Boost Your Breast Health!

Learn how to be healthier and help to protect yourself against breast cancer. Here are five simple ways to help boost your breast health.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Keeping a healthy weight is important to reduce your risk of breast cancer, especially post-menopause, due to the increased production of the hormone estrogen in fat tissue. In women with a higher weight, estrogen-sensitive breast cancers are ultimately exposed to more estrogen, which can stimulate the progression of cancer.

• Exercise.

Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day, four to five days a week. Studies have shown that women who are active are 25% less likely to develop breast cancer. This could be due to the fact that exercise boosts the immune system, fights obesity, and lowers hormone levels such as estrogen.

• Eat a balanced diet.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables can help to protect against several types of cancers. Be sure to avoid processed foods, sugars, and unnecessary fats as much as possible. Some cancer-fighting foods include cabbage, kale, and watermelon (yum!).

• Take your vitamins.

Especially vitamin D. Women with low vitamin D levels are at a greater risk of breast cancer. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but since getting too much sun can damage your skin, a supplement may be your best choice. Check with your physician to have your vitamin D levels checked and to discuss your options if your levels are low.

• Limit alcoholic beverages.

It has been shown that having more than one alcoholic drink per day increases breast cancer risk, as it can increase estrogen production. Try to limit yourself to just one. Red wine is preferred, as it contains antioxidants that may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to a heart attack.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but you should show care for your “girls” and yourself the whole year round!