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Breast Health – Healing with Foods and Detoxification

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime (isn't that crazy?), I thought it was a good time to pull together some tips and tools to help you help yourself to keep your breasts healthy. Our health is critical to our quality of life. This is why I feature health related content on a “homesteading” site, and why my first e-book is titled “Common Sense Health:  Diet, Detox and Physical Activities“. This post will focus on the diet and detoxification aspects of breast health.

Breast Health - Key foods and nutrients to help nourish your breasts. Different methods of detoxification to help remove toxins from the breast area.

What Foods Help Keep Breasts Healthy?

Vitamin D – While our bodies naturally create vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, most of us spend too much time indoors and/or with most of our skin covered up. The article “How to Cut Your Breast Cancer Risks Naturally” states that optimizing your vitamin D levels may reduce breast cancer incidence by 77 percent in four years. Vitamin D is critical to our overall immune system health as well, which is why colds and flus are more prevalent in winter when there is less sunlight available.

Best Food Sources of Vitamin D –  You may not like it, but cod liver oil blows everything else out of the water when it comes to vitamin D at 1,360 IUs per tablespoon. Other good sources include fish such as swordfish (566 IUs – 3 oz), salmon (447 IUs – 3oz), tuna (154 IUs – 3 oz), sardines (46 IUs – 2 sardines), beef liver (3oz – 42UIs)  and egg – 1 large yolk (41 IUs). Note the these are approximate values only, as different brands of cod liver oil will vary, and grassfed/pastured animals will usually have higher vitamin D levels than their confined counterparts. Also note that larger fish may have higher levels of mercury.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids – The fish mentioned above are also high in omega 3 fatty acids. In an article from April 2013, Medical News Today notes:

Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as their metabolite products, stop or slow the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells better than cells from luminal types of cancer, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center reported at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013.

The scientists explained that omega-3 fatty acids work against all cancerous cell types, but were seen to be much more effective against the triple-negative cell lines. Proliferation in those types of cells was reduced by as much as 90%.

Best Food Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids – In addition to the fish listed above, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from many sources, including ground flax seeds, walnuts, grass-fed beef and eggs from pastured chickens (or chickens fed flaxseed), beans, winter squash and pumpkin seeds (pepitas). World's Healthiest Foods has an article with more detailed information on the omega-3 content of various foods.

Cruciferous Vegetables – A recent study in China demonstrated that women who ate more cruciferous vegetables (cabbage family plants) had a higher survival rates after breast cancer. Specifically, an article at Science Daily notes:

After adjusting for demographics, clinical characteristics and lifestyle factors, the researchers found cruciferous vegetable intake during the first 36 months after breast cancer diagnosis was associated with a reduced risk for total mortality, breast cancer-specific mortality and disease recurrence.

Cabbage family plants include cabbage, broccoli, turnips, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, radishes, and certain other leafy greens.

Iodine – Iodine is critical for both breast and thyroid health, and is often overlooked. The book “Iodine:  Why You Need It and Why You Can't Live Without It” by Dr. David Brownstein provides an in depth discussion on the relationship between iodine and breast health. Iodine deficiency has been linked to nodules and cysts in both the thyroid and breasts. Treatment with iodine has been shown to kill breast and thyroid cancer cells. *Note – always consult a trained healthcare provider for serious illness.

Because iodine is required in both the breast area and the thyroid, Dr. Brownstein notes that treating an under-active (hypo) thyroid condition may actually worsen problems in the breast area because it boosts metabolism and increases the demand for iodine. This may potentially create a downward spiral unless the underlying deficiency is corrected. Dr. Brownstein's book focuses on supplements, and you can work with your health care provider to see if supplementation may be right for you.

In Menopausal Years:  The Wise Woman Way, Susun Weed recommends the consumption of natural iodine sources such as kelp (wakame, kombu or nereocystis) to nourish the breast and thyroid. She suggests high-quality powder dry kelp or dried pieces for snacking, 3-5 grams per day, or at least one ounce dry (by weight) per week.

Brightly colored vegetables and fruits, mushrooms, different herbs including parsley and turmeric have also been shown in a variety of studies to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Avoiding highly processed foods such as hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors is always a good choice for overall health.

Breast Health - Key foods and nutrients to help nourish your breasts. Different methods of detoxification to help remove toxins from the breast area.

Detox – Things to Avoid and How to Clear Out Toxins in our Bodies That Affect Breast Health

Mayo Clinic suggests the following to reduce your risk of breast cancer:

  • Limit Alcohol to no more than one drink per day.
  • Don't Smoke – really, seriously, just don't, for so many reasons.
  • Reduce Excess Weight – more on this in a bit
  • Get Up and Move – Exercise promotes good circulation, which promotes healing
  • Breast Feed – You may want to check out Breastfeeding in Public, a 4 Part Series from Red & Honey
  • Limit Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Avoid Exposure to Radiation and Environmental Pollution

I'd like to focus on the combination of excess weight and environmental toxins.

Did you know that our bodies store toxins in fat cells to isolate the toxins from the rest of the body? This is why when people who have done drugs such as LSD lose weight they can have an acid trip from the drugs previously stored in their bodies as those drugs are re-released into their system. It's also one of the reasons it's so easy to regain excess weight that has been lost. If you don't take steps to remove the toxins while you are loosing weight, your body will try to put weight back on in self-defense.

Thankfully, our body has a waste removal system known as the lymphatic system, as well as the ability to excrete wastes when we use the toilet. Unfortunately, little attention is given to our lymphatic system, which is really important when it comes to breast health.

Our lymphatic system runs throughout our body, like the circulatory system that moves our blood.  Unlike our circulatory system, it doesn't have its own pump, so it moves when you move – and most of us are moving less.

We are also putting products on our skin that inhibit sweating (like antiperspirants and heavy lotions and creams) and may introduce more toxins into our system, such as aluminum and parabens, both of which have been found in breast cancer tissues. The majority of breast cancers are found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast – closest to the armpit. There is a concentration of lymph nodes in the armpit area (see diagram). These lymph nodes act as filters and trap foreign materials, which are then destroyed by white blood cells within the node. When things get clogged up it leads to trouble, including breast cysts and potentially breast cancer.

To keep the lymphatic system surrounding your breasts working smoothly to do its job of detoxification, you may want to try:

Herbalix deodorants have been shown to help cure breast cysts. You can view thermographic images of a breast cyst patient treated with Herbalix Detox Deodorant in the post, “Lumpy Breasts? Cure Breast Cysts“. You can also read my review of Herbalix Deodorants in the post  Herbalix Deodorants – Heal, Detoxify, Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer“.

Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. Please see a healthcare professional for medical advice. This post contains affiliate links.

Sources:

Special thanks to my friend, Leigh, for providing the featured photo in her pretty seasonal top.

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57 Comments

  1. I like this article! I want to know what sorts of bad habits or problems they had before having the impaired breast health. e.g bad diet, lifestyle and work environment etc.

    1. It varies by individual. There is a lot of lymph drainage through the armpit/breast area, so anything that disrupts lymph flow will have an impact. Breast tissue, like the thyroid, require iodine for health. If an individual is taking in too much bromine (through bromated flours or vegetable oils), this will disrupt iodine absorption.

  2. Wowee. The stuff about LSD is crazy. I am not really curious. I was doing a detox w supps and it made me gain quite a bit of weight. I ended up stopping b/c of certain issues changing. Now I really wonder about it. It sure wasn’t fun – wonder if it was too much for me or what the weight gain signifies?

    1. There’s no easy way to tell for sure that I know of, short of taking a tissue sample and doing lab testing to look for contaminants, but I just wonder if you didn’t have some sort of protective reaction.

  3. Great giveaway! 🙂 I have been interested in the detox deodorant ever since I read about it in one of your blogs.

  4. Every time I read an article about oil pulling there isn’t much said about doing it if you have anagram fillings. Is this a safe thing to do if you have anagram fillings?

    1. There are a variety of opinions on this subject. Some folks are adamant that because the fillings can release mercury vapors, you should not oil pull with amalgam fillings. I know that the fillings are much more likely to release mercury when you are chewing, so activities like gum chewing are probably one of the worst things you can do with amalgam fillings because you are chewing and swallowing with no functional purpose. My personal feeling is that the oral health benefits outweigh any possible additional mercury exposure, as you are not chewing the oil and you spit it out after pulling. I wrote more about oil pulling in this article – https://commonsensehome.com/oil-pulling/

  5. Strongly believe I am hypothyroid and am looking for natural ways to treat it. Thanks for this post and hope to win!

  6. I have been working on detoxing while exercising so that I can get the stored toxins flushed out of my system. Do you know if there is a specific binding agent for excess estrogen? I’m feeling the effects of the excess estrogen. Thanks.

  7. I am always glad to see “real” things I can do to strengthen and protect my health. Thanks for the great info!

  8. Herbalix products sound\ really interesting! I have to admit, I feel like I’m pretty ‘up’ on all things alternative health wise, but you have been a totally new source of information for me. thanks!

  9. I’ve never heard of Herbalix and would love to try it. Been doing the dry brushing though and love how soft it leaves the skin as well as the health benefits.

  10. I’ve been a subscriber to your blog for some time now and I have to say it is absolutely one of my favorites. So many of your posts address something I have wondered or been concerned about.

  11. These sound like great products. I have just been thinking it is time to do some detoxing as I am seeing a return of symptoms that have been gone for a few years. Thanks for the giveaway.

  12. I would love to win this as I am dealing with some breast issues. A very scary thing! I am so glad you posted about this!

  13. I don’t believe cancer of any kind can be prevented or cured. Having said that, I do believe that how we eat can have a great influence over our probability over our lifetime. Nutrients that help maintain optimal breast health, however, can not be abused, just like any other nutrients that aid other parts of our bodies. A balanced diet rich in whole foods from humane sources is the number one way in which we can care for our Selves with the best outcome.

  14. Bless you. Thank you for this post. My mother has breast cancer, a very aggressive sort, and is currently in chemo. She is a healthy weight and has never smoked, but she had the lowest vitamin D level her doctor had ever seen (11). Knowing that my risk is now more than double, I have endeavored to reduce all risks possible. I hope many women see this post and put it into action. Thank you so much for writing this.

    1. Saying a prayer for your mother. I hope this information can reach enough people to help those who needs it. I just kept thinking as I was writing, “Why didn’t my doctor tell me this?”

  15. As I’ve aged my health has become something I’ve been doing more research about. This is a great article about how what we put onto and into our bodies can affect our long term health. I’d love to win your contest.

  16. Nice article Laurie! I am an advocate for great diet and massage for many reasons!
    Keep posting about healthy lifestyle.

  17. This is a fantastic giveaway! You have no idea how badly I’d like to win 🙂 This is one of the few things I’ve seen for the pink month that actually makes sense to me!

  18. Thank you for such a common sense, practical article! I’m so tired of pinkwashing to raise money for a cure…how about prevention in the first place?

  19. So if blockages can occur in the lymph nodes in the armpits due to use of commercial antiperspirants not allowing someone to sweat out toxins, can the same be said for natural antiperspirants? Obviously, using anything completely natural is immeasurably beneficial. I just wonder about the antiperspirant aspect…

    1. Minimizing or eliminating the use of antiperspirants of any type is probably the best option, although not always practical for a variety of reasons. The “natural” options should at the least avoid parabens, aluminum and other problematic chemicals, which is a step in the right direction. (Note: Crystal deodorants do contain a form of aluminum. The argument is that the size of the molecule in the crystal deodorants keeps the aluminum from being absorbed, but I have some concerns about their use.)

      Making time each week to go braless and antiperspirant free, and combining that with massage and the other detox options should help to improve circulation and move out toxins. Exercise is great, too, and saunas. Getting sweaty now and again is good for you.

      1. Just a quick note… I never wore a bra in my life and was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago at the age of 37, no family history.

          1. To be honest, I’m of two minds – they haven’t found all of the genetic tumor markers, I went through the genetic testing and was negative, so if they haven’t found all of the markers possibly it was genetic. Or, and I lean more toward this, it is what we are being exposed to in our environment. I live in the Ohio Valley and we have a higher incidence of breast cancer, amongst other disorders/diseases. Recently I was listening to our local NPR station, they were interviewing docs who work in the infertility field. One of our local docs said he was talking to a doc in Chicago and when comparing notes, the doc in Cincinnati has to give a larger amount of the same drug to his patients in order to get the same result – ovulation. Leads me to believe we are being exposed to pollutants and due to being in the Valley it just hangs in our atmosphere.

            On a side note, enjoy your site and FB posts… my brother and sister-in-law are herbalists, and much of what you provide are similar to their remedies. My sister-in-law has a blog too: http://learnherbalmedicine.blogspot.com

            Best…

  20. I first learned about the toxic nature of most deodorants some years ago and I stopped applying every day, the went to once a week and now I only use them if I know I’ll be in a stressful situation. At the same time I started eating better foods and I think the combo has made a difference. No one has suggested that I need deodorant (and I’ve asked friends as well). I do need to get rid of some belly fat and hope that this could help.