated fatty
acids and be vary of hydrogenated oils including margarine. Avoid simple
carbohydrates like white rice, white bread, assortment of sweets, candies
and soda pops. It would be wonderful if you can avoid red meat. If you
do have to eat red meat ensure that it is not more than 2 servings per
week. Tobacco and smoking is not known to cause breast cancer but it is
surely going to cause lung cancer- stay far away from tobacco including
secondary smoke.
Now let us see what you should
do and eat in order to reduce breast cancer risks. Consume 1000 mg of calcium
daily (check with your doctor if you have history of kidney stones). Exercise
at least 30 minutes daily - it should be aerobic exercise. Stay slim as
obesity and breast cancer seem to get along very well. Eat a diet high
in fiber. Supplement with 200 I.U of Vitamin E and 500 MG OF Vitamin C
daily. Eat natural cancer inhibitors like turmeric and resveratrol. Bring
olive oil into your diet. Eat plenty of soy and soy products like tofu,
tempeh and soy milk. Eat cold water fish regularly or supplement
with omega 3 fatty acids. Drink at least 2 cups of green tea daily.
Do the above on a daily
basis and you will be arming and fortifying your body in its fight against
breast cancer.
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