Best Ways to Keep Your Breasts Healthy

Breast cancer is one of the top causes of death all over the world. In fact, this dreaded disease affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. This year (2011), approximately 261,100 new cases of invasive and non-invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the U.S alone! No wonder why apart from skin cancer, more women across the world were diagnosed with breast cancer than any type of cancer. But listen here. A few minor changes can keep your breasts healthy and prevent the development of breast cancer. Here are the best tips that can help you:

Stay at a Healthy Weight

Excess weight increases your risk of breast cancer. It also decreases the risk of survival for people who have the disease. A healthy diet is the best way to reduce weight and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise at least three times a week for at least 45 minutes each. This helps boost immune system function, normalize estrogens and insulin levels, and prevent obesity which lowers the risk for breast cancer. This is one of the best ways to keep your breasts healthy. Find an activity that really interests you like running, martial arts, biking and hiking. This will help you create a regular exercise schedule looking forward to your next session.

Lower Alcohol Consumption

According to studies, more than two drinks a day can increase breast cancer risk by about 20%. The best solution is not to drink regularly and consume only a maximum of two drinks when you do. Try drinking 100% fresh grape juice instead. The skin of grapes contains resveratrol which may help reduce risk of breast cancer because it lowers estrogens levels.

Supplements

Your normal diet won’t be able to give you the essential nutrients your body needs to keep your breasts healthy. The good news is that there are many supplements available. Just make sure that you choose your supplements carefully. Most supplements for breast health aim to normalize hormone levels such as estrogens. High levels of estrogens increase the risk for breast cancer.

Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet

Eliminating or very low fat in your diet is unhealthy. Fats are important for hormone production and other normal body functions. Healthy fat sources include tuna, salmon, nuts, olive oil, avocado, etc.

Reduce Stress

Stress throws your hormone levels out of the normal range increasing risk for breast cancer and other diseases. This is why it is very important to manage or reduce stress to help keep your breasts healthy.

Choose your Food Carefully

According to numerous studies, cell abnormalities in animals are due to the ingestion of harmful chemicals like pesticides. These chemicals become xeno-estrogens or concentrated estrogens hormones that can cause breast cancer. This is the reason why organic food is very popular.