As we continue to grow, we receive quite a few questions via email. Some of our members have recently asked me to blog about breast cancer. First and foremost, this is a very serious issue to me since my mother is a breast cancer survivor. A few of my aunts and cousins have also had breast cancer.
According to the National Institutes of Health, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. “About 39,840 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1990. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.”
Since I have spent the majority of my life keeping up with studies and research regarding cancer and/or reading as many health books as I can get my hands on, I will focus mostly on nutrition in this blog. A lot of those studies seem to point out that 40% of cancer can be prevented by diet. What does this mean to me? In the most basic and simplest way, here is my own personal opinion about what I am doing in my own life in my efforts to avoid cancer.
- Due to the fact that my mother had breast cancer, I make it a point to avoid alcohol.
- Red wine seems to have a positive impact, although I do not drink it much.
- What is so extraordinary about the red wine? Flavonoids – as discovered by a Hungarian scientist in 1938.
- Great news! Although red wine is very high in flavonoids, we can find them in most fruits and vegetables.
- Highest content in flavonoids… all berries, especially black raspberries.
- Green tea contains flavonoids.
- The pulp of the orange contains large amounts of flavonoids.
- Make sure to eat the skins of fruits where most of the flavonoids are.
- I consume large amounts if dandelion greens.
- I, personally, avoid all processed foods.
- Limit consumption of meat as much as possible.
- I, personally, love to exercise. If you do not, I recommend walking with friends since it’s enjoyable and does the trick.
In essence, and again, this is my opinion, folks, what can we do to help avoid breast cancer? We should make an attempt to live as healthfully as possible. This means avoiding too much alcohol – especially as we age. Stay the heck away from any processed foods or meats. Avoid chemicals at all cost. Consume a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dry beans. Walk with your friends. Serve others by volunteering your time. Have faith. Maintain a positive attitude. And always keep a sense of purpose every day in your life.
