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 do impact our health, which includes nutrition, physical activity, stress and environmental factors. Our lifestyle choices can greatly influence whether genes become more or less active, but they 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.
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. 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. 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. Consistent exercise and decreased alcohol consumption have been associated with lower breast cancer risk.
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.
Toxic exposure falls under epigenetics and oftentimes it is invisible. Pay attention to what you can control: perfumes, cleaning agents and chemically-laden food. Instead, use essential oil roll-ons, clean with white vinegar and water solutions and 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 thermal patterns in one’s body. Thermography is FDA cleared as an adjunctive screening method to aid in breast cancer. 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!
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