Breast Health

Stress

Riveting new research shows a lock-step relationship between a woman’s stress level and her risk of breast cancer.  The data points to the dangers of abnormal cortisol levels that occurs when your adrenal glands are stressed out.  Cortisol is the hormone produced by the adrenal gland when you are under chronic stress.  This is not the adrenaline rush you feel when your three year old reaches for a hot pot on the stove or your sixty-two year old husband decides to sky dive.  Abnormal cortisol levels – either too high or too low – occur when you are under chronic stress:  caring for aging parents, parenting a rebellious teen ager, unmanageable work load, juggling job and family…circumstances most women today identify with.  Now, please, don’t stress out even more!  Keep reading.  We have good news that can help you simultaneously decrease your stress level and protect your breast health.

First, let’s do what we can to calm you down at a cellular level.  One of the benefits of bioidentical progesterone is its calming effect.  Many women tell us that “they would have been put in jail” if not for their bioidentical progesterone cream.  In addition, studies have shown vitamin C helps modulate cortisol production. The herb best known for supporting adrenal function is licorice.  Yes, the ingredient that gives candy its flavor is an anti-stress herb known to increase energy, endurance and vitality while acting as a mild tonic.  We actually have an Adrenal Boost Formula* that Dr. Randolph specifically developed for its healing and restorative benefits on the adrenal gland.

Now, you have to do your part.  Start with the basics.  Eat well, get enough sleep and breathe more deeply.  Really!  Figure out how to carve out 30 minutes a day just for you to breathe, count your blessings, dream, journal, pray.  Do it in 10 minute intervals if necessary but be disciplined and don’t bring your “to do” lists into your quiet time.  Having trouble getting quiet time away from needy people and ringing phones?  Take more baths, turn off your phone in your car or just lock yourself in the toilet. 

We have already talked about the benefits of exercise but here’s another one.  Exercise reduces stress .  Get those sneakers on.  And, here’s my favorite, cultivate and nurture your friendships.  My personal opinion is that girlfriends are God-sent.

Finally, research has found that happiness and optimism are associated with lower rates of breast cancer.  I am not suggesting that you walk around like some giddy nincompoop, But, stop dwelling on bad news and the economy and, instead, discipline yourself to look on the bright side or just change thoughts altogether and refocus on something that makes you smile.  Either way, how wonderful is it that – when you make the effort to cultivate happiness and optimism in your life – you are building resilience towards the negative effects of health and helping your breasts stay healthy!

* Note: Do not use any adrenal boost formulation containing licorice if you have high blood pressure; licorice root has been found to elevate blood pressure.