Breast Health Strategies – Naturally
By Dr. Dawn Siglain
Prevention-focused is a pro-active approach to breast health with an understanding of the interaction between genetics and epigenetics. Using a holistic approach, specifically rooted in Naturopathic Medicine, can provide education and risk-reduction. Epigenetics are lifestyle choices that truly impact our health which includes nutrition, physical activity, stress and environmental factors. When it comes to supporting the health of our bodies naturally, epigenetics plays such a huge role. Our lifestyle choices can greatly influence whether genes become more or less active, but it cannot change our DNA. A holistic approach expands the conversation beyond disease detection to include the biological environment in which breast tissue exists.
Naturopathic medicine can support a comprehensive breast-health strategy by bringing awareness to epigenetics along with appropriate screening. Your genes provide biological predispositions. Your age and reproductive history contribute additional influences to epigenetics. Inflammation, toxins and other aspects of life interact with these predispositions in complex ways. We cannot control every variable, but there are meaningful things we can control. The goal is to create the healthiest possible internal environment.
We can support the physiological environment in which our cells function. Many of the factors associated with healthier breast outcomes are also the same factors that promote overall wellness including optimal digestion, hormones, metabolism, and lymphatic drainage. This is where Naturopathic medicine shines! When it comes to supporting healthy estrogen metabolism, you must have proper digestion, liver functioning and elimination. Daily healthy bowel movements are essential for both estrogen metabolism and waste removal. Proper nutrients can silence harmful genes or activate protective ones such as tumor-suppressor genes. Plant compounds such as sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, resveratrol in grapes and genistein found in soy can help to suppress inflammation and activate antioxidant pathways. Phytoestrogens such as soy, flax and legumes have weak estrogenic activity and may help to modulate estrogen signaling which is beneficial. Xenoestrogens which are toxins in pesticides, pollutants, plastics, and chemicals are endocrine disruptors with strong estrogenic activity and may alter estrogen signaling which is harmful. Consistent exercise and decreased alcohol consumption have been associated with lower breast cancer risk, including those carrying genetic pathogenic variants. The axillary lymph nodes are particularly important because they are part of the lymphatic drainage system of the breast. The lymphatic system is an important component of immune functioning so supporting it properly is essential.
Our cells thrive on being nourished and that includes a nervous system that is not having to battle toxic load nor inflammation. What we consume in terms of food and drinks, our stress level and toxins heavily impact how our genes respond. Elevated blood glucose and insulin driven by poor diet can activate growth pathways that alter cellular signaling in breast tissue. High stress releases cortisol which can silence genes that control inflammation and mood. Toxins such as radiation, smoking or heavy metals can silence cancer-protective genes. These factors create DNA-damaging events that impact the stability of our cells daily.
Toxic exposure falls under epigenetics and oftentimes it is invisible. Pay attention to what you can control: perfumes, cleaning agents, chemically-laden food. Instead use essential oil roll-ons, clean with white vinegar and water solutionsand choose organic food.
Keep in mind toxic exposure for screening. Sonograms are safe as there is no radiation. Thermography is a non-invasive body screening method that uses a medical infrared camera which analyzes all of the thermal patterns in one’s body. It is 100% safe, radiation free and painless. Thermography is FDA cleared as an adjunctive screening method to aid in breast cancer. It is a safe way to screen for areas of inflammation and early detection of pathologies. It is safe for all ages, pregnant women and males. By capturing the infrared heat emitted by the body’s surface, thermography shows abnormal heat patterns which is a crucial piece of early detection.
Remember that you can make positive choices to optimize your health. If you are seeking early intervention for cancer risk factors consider Naturopathic Medicine, lymphatic drainage and thermography. All are available here at Wellness Matters!
This article was featured on: et week media
