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 Don’t Let Stress Kill You. It has been suggested that a large percentage of women with breast cancer are diagnosed following a stressful event in their lives, such as a divorce or death of a loved one. Women who neglected their emotional needs for the sake of others appear to develop breast cancer at a higher percentage. The abundance of stress results in the constant release of a high level of a stress hormone called cortisol. High cortisol levels over a prolonged period of time impair the function of the immune system. The immune system is responsible for detecting and eliminating abnormal cells, including the cells damaged by the free radicals discussed earlier. High cortisol levels decrease thyroid and insulin function. Both low thyroid and insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Elevated cortisol increases free estrogen levels, which stimulate breast cell growth. If you are experiencing anxiety, difficulty going to sleep or remaining asleep, early morning fatigue or chronic fatigue; then testing cortisol levels in the saliva may be helpful in diagnosing and treating your condition. If these symptoms began after a stressful event or a series of stressful events, you may be suffering from abnormal cortisol levels. Ignoring these symptoms or covering them up with sleeping pills and antidepressants will not correct the problem, nor will it allow the immune system to regain its ability to rid the body of possible cancer causing cells. |
Don’t
Eat Yourself To Death Many scientists believe that 80% of all cancers could be prevented by changing one’s diet. There is an enormous amount of research that substantiates the link between diet and cancer. Almost every aspect of your diet has an effect on hormone production and metabolism. The American diet is dominated by meats that can contain toxins that alter hormone function or damage DNA. Many food additives also damage DNA. Therefore, the two factors that cause breast cancer, DNA damage and hormone stimulation, can be linked to diet. Decreasing meat consumption is recommended, if you want to decrease your cancer risk. Oils processed from seeds can cause cells to function improperly. The processing of oils from seeds produces omega-6 oils. Omega-6 oils, that have been hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, are harmful. These oils are used as preservatives and are found in almost every food that is in a box or a package at the grocery store to preserve freshness. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) damage cell membranes, which makes the cell more susceptible to damage. These oils also influence estrogen breakdown, directing estrogen toward the more dangerous cancer-causing pathway. Good oils are omega-3 and -9. These oils are found in cold water fish like salmon and mackerel. Olive oil is high in omega-9. Use olive oil or canola oil whenever you cook with oil. Consuming 2 grams of fish oil a day will decrease your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Decreasing sugar and simple carbohydrates consumption decreases insulin levels, which protects you against cancer. Insulin can stimulate cancer cell growth. Increasing fiber consumption, limiting alcohol, and increasing foods that are antioxidants all play a role in prevention. Copyright ©2006 Maximum Health Enterprises. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission. Primarin® and Provera® are registered trademarks of their prospective owners. |
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