rots; and tomatoes. Steam the vegetables or eat them raw to best preserve their cancer-fighting nutrients. Superstar fruits include citrus, berries and cherries.
The Magic of Mushrooms Regularly include medicinal mushrooms at mealtime, espe- cially the Japanese varieties maitake and shiitake. Studies have shown that maitake mushrooms, in particular, stimu- late immune function and also inhibit tumor growth. In a study of more than 2,000 Chinese women, those who ate the most fresh mushrooms (10 grams or more a day) proved about two-thirds less likely to develop breast cancer than non-consumers.
Limit the Alcohol A study of more than a million women by Oxford Univer- sity scientists indicates a clear link between drinking even moderate amounts of wine and breast cancer. A Harvard Nurses’ Health study has shown that consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20 to 25 percent.
Cut the Fat Ann Kulze, a medical doctor and author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet, says women should minimize consumption of omega-6 and saturated fats, avoid trans fats, and maximize intake of omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel. Kulze suggests that women consume monounsaturated fats like olive oil, as well as nuts and seeds; the latter also provide selenium, an important mineral in can- cer protection, according to the British Journal of Cancer.
Cut Chemical Exposure Certain chemicals, many of which are found in plastic, appear to interfere with the body’s hormonal balance and could harm breast tissue. To reduce exposure to chemicals such as Biphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, Marissa Weiss, a physician and president of
BreastCancer.org, recommends using products that are made from glass, ceramic or stainless steel, instead.
Avoid Long-Term Hormone Therapy The link between postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT) and breast cancer has long been a subject of debate, and research results have been mixed. According to experts at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, it’s probably safe to take hormones for up to four to five years, although they recommend using the lowest dose possible. Of course, not using PHT to start with is a way to avoid raising this particular risk.
Making such conscious daily life choices pays off today and in many tomorrows.
Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazines.
Breast Health for All Ages & Stages
by Gail Kopin
American women who live to be 85 will develop breast cancer, a risk that was one out of 14 during the 1960s. We need to address breast cancer’s prevalence in the United States and take proac- tive steps toward prevention. As a naturopathic doc-
A
tor, I believe that our current health system is too focused on sickness, rather than ear- lier prevention and wellness. It’s possible that up to 90 per- cent of disease in the U.S., including cancer, can be prevented and reversed if caught early enough. Fortunately, more women today are becoming educated about the importance of early detection. Familiarity with their breasts and understanding early changes in their breast tissue is a great start at prevention. Seeking alternative prevention methods, such as a digital
thermogram using infrared scan, is also helpful. This com- pression- and radiation-free tool can help detect breast in- flammation and the early onset stages of cancer. By compari- son, the National Cancer Institute reports that a breast tumor can be developing for eight years or more before it is discov- ered by a mammogram. As a cancer survivor and a woman, I believe it is vital to seek out earlier and alternative detection methods, educate yourself and obtain multiple opinions. In addition, be aware of your exposure to potential
toxins and know what is going into your body. Assess the air quality and chemicals in your home and work environ- ments—are they healthy? Do you eat organic foods and exer- cise regularly? What is your level of stress? Stress creates high levels of cortisol that can promote inflammation and disease. Our poor dietary and lifestyle habits, coupled with
environmental toxins, are most likely at the root of breast cancer’s increased prevalence today. By making wise choices and focusing on preventive care, we can reverse this trend and return to wellness.
Gail Kopin, a naturopathic doctor, speaker, expert on preven- tive care and the founder of Alternative Health Associates, sees patients of all ages in Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin. For more information on Dr. Kopin or to order her Breast Health for All Ages and Stages DVD, visit Alternative-
HealthAssoc.com. All proceeds from the DVD are donated to her patients battling breast cancer.
natural awakenings October 2010 31
ccording to the American Cancer So- ciety, one out of eight
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