The science is solid. Low-dose exposure to chemicals in the environment is linked to women's health concerns. More and more women are becoming aware of these links and are making better dietary and lifestyle choices to help support their bodies.

Breast cancer is a multi-factorial disease. There are genetic components, immune factors, and environmental concerns that all potentially play a role. A part of what leads to cancer is damage to the genes that regulate normal cell growth. Chemicals in our environment are just one cause of that damage. And as we all know our environment has really changed over the years. More than ever we have a better appreciation for the toxins in our air, in our food, and in our water. And our livers have to filter and process all of this!

Breast tissue is very sensitive to estrogen stimulation which affects breast cell division. Many different environmental chemicals, air pollutants, plastics, parabens or preservatives in body care products, pesticides, etc, can all mimic estrogen or stimulate estrogen tissues. It is also important to keep in mind that although everyone is exposed to these chemicals every day, not everyone gets breast cancer. Factors like timing of exposure, dose of exposure, and genetics, all contribute to outcome.

Because of the increase of toxins in our society a 3 week liver detox a couple times a year can be beneficial to decrease the burden on the body and increase efficiency of the organs, especially the liver. We can be pro-active and do a seasonal detoxification to decrease the burden on the body. By assisting your body in releasing chemicals from fat tissue and organs, the chemicals can then re-enter the bloodstream and be metabolized by the liver.

We can support all detox pathways by eating clean and removing the inflammatory foods in our diet like alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Foods critical to add to a detoxification program are the cruciferous vegetables. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale all help the liver metabolize estrogens. Green tea also supports the liver in breaking down these toxins.
One of the most common questions I get is what can and can't I eat on a detox and that is why I wrote a cookbook called Delicious Detox. The cookbook answers this question and gives patients a guide to cooking healthier meals to boost their energy, and improve digestion. It is a great start for those wanting to be pro-active and choose healthier foods to improve liver function to break down estrogens and other toxins more efficiently.

By Dr. Carol Morley, Zawada Health | www.ZawadaHealth.com