We live in a fallen world and with that we experience pain and illness in this life. But, you’re not alone.
One of the things we specialize in at MOTIVFIT is helping people with chronic medical conditions to apply simple lifestyle and nutrition principles to their daily life to help them relieve symptoms of their illness and reduce the dose or the need for long term medications.
Breast cancer is one such illness.
With a diagnosis rate for women of one in eight, chances are pretty good that you or someone you know has battled breast cancer at some point in life. Men can also develop breast cancer, though the rate is higher at 1/833.
Over the years I have been in the humble position of helping several women take on the battle of their diagnosis with breast cancer. Each woman was as unique as the disease itself. Some needed help with improving the cancer-fighting properties of their nutrition. Others needed remedies for side effects from their cancer meds. While yet others needed direction in improving sleep and reducing stress. And they all wanted to improve their odds of beating the disease!
Breast cancer comes in many forms and therefore each of these women required a different treatment approach by their physicians. It was a daunting time for each of them, yet one that they chose to conquer with the expertise of holistic nutrition coaching.
Recognizing the urgent need to be aware of breast health, we want to share some basic but powerful lifestyle tips that will help to build a strong body equipped to fight and even reduce the risk of breast cancer.
1. Add colorful, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables into every meal.
Each season yields rich antioxidant and nutrient-dense superfoods in a variety of colors. Add a serving to each meal to boost cancer-fighting vitamins and phytonutrients.
- Dark greens of kale, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli
- Bright orange and gold of squash
- And the rich deep reds and purples found in berries
2. Reduce alcohol intake.Many don’t consider this a big deal but the science shows that consuming one alcoholic drink per day increases your risk of breast cancer by 7-10%. Consuming more than that increases the likelihood to more than 20% when compared with non drinkers.
If you are drinking because you are stressed (which is also a controllable risk factor), consider alternate methods of chilling out such as sipping on calming herbal tea, laughing with a friend in a phone conversation, or reading Scripture.
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
3. Exercise most days of the week.
There is no exact number that will automatically reduce your risk, however the studies support between 3-5 hours per week of both moderate and intense activity to be the most beneficial. The main thing is to move!
In addition to reducing other controllable risk factors such as stress and body fat, exercise is the primary way to improve lymphatic flow in the body. A strong lymphatic system is imperative for immune function in fighting cancer.
In the face of a breast cancer diagnosis, the journey can seem daunting and isolating. However, with the support and guidance of holistic approaches like those offered at MOTIVFIT, individuals facing breast cancer can find solace and empowerment.
Through tailored lifestyle adjustments, nutritional guidance, and stress management techniques, patients can enhance their body's resilience and fortify themselves for the fight ahead.
As we navigate the complexities of this fallen world, remember, you are not alone. Together, we can battle breast cancer with strength, resilience, and hope.
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