After all, we are what we eat! Try to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, such as broccoli, eggplant, celery, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. These veggies have flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties. Apples, oranges, melons, green tea, coffee, chamomile tea, and many aromatic herbs also contain these flavonoids. Eating wild-caught fish is ideal as it has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of berries can also protect against DNA damage and other triggers for cancer. We love blackberries and raspberries during the winter seasons! Try sprinkling Flaxseeds in smoothies or on oatmeal for a rich omega-3 fatty acid and dietary fiber intake. These can suppress growth, size and proliferation of cancer cells. Walnuts are also rich in the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid ALA along with nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that can protect against cancer. Extra-virgin olive oil and green tea decrease cancer cell growth and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

 

Depending on your energy and activity levels, between 7 and 9 hours of quality and uninterrupted sleep is ideal for your body to naturally heal it’s cells. Try listening to meditative music or read before bed, and avoid television before falling asleep. Try to go to sleep by 10pm as the body is able to reconstruct most efficiently during the hours of 11pm and 2am.

 

Copious research shows chronic stress can contribute to breast cancer and other kinds of cancers. Meditation, mindfulness, yoga and breathing techniques are among the best ways to manage stress.

 

Pick an activity you enjoy — be it brisk walking, yoga, swimming, playing tennis, cycling, or dancing, and work out at least four hours a week! Working up a sweat detoxifies the body, helping to rejuvenate the cells and bring clarity to the mind and body. Studies show that physical inactivity contributes to nine percent of breast cancer cases. People who are more physically active have a reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as other cancers and diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.