Environmental Toxins and Breast Cancer
This past month, we’ve seen articles related to breast cancer. Today, I’d like to introduce environmental factors into the mix. Limiting exposure to chemicals in the air we breathe, the food we ingest, and the products we use can improve our chances of keeping breast cancer away.
The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is one in every eight women, with occurrence also happening in men. There has been a startling increase in breast cancer by 40% in the last four decades, with rates tripled in the previous 60 years. Genetic and lifestyle risk factors only account for 20% to 30% of breast cancer diagnoses. So what is the other 70%?
Since the mid-1940s, over 85,000 new synthetic chemicals have been manufactured and introduced into the products on store shelves and into the environment. Some of these are carcinogens that promote the formation of cancer, and others are chemicals that disrupt the normal function of hormones, known as endocrine disruptors. This creates a more significant potential for chemicals that may mimic hormones or disrupt them.
Below are a few endocrine disruptors, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Bisphenol-A: A compound found in plastic bottles, canned food, and receipt paper. Use your refillable stainless steel or glass bottles and ask the cashier to put your receipt in the bag at checkout.
Parabens: Function as preservatives to block bacteria and mold growth. They are found in makeup and hair care products and are estrogenic. Studies have shown that adding parabens to samples of cancerous breast tissue makes them grow even more. Choose paraben-free makeup and hair care products.
Phthalates: Found in cleaning products, cosmetics, plastic wraps, fragrances, and classic food containers. Avoid personal care products that contain “fragrance” or “perfume”. Use glass containers or ceramic to store your food. And never reheat food in plastic containers.
Organophosphate Pesticides: Found in conventionally grown produce. Wash your food well and buy organic when possible. The EWG publishes a ”Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” list every year to help you choose at the market. I am a big proponent of adding vegetable juice and broth to your diet. See our recipes below to assist with your natural healing properties.
Lastly, Benzene, 1,3 Butadiene, and Ethylene Oxide are chemicals with the strongest link to breast cancer. All three are found in tobacco smoke, and the first two are found in auto exhaust. Use your car’s air filter in urban areas and freeways, and steer clear of cigarette smoke.
These toxins are processed and neutralized by the liver and gallbladder. They are expelled from the body through the spleen-lymphatic system, skin, bladder, and bowels. At Tao of Wellness, we have always encouraged our patients to try our detoxification protocol which includes acupuncture, herbs, detox tea, detox tuina, and a detox diet. Doing this during seasonal changes can help our bodies get rid of toxins accumulated during the previous season and allow for a fresh start feeling healthy and rejuvenated. You may try our Home Detox Kit as a jumpstart to clearing toxins.
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Here's a Tao of Wellness detox favorite that you can make at home:
Vegetable Juice: 24 oz. juice made from cabbage, cucumber, carrot/greens, celery, turnip, asparagus, beet/greens, parsley, apple, and aloe vera. Split up into three portions and drink
Vegetable Broth: 24 oz. broth made from as many of the following items: collards, Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens, cabbage, dandelion, Brussel sprouts, daikon radish, watercress, seaweed, shitake mushroom, cilantro, garlic, leek, fennel, anise, ginger, turmeric. Chop the vegetables, bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Strain and drink. Divide into three portions to consume.