Can Detoxing Help Women Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

 

Breast Cancer is the Leading Cancer Death Among Women

2015 data published on the World Economic Forum website indicate that breast cancer is the 8^th leading cause of death among women worldwide. In 2022 it was estimated that breast cancer deaths were 670,000 while 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease. Survival rates depends on the stage of development. While 100% of women diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer survive for 5 years or more, the rate goes down to 25% for those diagnosed with stage 4. This means screening for early detection is very important. However, this is an advantage that can be enjoyed by women living in areas where robust health services are accessible. This does not mean that women living in areas where health services are less developed should leave everything to fate. Taking the initiative to educate oneself on the disease could help one to embrace preventing strategies and thus reduce the risk of developing the disease. With determination education is something that could be delivered even to the remotest parts of the earth.

Why Do Women Get Breast Cancer?

Like other cancers, breast cancer is s cellular disease in which cells of the diseased tissue divide and grow uncontrollably. When this division and growth is taking place in breast tissue, then the resulting cancer is called breast cancer. Experts associate breast cancer with the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the development and growth of female sexual organs. When estrogen surges in the body for whatever reason it may cause abnormal growth in those organs.

Some chemicals, natural as well as synthetic, mimic the action of estrogen in the body once ingested. What this means is that by ingesting these chemicals, estrogen activity levels in the body will go up. Unfortunately, these chemicals known as xenoestrogens (meaning foreign estrogens), are almost everywhere in our modern society. Potential sources include plastics, personal care products, pesticides, industrial chemicals, hormones in meats, diary and poultry products, industrial chemicals, food additives, herbicides and fungicides, soy products, environmental pollutants, and water sources. A summary of actual chemicals in these sources may include:

·         Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These are commonly found in plastic products such as water bottles, food containers, and packaging materials.

·         Some pesticides, such as atrazine and glyphosate, have been found to have estrogenic properties.

·         Parabens, triclosan, and phthalates that can act as xenoestrogens. These are found in many personal care products, including cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos.

·         Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Some livestock may be treated with these hormones, which can be transferred to humans through consumption.

·         Chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and certain flame retardants (e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs). These have estrogenic properties and can be found in various industrial products and environmental pollutants.

·         Propyl gallate and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA). These are food additives that have estrogenic effects.

·         Vinclozolin and procymidone. These are chemicals used in agricultural practices, and have been found to possess estrogenic activity.

·         Phytoestrogens, such as genistein and daidzein. These natural chemicals are found in soybeans. They have been found to act as weak xenoestrogens.

·         Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals. These environmental contaminants can have estrogenic effects.

·         Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies that may be excreted by humans and industrial and agricultural run offs can enter water sources. All these have estrogenic activity if ingested.

Management of xenoestrogens

Managing the quantity of xenoestrogens in the body is a critical measure in preventing excessive estrogen activity in the body. Management may involve two areas. One, limiting the quantity of xenoestrogens one ingests consciously in the course of life, and two, taking steps to remove xenoestrogens already ingested in the body. To limit the quantity of xenoestrogens one ingests need knowledge of the potential sources of xenoestrogens and then take steps to limit exposure. One way of doing this is to live organically.

Detoxing xenoestrogens from the body

1.       We need a healthy liver for optimal health. One of the functions of the liver is to break down and eliminate estrogen. Both alcohol and sugar have a detrimental effect on the liver there limiting the consumption of these two products may be key to optimizing liver function.

2.       Insulin sensitivity is associated with estrogen levels. The activity of the enzyme aromatase (the primary enzyme involved in oestrogen biosynthesis) goes up with increased insulin resistance. The enzyme helps to convert testosterone to oestrogen. Insulin resistance also reduces sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which allows more free oestrogen to circulate in the body. Limiting consumption of carbohydrates and exercising lower insulin resistance.

3.       Gut imbalance is associated with oestrogen levels. Poor gut health can also contribute to hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalance can be in the form of estrogen dominance. Symptoms like irregular menstruation, mood swings, painful or heavy periods, bloating, and conditions including PCOS, are indicative of estrogen dominance. Taking steps to balance one’s gut flora is a positive step towards eliminating estrogen dominance.

4.       A hormone balancing diet composed of the following foods is recommended:

·         Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are rich in indole-3-carbinol, which may support estrogen metabolism.

·         Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a good source of lignans, which have phytoestrogenic properties. They may help modulate estrogen levels in the body.

·         Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which supports liver function and may assist in estrogen metabolism.

·         Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which may protect against oxidative stress and support hormonal health.

·         Green tea: Green tea contains compounds called catechins, which have been associated with estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance.

·         Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms, contain compounds that may help regulate estrogen levels.

·         Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats contain fiber and B vitamins that can support hormonal balance and overall health.

·         Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, and chia seeds, may help support hormonal balance.

·         Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are good sources of fiber and contain phytoestrogens that may help modulate estrogen levels.

·         Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may support hormonal balance.

Conclusion

Health is our number one asset. Without health life becomes not only unproductive, but also expensive. Most of the time we fall sick because we don’t approach the issue of our health and wellbeing proactively. We don’t invest enough time and resources to learn about how our bodies works and what they need to function optimally. Unfortunately, because of this sometimes we get diseases that are life threatening like cancer. Learning about these diseases is thus important to help minimize the risk of getting them. I hope this article will help women to take a fresh look at their health in general but in particular what they can do to reduce the risk of breast cancer.