Vitamin D for Breast Health

October is breast health awareness month. Are you aware of the benefits of Vitamin D for breast health? As a woman I am keenly aware of breast cancer and not just in the month of October. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

I believe that it is my responsibility to do everything I possibly can for my breast health. For me, that includes regular breast check ups and mammograms.

I like the idea of looking at breast “health” before it becomes breast “disease”. It gives you a great chance to use treatments, diet and lifestyle changes to improve your breast health!

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer

WebMD reports several studies not only suggesting a link between low Vitamin D levels and risk for breast cancer but also with low levels increasing the risk for the most aggressive types of breast cancer. If you don’t know what your Vitamin D blood level is, ask your doctor to order the lab test. You should never supplement with Vitamin D until you know your results, and the doctor can determine the amount needed to increase your blood level to a healthy range.

Increasing lymphatic drainage of the breast is a great way to take control of your breast health. This can be done using a mini trampoline or rebounder as I video blogged about here, Rebounding for Detoxfication.

Staying away from processed foods which are loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars is important for breast health as well as including vegetables that are known cancer fighters like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and more.

Reducing exposure to chemicals which can find their way in to breast tissue is essential for breast health. BPA in plastic, parabens and phthalates in personal care products, Teflon coated cookware are all synthetic chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body and can cause health problems.

Easy Ways to Foster Good Breast Health:

•    use glass containers instead of plastic for storing leftover food
•    be responsible for knowing your own Vitamin D level and supplement under a doctor’s supervision
•    use a rebounder daily for a few minutes to increase lymphatic drainage of the breasts
•    use personal care products that are free of parabens and phthalates
•    use non toxic cleaning products in your home

Let’s focus on breast health and not breast cancer; it’s much more powerful and uplifting to know that we are taking deliberate action towards something positive and not fighting against something negative.