LOWER YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER
Learn How You Can Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer With the Right Foods and Lifestyle
 | | October is breast cancer awareness month, so this is a great time to take a close look at your diet and lifestyle and make sure you are doing whatever you can to reduce your risk of developing cancer in your lifetime. The American Cancer Society reports that one out of four women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating certain foods on a regular basis may help to lower your risk. | |
Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer with Your Diet
Dr. Barry Sears, the creator of the Zone Diet, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet because foods that help to reduce inflammation may be linked to a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, studies show that diets that are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids may be more effective at reducing the size of breast cancer tumors than certain chemotherapy drugs.
Dr. Sears encourages the following diet tips for those who want to reduce their risk of developing cancer, and benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet:
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| Eat fruits and vegetables that contain polyphenols. Polyphenols are present in foods such as apples, pears, grapes, pomegranates and swiss chard. This compound has been known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may be a valuable addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. |  |
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| Reduce intake of vegetable oils. Omega-6 fatty acids are not compatible with an anti-inflammatory diet, so you will need to reduce intake of vegetable oils in cooking, and also pay attention to the types of oils used in convenience foods. |
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| Consume Omega-3 fatty acids regularly. Whether you choose to eat fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, or take omega-3 supplements throughout the day, this fatty acid can help to reduce inflammation and may lower your risk of developing cancer. |  |
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| Decrease intake of arachidonic acid. This acid is found in high quantities in red meats, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products. Lower your intake of these foods, or eliminate them completely from your diet to help reduce inflammation in the body. |
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| Incorporate nuts into the diet. BreastCancer.com reports on the benefits of eating a diet that follows Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for breast cancer prevention. Among the list of foods is a variety of nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts and chestnuts. These nuts can be a valuable source of protein for your body, and may also help to reduce inflammation. |  |
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Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
In addition to paying attention to your diet, making some conscious changes in your lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Some of the other ways to reduce your risk include:
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Limiting alcohol consumption. The American Cancer Society encourages women to keep alcohol intake to low levels, and make a single drink an occasional habit
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Exercise regularly. Maintaining a healthy hormonal balance and keeping body fat levels healthy may help to reduce the risk of breast cancer in some people.
- Consider your prescription drug use. If you’re taking hormones, bioidentical hormones, birth control and other prescription drugs, consider all of the side effects and take them only for the shortest time possible.
For more information:
American Breast Cancer Foundation
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Sabah Karimi writes about health, wellness and lifestyle for DivaVillage.
