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TIPS & MYTHS

Unfortunately, misinformation abounds when it comes to health advice. Even highly trained experts can find it difficult to weed through the research and be able to separate fact from fiction. In this section I address some common areas of confusion, and help you to understand what the research really says.

Top 12 Breast Health Tips

  1. Eat a plant based diet high in organically grown, vegetables (especially cruciferous) and whole grains
  2. Avoid health-destroying fats like trans fats and saturated animal fats. Instead, eat health promoting fats, like omega-3 fatty acids found in flax oil, everyday.
  3. Think Asian: Make whole soy foods, green tea, maitake mushrooms, garlic, turmeric, and wakame seaweed part of your regular diet or take them as supplements
  4. Take a good daily multivitamin
  5. Take protective supplements daily like calcium D-gluterate, grape seed extract, selenium and CoQ10
  6. Avoid red meat, sugar, alcohol, and smoking
  7. Keep your weight ideal
  8. Exercise regularly
  9. Go to bed by 10 PM and get up by 6 AM and make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible
  10. Use nontoxic products
  11. Practice effective stress-reducing techniques daily
  12. Laugh, stay positive, and make it a point to take care of your needs

Common Breast Cancer Myths

  • The causes of breast cancer are unknown
  • There's nothing you can do to lower your risk
  • Most breast cancers are genetic
  • Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease
  • All oncologists have up-to-date knowledge about alternative approaches to cancer
  • There is no research on natural approaches to cancer prevention
  • Studies on natural approaches aren't credible because they weren't conducted in this country, and the study designs were poor
  • Soy increases the risk of breast cancer
  • If you are being treated for breast cancer you shouldn't take any supplements
  • Antioxidants shouldn't be taken while on chemotherapy
  • Natural approaches have weak effects if any

Key Messages

  • Breast cancer is a largely preventable disease
  • The American diet and lifestyle are a recipe for breast cancer.
  • The major causes of breast cancer have been identified, as well as dozens of natural ways that protect against it
  • Women can significantly lower their risk of breast cancer through simple diet and lifestyle choices
  • Women with breast cancer can significantly improve their chances of survival with simple diet and lifestyle choices
  • Most breast cancers are not genetic - only about 5%
  • It's never to late to make changes to improve your risk
  • It is true that the younger you start making healthy choices the lower your risk will be, but it is never too late
  • The effects of natural approaches such as supplements, foods, and herbs on the risk of breast cancer aren't small -- many can lower the risk by 50% or more.
  • The protective effects of many supplements, herbs and foods don't add up-they multiply
  • You are not powerless when it comes to your health and your risk of breast cancer. You have the ability to enormously reduce your risk and improve your chances of surviving itEat a plant based diet high in organically grown, vegetables (especially cruciferous) and whole grains