holistic practices
Prevention
is the breast medicine
By John H. Hicks, M.D.
Breast care can come easily and comfortably when we understand the causes of breast tenderness, early menopause and Cancer. The body offers many clues to assist us in determining solutions that support and enhance hormone and breast health. If you are experiencing symptoms of breast tenderness, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes and uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, your body is sending you information to let you know of internal system imbalances.
The primary areas of support for optimal breast health include balancing levels of the female sex hormone estrogen and enhancing detoxification of toxins and metabolic byproducts in the body.
High quality testing is available to check hormone levels through the Comprehensive Female Hormone Profile or the Comprehensive Menopausal Profile. Additionally, the Genomics Detoxification (DNA) test gives a thorough and highly individualized picture of how efficiently the enzyme components of the detoxification system are working. These affordable and informative tests can be ordered by a physician and are completed by Genova Diagnostics Laboratory.
If estrogen is not detoxified from the body adequately it will increase hormonal symptoms. Depression, fatigue, low sex drive, weight gain, water retention and bloating are among the varied symptoms experienced. High estrogen may also increase free radicals in the body, which can result in rapid aging.
Soy is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance. Both men and women who cannot efficiently detoxify estrogen should carefully avoid foods that contain large amounts of soy isolate proteins. For more detailed information, Dr. Kaayla Daniel PhD. CCN, offers an excellent resource in her book, “The Whole Soy Story.”
In addition, meat, poultry and dairy products injected with hormones will rapidly increase estrogen levels. Birth control medications, household chemicals, pesticides, car exhaust fumes and other environmental pollutants also contribute greatly to excess estrogen levels in the body. These in turn influence and intensify the symptoms experienced as hormonal imbalances.
The good news is we can easily support our bodies on a daily basis by encouraging efficient detoxification and bringing about optimal conditions in our systems to eliminate excessive estrogens. We do this through the use of high quality supplements. Supplements are a powerful and effective means to balance hormones.
Supplements considered top priority for breast and hormonal health are:
- Artichoke Extract: Thins bile assisting the liver in gentle, continuous detoxification and elimination of toxins including excess estrogen.
- Cod Liver Oil: Protects cell membranes from free radicals and allows nutrients to flow more freely into all cells.
Calcium D Glucarate: Binds to estrogen and pulls it out of the body.
- Quercetin: Blocks estrogen cell receptors so excess estrogen is unable to attach to cell membranes and interfere with cell activity. Also, helps to eliminate fluid build up and bloating.
- Black Currant Seed Oil: Clears estrogen from the tissues when build up has occurred.
- Indoplex: Inhibits estrogen from becoming a specific type of free radical called a quinolone. A quinolone attracts DNA and causes cancer.
Complementary to taking supplements to improve breast health is the need to increase lymphatic flow. The lymph system collects hormones, proteins, toxins and tissue waste products and is an essential system to our immune health. Having no internal pump, the lymphatic tissues can get clogged and stagnant with toxins increasing free radical damage while creating a cancer-promoting environment in the body. Following are four non-invasive techniques to facilitate lymph flow and drainage.
- Let Lemon be your Aid - Lemon juice and therapeutic Lemon essential oil are highly effective for flushing the lymphatic system and increasing lymphatic drainage. Add freshly squeezed organic lemon juice to pure water and drink daily to support lymphatic system. Additionally Lemon and Lemongrass therapeutic essential oils can be applied directly on the lymphatic points on the body.
- Lymphatic Brushing – Soft lymphatic brushes can be used to massage the lymphatic areas, especially around the breasts and under the armpits. Using this soft, gentle massaging tool daily will assist in loosening up effects of tightly worn bras and clothing which may hinder lymphatic flow.
- Exercise - Weightlifting and jumping on a trampoline will move muscle and assist lymph drainage. Movements such as those done on a trampoline are excellent for overall drainage to the whole body but especially for the lower extremities.
- Massage - Treat yourself to a health promoting tool that easily relaxes the muscles and encourages movement of the body’s internal fluids.
In addition to supporting detoxification it is important to address controlling free radicals. Free radicals come from cellular energy production which, when not efficient, increases the amount of free radicals in the body. Superoxide dismutase is an efficient antioxidant enzyme in the body that is most effective at clearing free radicals. Foods that are highest in antioxidants include fresh spices, herbs, berries and cocoa. Seek out custom made vibrational remedies similar to homeopathics that help stimulate and activate the body’s natural store of superoxide dismutase.
Making good nutritional choices is an essential component of breast health protocol. Eating lots of organic fresh fruits and vegetables especially cruciferous vegetables high in antioxidants will naturally destroy free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale.
The final powerful recommendation is to keep your outlook positive!
Enjoy the empowerment of understanding simple steps you can take to enhance your health. Your belief towards yourself and your body is more powerful than any supplement you take or any food you eat. Know that you have great healing power within you to be in optimal health. As you are ready, implement the new knowledge you have gained while loving and appreciating where you are right now.
 Dr. Hicks is co-founder/Medical Director of
Elementals Living, Delavan,
WI. He’s practiced
integrated holistic medicine for 50 years. Visit
www.elementalsliving.com or call (262) 740-3000.
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