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As a woman, keeping your breasts healthy is a must. It’s not something you should overlook, especially with the risk of developing breast cancer and other painful breast conditions.
Women are becoming more aware of their breast health, which is a great thing! With some changes in your lifestyle, you can lower your risks of suffering from breast health problems. Aside from getting regular checkups, you can watch your weight, be physically active, and eat a healthy diet.
Aside from eating healthy foods, you may also benefit from taking supplements. Ideally, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need from the foods that you eat. However, given how so many foods are processed these days, along with our sometimes unhealthy lifestyles, food isn’t always enough to give your body the essential nutrients that it needs.
Supplements for Healthy Breasts
Here are six supplements that you may like to consider to help keep your breasts healthy.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is responsible for regulating your body’s calcium and phosphate levels. They play crucial roles in the health of your teeth, bones, and muscles. Did you know that this “sunshine” vitamin can also help prevent breast cancer?
Several studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Aside from direct sunlight and dietary supplements, you can also get some vitamin D from oily fish, red meat, liver, and egg yolks.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is known to help boost the immune system. It doesn’t only help lower your risk of suffering many diseases, it can also prevent certain types of cancers, including breast cancer.
Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, which damage DNA and cause the growth of cancer cells. Ensuring that you have a sufficient dose of vitamin C every day is crucial for your body.
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Selenium
Just like vitamin C, selenium contains antioxidants that can fight off free radicals and prevent tumor growth. Although more studies are still required, previous research revealed that selenium may lower your risk of having breast cancer, as well as prostate or lung cancer.
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Vitamin A
Beta carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A, has been found beneficial for preventing breast cancer. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin A can lower your risk of developing the disease, especially when taken along with vitamin E and vitamin C.
If you love eating eggs, and orange and yellow vegetables, as well as dark green, leafy vegetables, then your body gets vitamin A. If for any reason you don’t eat any of these foods, you can take vitamin A supplements.
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Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is found in cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane was noted to be beneficial for those who have high-risk factors for breast cancer. A study showed that this sulfur-rich compound not only improves the health of the heart and digestive system but also prevents the growth or slows down the progression of cancer cells in the body.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, and eggs and flaxseeds. If you don’t consume these regularly, taking fish oil supplements can help you keep your breasts healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for fighting inflammation, essentially keeping cancer cells under control.
Key Reminders
Taking vitamins A, C, and D, selenium, sulforaphane, and fish oil supplements can help keep your breasts in tip-top health and prevent certain breast problems.
Women with low levels of vitamin D especially may run a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, breast cancer survivors with low vitamin D levels may have a greater risk of disease recurrence.
The added benefit of these supplements is that they improve your overall well-being, especially when coupled with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Ensure that you find quality supplements that meet or exceed your health authority’s requirements.
Also, remember that they’re not the sole substitute for healthy food or targeted conventional medications. If in any doubt make sure that you talk to your doctor first.
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