Did you know that 30%-50% of breast cancer could be prevented with a healthy diet and getting regular exercise? Sounds too simple to be true, I know. But the human body is amazing when it comes to taking care of itself. Good nutrition is very important but you also need to avoid xenoestrogens which are toxic to your body. Follow these tips for healthy breasts and take a proactive role in preventing breast cancer.

1 - Focus on Good Nutrition

- Avoid simple carbohydrates and processed oils (hydrogenated and partially
hydrogenated oil).
- Choose fresh natural foods, not canned and processed foods.
- Choose organic, it's been proven to have more vitamins and minerals.

Choose good healthy fats. Our body requires good fat to function properly. Too many people eat processed vegetable oil or partially and hydrogenated oil which are harmful to the body.

- Omega 3 essential fatty acids (from ocean fish)
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Coconut oil
- Even butter and cream as long as it's from organic, grass fed cows

Choose good protein sources. If your vegetarian it's important that you get some form of protein from beans, tofu or nuts. If you're a meat eater, follow the guidelines below:

- When choosing meat, buy organic, from grass fed animals (it's more lean and
healthier)
- Don't overcook proteins, (but do cook to a safe temperature for the type of
meat, a medium rare steak is alright, but you wouldn't eat your chicken that way)

2 - Avoid Xenoestrogen Substances

Xenoestrogen substances are a major cause of breast cancer and other female health problems. They are chemical compounds from environmental pollutants. They mimic estrogen and attach to your estrogen receptor sites and cause the endocrine system to dysfunction.

Xenoestrogen Sources
- Commercial meat and dairy products
- Pesticide residues on commercial produce
- Soft plastics
- Microwave cooking in plastic
- Laundry detergents and household cleaning products
- Heavy metals like lead and mercury

Counteracting Xenoestrogen Substances

- Consume more foods like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale
and turnips. Or take a good supplement that's capable of getting rid of
xenoestrogens
- Detox your liver with foods like garlic, onions, cabbage and cauliflower. Or
detoxify with supplements or a cleanse designed for removing environmental
toxins from the body.

3 - Use Natural Foods As Prevention Remedies

There are lots of nutritious foods that promote good breast health and prevent breast cancer. The trick is to actually eat them. If you can't get the nutrients from your foods, then supplementing might be a good option for you, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Ellagic Acid is known for stopping carcinogens from intiating cancer cell growth and is found in in cherries, grapes, walnuts, raspberries, strawberries and pomegranates.

Bioflavonoids detoxify harmful estrogens and help prevent the production of cancer cells. They are found in found in citrus, grapes, onions and buckwheat.

Lignans prevent the growth of tumors and are found in nuts and seeds, especially flax seed.

Beta carotene naturally protects against cancer and can be found in foods like beans, carrots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, winter squash, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin provide cancer fighting benefits for pre-menopausal women and women with a family history of breast cancer. The best food sources are found in collard greens, spinach, kale, corn and most yellow vegetables.

Lycopene helps eliminate free radicals from cigarette smoke and can be found in tomatoes, carrots, guava, ruby red grapefruit and watermelon.

Catechins have a powerful antioxidant effect and are found in black and green tea.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants, prevents damage to the DNA in cells which occurs when normal cells transform into cancerous cells.

4 - Be Positive and Reduce Stress

We know the damage that stress causes to our body so controlling stress is always a good thing. But having a positive attitude can be very helpful in controlling our health too. Learn to pamper yourself to reduce stress.

- Take a walk in nature
- Get a massage
- Garden
- Listen to good music
- Take a bubble bath or soak in hot tub

Breast Massage

Regular breast massage helps to improve circulation and lymph drainage, it decreases symptoms of PMS, menopause and menstrual cramps, and decreases the discomfort from pregnancy and breast feeding. I have a link to an instructional video on my website. Getting trapped lymph fluid to move is good for healthy breasts and can alleviate pain and tenderness. You may eventually eliminate lumps from trapped lymph fluid if done regularly.

5 - Switch from Mammography to Thermography

Avoid mammograms and consider thermography instead. I know this sounds a bit radical. But do some research on mammograms vs. thermograms. Thermography can detect abnormalities at the cellular level which could be 10 years before you might otherwise notice them and there is no harm done to sensitive breast tissue.

Mammogram x-rays increase your risk of cancer. A typical mammogram of both breasts will expose you to 2,720 RADs (Radiation Absorbed Dose) that's 8 pictures at 340 RADS each. And they encourage us to get a mammogram every year. The non-direct natural radiation that we as humans absorb every year is only 300 RADs. There are times when x-rays are necessary, but if there is a safer and effective alternative to routine yearly mammograms, why not check it out?

There is lots of money raised every year in support of finding a cure for breast cancer, which is great. But I wish there was more of a focus on educating women on how to prevent breast cancer. Because it all boils down to good nutrition and making healthy choices. By adopting these lifestyle changes in our life, we would not only prevent breast cancer, but we would also prevent other illnesses and diseases as well.

Author's Bio: 

Barb Hughesian is the creator of www.HealthyChoices4Life.com and has an avid interest in nutrition, herbs and natural health. She likes sharing information and helping others to improve their health. She is currently enrolled in classes to further her knowledge in herbs and natural health and is working on various certifications in these fields.