Breast Cancer, are you concerned?

Already in my 20's I was.
My grandmother had had breast-cancer and now my mother as well. That meant, I was "in the danger-zone". My odds were even higher since my grandmother had a second occurrence, and when my mother her second, I took notice. By the time I was mid 20's I started wondering what my part in this was? How could I learn what I could do keep my breasts healthy?

This became my own Path for Life. It was not just about my breasts. It was about me, my health, my lifestyle, my relationships, the jobs I worked and eventually the career I chose.

The Path for Healing - and Prevention.

My own story continues and it always will. The intensity of my search for prevention rose when my mother had her third occurrence of breast cancer. People ask me if I am not scared and why I don't get gene tested. Many with my background of risk even get a mastectomy in advance.

Well, I chose instead to live with the intention of being healthy in my everyday life rather than the high risk it became my high awareness. That is a Path I can happily walk everyday. It has purpose both today and long term. It is this intention that keeps me in hope and faith for my health rather than fear of my health. It is what keeps me continuously aware, but also always in a gentle and compassionate place with myself. I am always on a healing path.

I tell you this story because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As I am now 45 myself it is becoming more important to know the risks, but even younger women today are experiencing a diagnosis of breast cancer. The surprise of this early onset is a shock to say the least, but not really surprising given our food and lifestyle choices as well as the constant stressors we live with. Let us not be paralyzed by the overwhelming numbers that are facing us of the increasing occurrences and let's instead get into action with what we ourselves can do to care for us.

When we Choose Health.

Much is being written this month about what to eat to prevent breast-cancer. That is all good and for sure we can boost our health and eat foods, supplements and herbs to help our immunesystem and anti-oxidant levels. It is however not enough to tell you what to eat and what not. Problem often is - how to? I have found that we might know what we are supposed to do, but it is really hard to implement it into an everyday lifestyle of choices that works.

Most of my clients come to me partly to learn more about the nourishing factors of food and how to use food as a tool for healing and prevention, Many though come to me because it is not that easy to make a change, even if it is one we know will help us. Why is that?

Our emotional well-being plays a big role in our daily choices, both those of food but also other lifestyle factors, that keep us healthy. Our emotional healing is of great importance for our physical healing and well-being. That, for some reason, is not spoken about as often, when it comes to prevention and healing of cancer. The body-mind connection is still considered an alternative approach, though fortunately many doctors these days are realizing that the mind-body connection is indeed stronger than traditional medicine and they do now encourage the merging of philosophies.

The Choices that Prevent.

I want to first say - refined sugars (incl. corn syrup) and dairy are health hazards. There you have it - no need to beat around the bush. If you don't believe me, get the new book: "Freedom from Disease", By Peter Morgan Kash and Jay Lombard, D.O., with Tom Monte (my teacher). It talks about the risks of our insulin levels being too high and how that is our greatest health hazard, both in regards to cancer but also many other illnesses we face as well as the obesity levels on the rise these days.

Easy First Choices.
Do note, the following is not all encompassing and individualized information.
It is a great step towards a healthy lifestyle for prevention.

Choose organic foods and spring water as much as possible. Omit toxins, growth hormones, food coloring and preservatives.

Choose whole foods, especially home cooked, and avoid packaged foods high in sugars and hydrogenated oils.

Choose nature, that means a lot of vegetables. Especially the green and cruciferous ones. That would be the likes of broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, bok choy and cabbage.

Choose omega 3 rich foods. Avocado, nuts, seeds, flax, hemp, and chia seeds are all rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Choose fiber rich and lean protein. This would mean legumes and fish over meat.

Choose green tea and good spring or purified water, and omit the soda, coffee, fruit juices, and alcohol. Some will argue that the anti-oxidants in red wine are a plus and yes they are if you could just omit the alcoholic content since that does raise the estrogen levels.

Basically a diet high in wholegrain, vegetables, legumes, and fish as the main choice of protein. Add nuts and seeds and you should be in good shape.

Choose meditation. Stress has long been known to hurt our health in so many ways. Many studies have shown the benefits of daily meditation. Both as a stress buster but also as a health booster.

Choose exercise. Yoga, walking, go to the gym. It all helps boost our hormones and our health. Even when living with cancer exercise plays a role.