In the last blog, I shared some scary facts about xeno-estrogens and how they can lead to Breast Cancer if not kept in check. This week, I am going to share with you just how you can be proactive with prevention [1] in keeping xeno-estrogens at bay. There is A LOT you can do, one of the most important of which has to do with a process called methylation.
What is Methylation?
I stumbled upon the concept of methylation when, seemingly out of the blue, I discovered that my homocysteine levels were abnormally high. Concerned about heart attack and stroke risk [2], I immediately began to research. This is when I discovered this fascinating and essential body process.
In simple terms, here is how methylation works. Imagine how spark plugs work in a car. Some “plugs” cause certain chemical reactions to occur. Methylation in your body is similar to spark plugs converting simple chemical elements (carbon and hydrogen to be exact) into literally hundreds of different functions in your body. Some of these functions include repairing DNA, proper immune system function, detoxification (especially of the liver), and gene expression.
Most importantly for reproductive and hormonal health, methylation can cause certain hormones and proteins to shift into completely different substances (serotonin to melatonin, for example). When methylation is not occurring or is off in some way, healthy genes can be turned “off” and unhealthy ones can “turn on.” Not surprisingly, cancer cells [3] tend to have abnormal methylation processes.
5 Actions You Can Take NOW to Help Your Methylation Processes
The good news is that when methylation processes are working properly, they can change xeno-estrogens and other “aggressive” estrogens into milder forms, which is great news for Breast Cancer prevention.
Here is a list of actions you can take now to help your estrogen methylation processes:
- Reduce Your Toxic Load. This may seem obvious, but avoiding toxins is probably the most important thing you can do to help your methylation processes and reduce xeno-estrogenic loads. Go organic with not only your veggies but also meats as well. Filter your water of not just pathogens, but chemical additives too, including fluoride. Replace chemically-ladened [4] sundry and household products with naturally-based ones and, of course, if you smoke, [5] stop! These four steps can do wonders to support your overall body health.
- Balance stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Recent studies [6] are beginning to make the connection between epigenetic factors, brain health, and methylation imbalance.
- Include flax seeds in your diet. Flax seeds [7] are high in lignans, a powerhouse substance that mimics naturally occurring mild forms of estrogen and will take residence at mammary area cellular receptor sites instead of xeno-estrogens.
- Support your liver. The liver’s main job is detoxification and is heavily interconnected with methylation, especially the conversion of certain substances like folate to glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants in your body. An effective action you can take to support your liver is to administer a coffee enema at least once a week (more if you are on a breast cancer healing journey). Studies have shown [8] that the phytochemicals kahweol and cafestol in coffee can activate glutathione and promote cellular detoxification.
- Consider targeted supplementation. Some supplements that target methylation include Methyl Support [9], which supplies synergistically B vitamins to support methylation and homocysteine metabolism, Brocco Power [10] which contains sulforaphane extracted from broccoli sprouts, and Haelan [11], a fermented soy product that balances estrogen methylation pathways through isoflavones.
Unfortunately, methylation is rarely addressed by traditional doctors and is a seriously overlooked piece of the puzzle when it comes to Breast Cancer. It is very important to know about and keep in check if you are on a Healthy Breast [1] journey. If you have a tendency towards obesity or have (or have had) painful menstrual periods, estrogen methylation may be an issue for you. There is a simple at-home urine test you can do to find out for sure. In addition, following even a few of the above steps will take you far toward balancing methylation and good health in general.
Learn more about this process in the Survive & Thrive [12] online program featuring some of the top healers and doctors in the world!