Dr. Douglas' top breast health tips

by Dr. Donna Douglas

Clean house. Many toxic substances persist in the environment years after they have been banned. Environmental toxins are ingested by animals and passed on to humans which then store them in adipose tissue. For example, the pesticide DDT can still be found in mother's milk. You can avoid many toxic substances by going organic and using non-toxic products. Hardwood, tile and concrete floors minimize the concentration of irritants in the home, while air and water purifiers provide an additional line of defense.

Eliminate toxins.
Eliminate toxins in the body by activation of the liver's glutathione enzyme system. Dietary supplementation with N-Acetyl-cysteine has been shown to improve circulating levels of glutathione and relieve oxidative stress. Nutrients with potent detoxifying abilities include Zinc (protects against the accumulation of Cadmium from contaminated soil), Vitamin C (inhibits the conversion of carcinogenic nitrites to nitroamines) and Calcium (combats lead and aluminum toxicity). Vegetable and fruit juice diets flush the gastrointestinal system and working up a good sweat opens the pores to release poisons.

Fight free radical damage.
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. Its main function is to stimulate cell proliferation. While this function is important in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, etc., estrogen's breakdown produces free radicals which damage DNA. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that free radical damage to fatty tissue, a large component of breast tissue, can be inhibited by vitamin C. The isoflavinoid/phytoestrogen genistein, found in soy, also has antioxidant activity and has been shown in the lab to protect cells from damage done by estrogenic metabolites. It is believed that phytoestrogens bind weakly to estrogenic receptors blocking the activating ability of endogenous estrogen.

Reduce inflammation.
Did you know eating the right fats can reduce inflammation? Some essential fatty acids are converted by the body into prostaglandins, regulatory compounds that control pain, swelling and inflammation. While prostaglandins from the omega-6 family (meat derived) stimulate cancer cell growth, those from the omega-3 family (plant derived) inhibit inflammatory responses and cancer. Flaxseed, soybeans, walnuts/walnut oil, canola oil, dark green leafy vegetables are rich sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Move your body.
Walking is a natural form of exercise. We simply need to do more of it. Maximize the benefits by walking at least 40 minutes, three times per week. You can use light hand weights to get an upper body workout as well. Pectoral muscle tone gives the appearance of higher, firmer breasts. Climb one flight of stairs or go down two as opposed to taking the elevator. Strenuous activity is not necessary and is actually associated with free radical damage and susceptibility to infection.

Exercise burns fat.
This is important since adipose tissue contains an enzyme responsible for the conversion of the hormone estrone or estradiol - a potent tumor cell stimulator. Exercise also maintains muscle tone and increases the tissue concentration of oxygen. To a large degree, changes in the cellular environment are caused by inadequate oxygen supply. Low tissue oxygen is a common symptom of several pathological conditions such as stroke and cancer.

Breast feed.
Women with full term pregnancies produce more mature, slower growing Type 3 and Type 4 (milk producing) breast lobules. Breast cancer is more often found in the faster growing Type 1 and Type 2 lobules.

Connect spiritually.
Spirituality* is vital to health. Research shows that individuals with an active prayer life are better able to cope with stress, and fare better in general, than those who do not.

Adapted from Hope on the Horizon: Breakthrough Natural Solutions for Preventing and Reversing Chronic Disease.

*Editor's note:
SeekWellness.com has tended to stay away from discussions of spirituality for a variety of reasons but mostly because it's "non-scientific" and hard to define. Here is one definition we have read recently: "Spirituality can be defined as an individual's sense of purpose and meaning to life, beyond material values. Spirituality may be practiced in many ways, including through religion."

When I questioned Dr. Douglas about the non-scientific nature of spirituality, she replied, "Spirituality is most difficult to define. However, prayer and other spiritual practices are recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) as the therapy most commonly used in its survey of 31,000 adults. I would be negligent in ommitting that data. Whatever our personal preferences, people in distress often look for spiritual answers. As you will notice, I did not (and will not for your audience) admonish or decry any particular form of spirituality. If self is the supreme being, that is our reader's choice as well."

Posted June 2007