Breast Health 101

1 Ensure liver detoxification processes are functioning well for clearance of excess estrogens - glutathione, cysteine, glycine, methionine, taurine, bioflavonoids, B complex, folic acid, antioxidants

2 Increase bile flow, hydrochloric acid and enzyme levels where necessary with bitters, digestive enzymes, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

3 Essential fatty acids (EFAs) - (1000mg twice daily). DHA and EPA maintain cell membrane structure and fluidity, inhibit angiogenesis, inhibit metastases and regulate inflammatory reactions

4 CoQ10 - (90 - 400mg/day) has been reported to achieve partial or complete remission of breast cancer. It reduces tumour growth, normalises cellular function and improves immune system functioning

5 Folic acid - (600mcg/day) required for repair of DNA. Alcohol inhibits folic acid

6 B6 (10-150mg/day) deficiency enhances tumour growth. The demand for B6 is increased in breast cancer

7 Vitamin A (5000-50,000IU/day) or its precursor betacarotene (15-160mg/day) with other antioxidants, especially A,C,E and lipoic acid) as it enhances immune competence. Specifically indicated in fibrocystic breast disease

8 Vitamin C (1-10g/day) and bioflavonoids (600-3000mg/day) as they are potent antioxidants

9 Vitamin E (400-1000 IU/day) regulates the synthesis of hormones and stabilises cell membranes

10 Selenium (50-500mcg/day) helps detoxify heavy metals, protects against free radical damage and protects against heart attacks

11 Probiotics to lower levels of enzymes which resorb old estrogen

12 Shiitake and reishi mushrooms to increase natural killer cell activity

13 Zinc (10-100mg/day) is important in many enzyme systems

14 A deficiency of iron, copper, molybdenum, germanium or silica can increase the risk of cancer

1 Age

2 Family history of breast cancer in mother or sister

3 Estrogen excess

4 Breast changes

5 Weight gain

6 Regular alcohol consumption

7 Early menarche, late menopause, delayed childbearing

8 Diet and nutrition - linked to 60% of all cancers.

9 Physical inactivity

10 Over-nurturing/feelings of powerlessness/inability to express emotions