Dioxins are dangerous environmental chemicals and they are everywhere. Since the 1920’s they have been showing up in the food that we eat, and especially in animal products such as dairy. Now researchers are connecting dioxins to BRCA gene mutations and higher risk for breast cancer. Knowledge really is power when it comes to how to avoid these dangerous substances on your Healthy Breast journey.
What Are Dioxins?
Dioxins are chemical compounds. They are used in the bleaching process and in agriculture. They are utilized mostly in paper manufacturing and in the production of herbicides for farming. In total, there are over 30 different forms that are considered dangerously toxic to the human body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “more than 90% of human exposure is through food, mainly meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish.” This is because dioxins– including TCDDs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)—accumulate mostly in animal fats.
Also according to the WHO, “(d)ioxins are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.”
The fact is that any amount of dioxin in the body should be cause for concern.
Dioxins and BRCA
Women with BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutation are at a higher risk for Breast Cancer.
Investigations conducted at the University of Arizona and others have found that TCDD, in particular, can cause BRCA-1
and BRCA-2 gene mutations. Remember that BRCA is actually gene coding that protects a woman from breast cancer. Breast cancer risk increases when BRCA genes become mutated. TCDD toxicity can silence BRCA, stimulate breaks in DNA strands, and cause these mutations.
Three Things You Can Do
Here are some research-backed actions steps you can take NOW to protect yourself from gene-altering dioxins.
#1 Eat Only Organic Fats, Dairy, and Meat.
Livestock like cows, pigs, goats, and sheep raised on pastures that have been sprayed with dioxin-containing pesticides (or who eat grain that has been produced in the same manner) contain the highest levels of dioxins. If you are on a Healthy Breast path, be sure to consume only organic, grass-fed animal products. Ideally, choose livestock that has been raised locally and avoid pork altogether.
#2 Use Natural, Non-Bleached (and Non-Perfumed) Feminine Products.
Manufacturers of commercial feminine products use a bleaching process that includes dioxins for pads and tampons. According to a November 2013 report commissioned by the non-profit organization Women’s Voices for the Earth, both scented and unscented versions of two of the biggest names in the feminine products industry – Proctor and Gamble’s Always and Infinity pad and tampons—consistently emitted chemicals which the U.S. Department of Health ad Huma Services (HHS) have deemed carcinogenic and a threat to reproductive health.
The good news is that there are alternative feminine products. Check out THIS BLOG for some suggestions.
#3 Eat Foods High in Resveratrol and Other Cancer-Fighting Phytonutrients.
#3 Use Phytonutrients like Resveratrol
Remember the connection between TCDD and BRCA gene mutations? According to the University of Arizona study, when taken as a preventative, the phytonutrient resveratrol can reverse the cancer-causing effects of TCDD on BRCA genes.
Resveratrol is found in many bright red and other colorful whole foods as well as in red wine. Other powerful cancer-busters found in whole foods include luteolin, which is a phytonutrient found in celery among other vegetables, and enoki mushrooms, which can inhibit Breast Cancer growth by 99%.
Besides doing all you can to avoid dioxin exposure, changing to a whole-foods diet with low animal protein can place you dramatically on the path towards optimum health. Adding proof to this point is a 2009 Canadian study that found that Breast Cancer risk significantly reduces when women choose a diverse variety of different fruits and vegetables.
Now that is what I call using food as medicine on your Healthy Breast journey!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr V”) is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.com and The 7 Essentials System®. This step-by-step guide empowers you with knowledge so you Never Have to Fear Breast Cancer Again! To watch a FREE webinar about the 7 steps for beating breast cancer naturally, Click Here