One of the most identifiable aspects of a woman’s body are her breasts…..do you celebrate yours? Are they a hindrance to the way you live your life? Throughout history, the bosom has been revered and treasured by men and women alike, with presentations and care of this area of the body having both historic and cultural significance.
If you are like many women in society today, juggling the demands of work and career, family and personal needs, you have precious little time to devote to caring for yourself, let alone your breasts. The fact of the matter is, neglecting to give yourself a little bit of breast care can result in additional stress and even physical illness if you do not properly care for them. Follow these little “titbits” to ensure that you and your breasts remain happy and healthy:
1. Exercise regularly!
It’s time to work up a sweat and get that whole body moving, including your chest! Excess fat cells produce estrogen in large quantities, which can be linked to the development of cancers in women. Working out shrinks the size of these fat cells, resulting in less production of estrogen. According to the American Cancer Society, it is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for best results. Regardless of the type of exercise that you choose to do, you’ll want to protect this tender tissue with a quality sports bra that supports your chest. Plenty of fitness websites offer sports bras online that can fit your style, your needs, and your budget. Stock up on several to keep yourself clean and comfortable through several workouts. Virtually any kind of cardio will do, just make sure it’s enough to stimulate your breast area, and let your effort do the rest.
2. Practice regular self-examinations
At least once a month, it’s important to do a self-breast exam to ensure that you are not developing any growths or tissues that can develop into breast cancer. If you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, make sure your practitioner knows so you can be comprehensively screened on a regular basis for abnormal growth. There are several breast exam guides online that can help guide you through this process and help you determine what is normal and what is not. Check with your doctor if you have any questions, and take a proactive approach to your own healthcare by taking part in these monthly self-examinations.
3. Indulge in some good chocolate!
Good news! We can all indulge in a bit more chocolate these days! Research has shown that there is a compound present in dark chocolate that helps protect the body and slow the growth of fast-spreading cancers. The compound interacts with enzymes in the body and attacks cancer cells only, leaving regular cells alone. Enjoy a square or two of your favorite dark as an indulgent treat and know that you are doing something good for your health.
4. Eat a healthy diet
Pigging out on produce is the best recipe for optimal breast health; several recent studies point to the fact that eating fresh fruits and veggies helps reduce the risk of tumor development. One reason for this added protection is that fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, which are known cancer fighters. Current USDA recommendations ask that you fill at least half your plate with fruits and veggies for optimal health.
5. Get some shuteye
A suppression in melatonin levels due to increased technology and artificial light exposure that helped regulate estrogen production. When these two hormones are out of balance, it can increase your risk for the development of certain cancers that are triggered by hormonal imbalances. Getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night is a great foundation for all other aspects of health, including breast health.
Following these expert tips and practicing a little extra self-care will result in improved health, reduced risk of certain cancers, and better breasts. Now, support those girls, support yourself, and take proactive charge of your health. Celebrate your most feminine asset, and look forward to vibrant health!
Author Bio:
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – lisa@lisaeclesworth.com or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com
