Breast Cancer – Estrogen Fed Cancer & the Power of Nutrition
Pro-Active Steps You Can Take In the Fight Against Breast Cancer!
Breast Cancer Awareness was last month and I heard a really helpful interview on a local radio station http://www.WWIB.com on October 14th.
Nutritionist Karen Hurd located in Fall Creek, WI and online at http://www.KarenHurd.com, was interviewed and gave some really helpful, health impacting information.
I’ve listened to her before and I’ve always been impressed. She has a way of explaining how the body works in easy-to-understand terms. And all of her recommendations, that I’ve tried, have helped me.
Today I’ll try to just stay focused on this interview about estrogen fed cancer. Also let me make my disclaimer up front – this post is based on the notes I took while listening to the interview and I do my best to be accurate. But even so this is in no way medical advice… if you have a problem, please go see a doctor!
Estrogen fed cancers are tumorous growths that are fed by the hormones estrogen. There are four types of estrogen – and estrogen fed cancers are fed by one of the strongest estrogens that we make. It stimulates female tissue to grow past what it should be growing and to grow tissue that is an anomaly (not supposed to be there). Then that tissue is called a tumor and can spread as cancer to other parts of the body as well. So it is important to keep it in check!
Since estrogen is causing this… if we can control the amount of estrogen being secreted or get rid of the estrogen that is already circulating in the body – we could have a major impact on the cancer!
How Do We Go About Getting Control of the Estrogen in Our Body?
1.) Stop the Things that are Causing Over-Production
What causes us to produce large amounts of estrogen that are over-the-top amounts that cause cancerous growths?
Things like the following were the main culprits mentioned:
A. CAFFEINE – Caffeine is one of the worst culprits in estrogen fed cancers! It produces large amounts of estrogen (too much estrogen and then you can grow fibroids or tumors that become cancerous.) As difficult as it may be, it is important to STOP the intake of caffeine.
If you give up the coffee (and/or pop) your estrogen levels will begin to fall. Suggested alternatives besides plain water are: carbonated water and almond milk (warm almond milk is good).
B. SUGAR – Sugar is another culprit that stimulates the production of estrogen.
C. PERFUMES & FRAGERANCES – Perfumes may not be something you would have considered, but they are well known for stimulating the production of hormones.
2.) Get Rid of the Estrogen that is Already Made
We recycle estrogen everyday – all day. Most of the time it is not being properly eliminated, and gets recycled in the blood stream and wreaks havoc.
How do we eliminate it?
Have a diet high in fiber; beans and legumes. If you are dealing with symptoms, add large amounts of soluble fiber into your diet – it would be nice to press 30-50 grams p/day, which means ½ cup of beans 6-9 times a day. Then you clear a lot of estrogen and reduce your risks.
Randy Johnson, a client of Karen Hurd, was also on the interview. Randy already had a mastectomy late 2007 and then contacted Karen when dealing with the crisis of breast cancer. She was also seeing her regular doctors, and so she has lots of documentation of her test results.
After she started the recommended nutritional diet changes, her tested levels of estrogen dropped dramatically! She did not end up taking the chemotherapy and is now cancer free. Randy also mentioned other health benefits from her nutritional diet changes and her story is very encouraging.
This is a verse she stood on during her health crisis:
“Trust Me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you and you will glorify Me.” – Psalm 50:15
I’ve personally taken Karen’s previous advice on cutting out sugar and adding fish oil to my diet. I haven’t completely cut out sugar but take in very little. Those two changes alone made a significant difference for me.
I really suggest not ignoring the practical everyday things we can do to help ourselves achieve better health. As Karen said, “There are no side effects to a healthy diet – only side benefits.”
If we pray and ask God for help and He brings to our attention steps we can take, why would we want to ignore them?
I was dealing with symptoms and have been in prayer about them, and then this interview just happened to show up. I’ve been challenged with giving up my coffee, but I am working on it and also getting the majority of my protein from beans now.
I’ve already noticed most of my symptoms gone, (now just dealing with caffeine withdrawal headaches).
Bottom line: Have HOPE! Do not ignore the practical nutritional steps you can take. And do not fear. Do what you can and Trust God – always!
God bless you,
Brenda
P.S. I was reminded of a book I’ve had for many years that is also packed full of helpful information. I just dug it out and dusted it off. I see it is still available on Amazon and is called: “You CAN Prevent Breast Cancer” by Harvey Diamond.
God bless you Diane! Thank you for sharing your story and encouragement with others! We will be in prayer for you.
And I’m thankful for you pointing out the book “Made to Crave.” I had not previously heard of this book and it looks very interesting. I do believe we have a deep spiritual need and craving for the things of God, and we too often try to fill those cravings with other things – but they just can’t fill what only God can. I just recently published my first book “Christian Meditation Guide: Biblical Answers To The Top 20 Questions About Meditating God’s Word” and look forward to the print version coming out soon. It is also about the importance of meditating God’s Word on a daily basis.
Be blessed and may God’s Amazing Grace continue to awe you!
Love in Christ,
Brenda
I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2.. 3 weeks ago and had a lumpectomy that removed the tumor and lymph nodes under my arm last week. Pathology report said it hormone fed. God’s timing is awesome. The first of March my Bible study group started the study “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst. One member had already gone to a doctor for eliminating sugar, glutton, etc, from her diet in the process of getting off estrogen. Another member sent me this article this AM. WOW!! I am vision impaired but continue to be awed by God’s “Amazing Grace” and the words …”I was blind but now I see” . I know God always has a purpose for me in all of this and so I know Breast CAncer will not be the worst thing that ever happened to me!!!! Thank you giving me the opportunity to share my story…..Smiles..Diane
Thanks Jan for your comment and input! I know it helps others dealing with the same issue. I will keep you in my prayers – God bless you! Brenda
Your article was very interesting. I was diagnosed with breast cancer due to an estrogen fed tumor. I am allergic to anything with caffeine so I have naturally avoided that for over 20+ years. I liked the idea of more beans and a healthy diet … plus I have added beets and more salads. The doctor recommended more protein which is pretty easy for me. Always praying!
Wow, Lori – you deserve an endurance award for all you’ve been thru and you’re still standing! Thank God!
I would reccomend checking out Karen Hurds website: http://www.karenhurd.com. She now has a cookbook available for sale, but she also has some free recipes on her website along with some other helpful information. That might be a great starting point for you.
I will keep you in my prayers – God bless you!
Hello! I am thanking God that I came across this information tonight. I have been searching the web for a week now trying to figure out how to stop the estrogen from running rapid in my body. Background: I have severe Endometriosis & have had many surgeries. I had a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago removing the uterus & cervix. Just 2 wks ago, I had the ovaries removed. The Endo has now traveled to my left rib cage/lung (rare) & intestines. Both ovaries were stuck together on the right side. Adhesion’s attached everything together. Even though this is not cancer, I am very concerned about having way too much estrogen in my body and it turning into cancer. The hysterectomy will not resolve my high estrogen levels. After reading the info you posted has shed light on what I need to do… change my diet. I have not drank coffee since before surgery so thankfully, no withdrawals to deal with! Are you aware of a “cookbook” for an anti-estrogen meals? I love to cook and the changes I need to make feel very overwhelming. Plus I have found mixed reviews on what to eat/drink vs what to not eat/drink. Same with taking supplements. Also, did you cleanse your liver too? Thank you very much! Lori
You’re welcome and I’m sorry to hear about what you had to go through – but thank God you are here now Kristen!
I was hoping this info would be helpful to others. And as a note, I’m actually starting to feel more energy now than when I was drinking so much coffee everyday… Thanks for taking the time to comment – Cheers, Brenda
THANK YOU so much for this blog! I had a total hysterectomy almost 2 years ago and have to take estrogen. I take 2 pills a day, which for most women, the norm seems to be only 1 pill. I worry about the effects it has on my body. After reading this, I now know I can help simply by changing my diet. I am addicted to caffeine but I think I will now cut back! Thank you very much!