October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You see the color pink on many items that contribute to breast cancer research as well as the pink ribbon. Many of us have been or will be affected by this disease because research shows that breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women.
There has always been a lot of discussion around estrogen and the impact it can have on our bodies. However in light of more recent research we have learned that among the many different types of estrogen we as women have in our bodies, the estrogen compounds called 2-Hydroxyestrone and 16-Alpha-hydroxyestrone are the most important when it comes to keeping our breasts healthy. These are the good and bad estrogen compounds, and ratio between them is very telling.
2-Hydroxyestrone: This is called the good estrogen. Testing showed that increasing the 2-Hydroxyestrone reduced cancer growth and doesn’t seem to increase risk.
16-Alpha-hydroxyestrone: Typically called the bad estrogen because it seems to increase the risk of breast cancer and some studies even call it a cancer causing agent.
All women have these estrogen compounds but the ratio of good to bad estrogen is what is important when monitoring health, rather than the total numbers. An Estronex test is an easy way to find out your estrogen levels from the comfort of your own home. This measurement is learned through a simple urine analysis that can be obtained by Humfeld Family Chiropractic. A low 2/16 ratio can indicate long-term risk for breast cancer as well as other estrogen sensitive cancers. The encouraging thing is many women can increase their ratio by dietary choices.
Below are a few ways to increase your ratio naturally:
Reduce caffeine intake and smoking
Lower an elevated BMI
Increase ground flax seed
Increase intake of fish oils
Increase fruit and vegetable intake
Increase cruciferous vegetables including, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts
Many have also found that adding Standard Process “Cruciferous Complete” to be another way to easily increase their cruciferous vegetables. Here are a few things that adding this supplement can help with.
Present or past estrogen-dependent cancer (EDC)
Family history or increased risk of EDC
Low vegetable intake
Breast or endometrial dysplasia
Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts
Check with Dr. Lisa before adding this supplement to your diet.
You may also want to find out exactly where your estrogen levels are and this month our Estronex test is being offered at a special price of $239 (Regularly $325) in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
At Humfeld Family Chiropractic, we want to help you, your family, your friends and your neighbors who are dealing with cancer. Help us fight back! Please tell us your story in the comments below and contact us today to take advantage of Estronex