Breast Health Awareness and Alternatives

An emerging field in medicine is proteomics. This is the idea that although we may have certain genetic traits it is the influence of our environment and lifestyle that are most influential in turning those genes on and off.  The point is that we can be proactive rather than reactive - we’re not so helpless after all.

It is increasingly being recognized that our emotional and spiritual well-being as well as the quality of our relationships may be one of the largest predictors of health. Even the placebo affect is being re-evaluated, not just as something that needs to be accounted for in studies, but as a positive tool the medical field must explore to utilize the powerful effects of the mind.

Breast Cancer Prevention

The foundation of virtually all good health includes maintaining an ideal body weight, eating diets high in lean meat, fruits, and vegetables, regular exercise and developing satisfying relationships. Cruciferous vegetables should take high priority. Indole 3 carbinol extracted from cruciferous vegetables has been shown to improve the alpha 2/16-hydroxyestrogen ratio. Improving this ratio decreases the estrogen metabolites that lead to breast cancer. Indole 3 carbinol can be taken as a supplement also. Another important physical fact to consider, according to cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins, is that high triglycercide  levels (found in the cholesterol and lipid profile) mean a 70 percent higher risk of breast cancer. The high triglycerides (>100 mg/dL) seem to trigger a rise in levels of circulating estrogen, which is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.

Meditation as a Practice of Prevention

With all diseases there is a physical component as well as an emotional one. There are now many scientific studies confirming that the refusal and honoring of expressing one’s emotions can sometimes reach pathological extremes. Scientific studies also confirm the idea that our emotional style may influence both the incidents of breast cancer and our ability to recover from it.

A very important part of creating daily breast health is achieved through the energetic influence of self-nurturance and mutually supportive relationships. A way to begin and enhance one’s ability for self-nurturance and mutually supportive relationships is the art of meditation – which is to be singularly focused.

Begin by creating a calm, inviting, and quiet environment, even if just for a few moments. This may be in your home, office, or perhaps outdoors. Next, is to calm oneself by relaxing methods, e.g. begin with contracting your feet then completely relaxing your feet; continue this process up to the head and face. Or, lightly focus on an object such as the flicker of a candle, allowing your thoughts to be focused only on the candle while allowing all other thoughts to drift away. Or, perhaps focusing on your breath as you allow your breath to completely fill you and completely empty you in equal measure. Or, begin walking, focusing only on that which calms you as you walk.

Upon feeling calm externally and internally, allow this calm feeling to be harmonious with thoughts you now choose to create. Honest thoughts about your well-being, honest thoughts regarding the steps that must be taken to create and be about a healthy nurturing lifestyle. 
         While October is traditionally Breast Health Awareness month, anytime of year is a good time to get checked - Don't wait. Be sure and schedule your screening visit. And share with your sisters, family and friends your new found awareness of creating a healthy nurturing lifestyle via meditation.