Detoxify your Life and Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Every day we encounter chemicals.  It’s becoming increasingly clear that these chemicals are toxins to our bodies and they play a role in altering our biological process.  Research continues to help determine which chemicals we encounter daily may be contributing factors to the development of breast cancer.  However, you can detoxify your life and better protect yourself from breast cancer by knowing what to avoid.  Here are some toxins to avoid and decrease your risk for all types of cancers.

Air and Water, Food, and Plastics: Unpurified water, many non-organic foods, and cooked starchy foods, such as French fries, contain a chemical called acrylamide, which is also an ingredient found in many plastics and cosmetics. Long-term exposure to it has been linked to cancer and neurological dysfunction.  Phthalates are found in PVC and #3 plastics such as some cling wraps (yikes!), many children’s toys, shower curtains, and detergent and spray bottles.  They are known to release toxins into food and drink contributing to an increased risk for cancer. Also avoid products with mercury found in some dental fillings, many vaccines and urban air because high accumulations of mercury and other metals have been found in cancerous breast biopsies.

Cosmetics, Health Care/Lifestyle and Household Products: Avoid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or (PAHs). Because levels of PAHs in urban air maybe up to 10 times greater than those in rural areas, consider a high quality air purifier in your home or office. A variety of cosmetics and shampoos are made with coal tar, and therefore may contain PAH’s which are linked to increased risk of breast cancer.  Another risk can be found in taking oral contraceptives, especially among women who have used them for more than five years, and those with a family history of breast cancer. Chemicals found in many cleaning products and personal care products can disrupt the hormone system and affect the mammary glands, increasing your risk for breast cancer.

As you can see, embracing a lifestyle of wellness goes beyond what we eat and how often we exercise. It is estimated that 70 – 90 percent of disease risks are due to environmental factors.  Symptoms such as muscle aches, concentration problems, chronic pain and fatigue, food allergies, irritability, headaches, general weakness, and abdominal pain can all be brought on by chemical exposure.  Experiencing these symptoms means your body is under significant stress and the symptoms cannot be relieved until the source of the stress is removed.  Regular chiropractic care can help with your body’s restoration of balance and combined with limiting exposure to harmful chemicals can boost your immune system and lower your risk of contracting debilitating diseases.