Eat Your Fruits and Veggies Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Several recent studies have suggested that eating a lot of fruits and veggies may be associated with a lowered risk for developing estrogen-receptor-negative breast tumors. The effect may be due to the fact that plant foods tend to be rich in carotenoids, natural pigments that often serve as antioxidants. Estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancers make up only about 15 percent of all breast cancers, but they're particularly hard to treat. The USDA advises that you should fill half your plate with produce. In addition it is best to avoid refined, heavily processed foods, and added sugars. There have been numerous studies on the benefits of plant based diets and decreased cancer risk. Get Rest and Reduce Stress Both of these practices help the body heal by repairing cellular damage and inflammation. Shoot for 7-8 hours of good sleep and try to incorporate techniques for relaxation, such as yoga and meditation. Indulge in Some Chocolate Chocolate contains a phytochemical compound called flavonoids. A flavonoid is an antioxidant that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free
radicals, thereby potentially assisting in the prevention of cancer. Of course, moderation is the key. Get Adequate Amounts of Folic Acid Not eating enough folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid, is linked with impaired ability to repair DNA, and damaged DNA has been linked to cancer. Folate is found in foods such as spinach, black-eyed peas, folic-fortified cereals, and grains. Try to get 400 micrograms daily.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BREASTS Both males and females have breasts. The structure of the male breast is nearly identical to that of the female breast, except that the male breast tissue lacks the specialized lobules, as there is no physiologic need for milk production by the male breast (although there have been some documented instances of male lactation). Our breast size is constantly changing. You might notice that your breasts shrink when you lose weight. That is because your breasts are made of fat. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause, birth control pills, and even sex can cause your breasts to swell. Your breasts can also grow as much as a full cup size
during your menstrual cycle. However, days after your period, your hormone levels drop and your bustline is at its smallest. We are the only primates with permanent breasts. As humans, we grow breasts before puberty even starts, and they continue growing and changing throughout our lives. Other primates' breasts grow only when they are breastfeeding. The average breast weighs between 1-2 pounds. Breasts are not twins, they are sisters. Two breasts are rarely, if ever, identical. Breasts are a wonderful, life nourishing part of our anatomy. It is important to pay close attention to our diet and lifestyles for sustained breast health and wellness.
Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. For more information, visit acuwellhealth.com October 2020 | thesofiamagazine.com
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