FitSugar

Soymilk Taste Test

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

So you grew up drinking cow's milk. Why would you even think of switching? Well, for starters, soymilk is a healthy option because it's cholesterol free, plus it's low in saturated fat and high in protein. It also comes in different flavors, like carob or chocolate, and you can bake and cook with the unsweetened or vanilla flavors.

Due to soymilk's current popularity many companies make it, and the the brands all taste different: some soymilk is thicker like Edensoy, all vanilla flavors are sweeter, and some taste more like real milk such as Silk brand. My advice is to taste more than one brand and flavor. Why not buy a few at a time and have a soymilk taste test. Don't drink them directly from the grocery-store sheIf; stick the container in the fridge for at least an hour or two because soymilk tastes much better cold.

Aside from texture and taste, the soymilk brands differ nutritionally as well. To see how they compare, just read more.

Serving Size = 8 ounces	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Organic Edensoy Carob	170	4	.5	95	28	13	7
Organic Edensoy Chocolate	180	3.5	1	105	28	14	8
Organic Edensoy Extra Original	130	4	.5	100	13	7	11
Organic Edensoy Extra Vanilla	150	3	0	90	23	15	7
Organic Edensoy Light Original	100	2	0	90	15	10	5
Organic Edensoy Unsweetened	120	6	1	5	5	2	12
Silk Unsweetened	80	4	.5	85	4	1	7
Silk Vanilla	100	3.5	.5	95	10	7	6
Silk Very Vanilla	130	4	.5	140	19	16	6
Silk Chocolate	140	3.5	.5	100	23	19	5
Wildwood Unsweetened	70	3.5	.5	70	3	2	7
Wildwood Vanilla	90	3.5	.5	70	8	7	7
Pacific Select Soy Unsweetened	90	4.5	.5	15	4	2	9
Pacific Select Soy Vanilla	80	2.5	0	115	11	9	5
Soy Dream Enriched Refrigerated Original	100	3.5	.5	140	9	5	8
Soy Dream Enriched Refrigerated Vanilla	120	3.5	.5	130	14	10	8

Fit's Tip: If you're trying to get more protein in your diet, skip out on the cow's milk in your cereal and go for Edensoy Unsweetened instead. It contains 12g of protein while cow's milk only contains 8g.

Milk Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:45:00 -0800

Isn't it amazing how many types of milk are available? You can get cow's milk, but if you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you can use soy milk instead. If you're worried about the possible health risks of eating too much soy, you can pick up some rice milk. If you're not into the watery consistency, then there's always almond milk. Basically, you have a lot of options.

So nutritionally speaking, ever wonder how all these types of milk compare? If so then read more

Serving Size = 1 cup	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Skim Milk	90	0	0	less than 5	13	12	8
1% Milk	110	2.5	1.5	15	13	12	8
2% Milk	190	16	2	20	7	3	8
2% Chocolate Milk	170	5	3	20	24	23	8
Whole Milk	150	8	5	35	12	12	8
Half and Half	320	28	16	80	8	8	8
Heavy Cream	800	96	56	320	0	0	0
1% Buttermilk	100	2.5	1.5	15	12	12	8
Plain Soy Milk	130	4	.5	0	13	7	11
Vanilla Soy milk	150	3	0	0	23	15	7
Chocolate Soy Milk	180	4	1	0	28	14	8
Plain Rice Milk	120	2.5	0	0	24	11	1
Vanilla Rice Milk	120	2.5	0	0	23	10	1
Chocolate Rice Milk	160	3	0	0	34	28	2
Almond Milk	90	2.5	0	0	16	14	1

Well there you have it. If you're watching your calorie intake, skim milk or almond milk are definitely the way to go. If you're trying to lower your cholesterol, I'd stick with cholesterol-free soy, rice, or almond milk. If you're trying to get more protein in your diet, than surprisingly enough, plain soy milk is the best choice. When choosing which one, it all comes down to your dietary or ethical preference, but I'd only use heavy cream in small quantities.

Wildwood Organic Soymilk: Unsweetened & Delicious

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:45:00 -0700

Back in my experimental college days, I dabbled into the world of dairy alternatives. I tried 'em all and was a huge fan of vanilla soymilk. It was so sweet and light.

These days I still like keeping a bit of soy in my diet though, since we know that it's a great source of protein. I discovered that Wildwood Organics makes an Unsweetened Soymilk - they're the company that makes that Soyogurt I was raving about a week or so ago.

I thought since it had no sugar added, it'd be healthy and taste more like regular milk. I was right (I am not so into super sweet tastes these days either). This is one of the best soymilks I have ever tasted! Even though there are no sugars added, it has a delicious and naturally sweet flavor. Many soymilks can be overly thick or creamy, but the consistency of Wildwood Organics is really light and thin just like cow's milk, but it has no cholesterol or lactose, and practically no saturated fat.

Want to see the nutritional info and a closeup picture? Then read more

Serving Size	8 oz
Calories	70
Total Fat	3.5g
Saturated Fat	.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	70mg
Potassium	300g
Carbs	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g
Protein	7g

Check that out! It's low in calories and sodium, but high in potassium and protein. Another great thing is that it contains 50% of your RDI of vitamin B12 and 30% calcium. Plus it has a deliciously crisp and fresh flavor.

Whether you are watching your saturated fat or cholesterol intake, are lactose intolerant, or vegan, I definitely recommend looking for this organic and dairy-free soymilk at your local health food store. It's kept cold, so look for it where they keep the yogurt and cheese.

Is Soy Safe?

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I have heard much talk about the connection between soy and breast cancer. I've heard eating soy can prevent breast cancer, but I've also heard that it can increase your risk, or be harmful for breast cancer patients.

First off, let's bring up the fact that soy is not some new food we just discovered. It has been eaten in many Asian cultures for thousands of years, including products such as tofu, edamame (steamed whole soybean), soymilk, and fermented soy products such as tempeh, miso, and soy sauce.

Recently, in North America, soy has become a huge hit. All these products are becoming widely available, in addition to some new ones like soy nuts, soy-based meat alternatives, soy-based beverages, soy chips, soy ice cream, soy yogurt, and soy cheese.

Soy contains phytoestrogens, a group of chemicals that act like the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone necessary for having babies, and is also involved with bone and heart health in women. Higher exposure to estrogen over a lifetime is linked with increased breast cancer risk. Therefore, you can see why people might be worried about the estrogen-like phytoestrogens in soy products.

So can phytoestrogens from soy foods affect breast cancer risk? To find out read more

Right now, there is no evidence that consuming phytoestrogens found in soy products will affect healthy women, or increase their risk of breast cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research stresses that studies on soy and breast cancer are not conclusive, and more studies need to be conducted before any dietary recommendations can be made.

Fit's Tips: Women can help prevent breast cancer by staying healthy, by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, and by getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

Source

Dairy-Free Ice Cream: It's So Delicious

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:45:00 -0700

High cholesterol runs in my family, so sometimes when I'm craving a rich, creamy, frozen treat, I often reach for a pint of dairy-free ice cream.

So Delicious (formerly called Soy Delicious) is by far my favorite brand (I've tried many) because they taste the most like real ice cream. They're made with soymilk instead of cow's milk, so they contain less fat and zero cholesterol. Plus they have 3 different kinds, so you can choose depending on your mood or dietary needs.

First off, they make Organic So Delicious Dairy Free quarts in flavors such as Butter Pecan, Chocolate Velvet, Cookies 'N Cream, Mint Marble Fudge, Peanut Butter, and Creamy Vanilla.

They also make Fruit Sweetened It's Soy Delicious pints that are sweetened with a blend of fruit concentrates, brown rice and tapioca syrup. Check out these flavors: Almond Pecan, Mango Raspberry, Espresso, Tiger Chai, and Vanilla Fudge. Am I tempting you yet?

If you're really in the mood for something a little bit more rich and heavenly, read more

You'll have to try Purely Decadent pints. These are more like Ben & Jerry's with flavors such as Cherry Nirvana, Cookie Avalanche, Chocolate Brownie Almond, Cookie Dough (gluten-free), Mocha Almond Fudge, Pomegranate Chip, Peanut Butter Zig Zag, Turtle Trails, and Vanilla Swiss Almond.

The quarts are around $5-6 and the pints are around $4-5. Look for them at most health food stores, and mainstream grocery stores are starting to carry them as well. They don't taste exactly like ice cream, but I have to say they are pretty darn close. They have the same creamy texture, and the sweetness you crave, but without the fat or cholesterol. This is a treat you can feel good about indulging in, knowing both your heart and taste buds will be happy.

Here's a nutritional breakdown of all 3 kinds compared to Ben & Jerry's.

Calories	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
130	3	0	24	13	1
110	1.5	0	24	9	2
170	8	o	29	18	1
220	14	65	18	16	3

Source and Source

Food Review: Chia Goodness

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:30:52 -0700

Chia seeds are in fact used to grow Chia pets, but these little brown seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3s. If you're worried about getting enough of this valuable nutrient, then check out this new cereal called Chia Goodness.

This gluten-free cereal contains more calcium than a glass of milk, more omega-3s than flaxseeds, and is a great source of fiber. It sounds healthy, but if you're curious to know how it tastes then read more.

The directions on the package say to stir two tablespoons with 1/3 cup of hot or cold liquid such as milk, soymilk, or water. Then you wait three to five minutes for the liquid to absorb. I mixed the Apple Almond Cinnamon with hot water, and this is what it looked like after eight minutes.

I have to say, it smelled really good, like homemade apple pie. The consistency however is really bizarre. When chia seeds get wet, they become gelatinous, so they feel slimy and wet. The texture reminded me exactly of the gooey seeds inside cherry tomatoes. This Chia Goodness may be healthy, but in my opinion, it's a little too weird to eat on its own (not to mention it doesn't exactly look too appetizing). It tasted much better when sprinkled on my yogurt. Check out the nutritional info below of all three varieties.

	Original	Cranberry Ginger	Apple Almond Cinnamon
Calories	140	140	140
Total Fat	8 g	7 g	6 g
Saturated Fat	1 g	1 g	.5 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Sodium	125 mg	120 mg	125 mg
Carbs	14 g	16 g	16 g
Fiber	5 g	4 g	4 g
Sugars	0 g	3 g	4 g
Protein	6 g	4 g	4 g
Omega-3	4 g	3 g	3 g
Omega-6	2.5 g	2 g	1.5 g
Ingredients	Chia, buckwheat, hulled hemp seeds, celtic sea salt.	Chia, buckwheat, hulled hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, currants, cranberries, organic cane sugar, ginger, celtic sea salt.	Chia, buckwheat, hulled hemp seeds, dehydrated apples, almonds, raisins, organic cane sugar, cinnamon, celtic sea salt.

Healthy Recipe: Make Your Own Muesli

FitSugar — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

Muesli is a traditional breakfast cereal made from rolled oats, fruit, and nuts. Since it's full of such wholesome ingredients, it's really healthy. You can buy it prepackaged, but I prefer to make my own so I can add in extra tasty ingredients that not only add more vitamins and fiber, but enhance the flavor as well.

To see how I make mine, read more.

All you need is a big bowl and ingredients such as these:

Rolled oats
Corn flakes
Spelt flakes
Bran flakes
Puffed rice
Dried cranberries
Dried blueberries
Dried apples
Raisins
Almond slivers
Sunflower seeds
Flax seeds
Walnuts
Cashews
Cinnamon

Mix a cup each of three different grains, one cup of dried fruit, a half cup of nuts/seeds, and two tablespoons cinnamon. It makes about four 3/4-cup servings. Enjoy with milk or vanilla soymilk. It's a delicious, hearty breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

Does Eating Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I will admit that soy scares me a little. I know it's an inexpensive, cholesterol-free source of protein that can be enjoyed in so many ways from tofu, to soymilk, from edamame, to soy ice cream. I've also heard that eating too much soy has been linked to breast cancer. That's because soy contains phytoestrogens, a group of chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen. Women need estrogen to regulate their menstrual cycles, have babies, and it's also involved with bone and heart health. Some experts are concerned that these phytoestrogens will stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers since high exposures of estrogen over a woman's lifetime are linked with an increased risk for breast cancer. Others may argue that these plant-based estrogens may actually prevent breast cancer since they block the activity of the stronger human estrogen.

So what's a soy lover to do? To find out read more.

A recent Japanese study found that there could be a potential benefit to eating soybean products for breast cancer prevention. This was just a single study conducted with 4,000 women, but definitely a great start to help figure out the connection between soy and breast cancer. I'm not quite convinced yet though since there's no clear evidence that the phytoestrogens in soy products cause or prevent breast cancer. I'm going to stick with what the experts are suggesting, and just enjoy soy products in moderation.

Premenstrual syndrome

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:56 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Women who have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that occur each month from 2 to 14 days before their menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually disappear once the cycle begins. PMS may begin at any age and ends after menopause. Approximately 75% of women experience PMS to some degree, with 20 - 50% finding that symptoms disrupt their daily activities, and 3 - 5% becoming incapacitated.

Signs and Symptoms

PMS is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

Abnormal bloating and weight gain
Breast swelling, tenderness
Mood swings
Depression and anxiety
Skin disorders
Changes in appetite, food cravings
Changes in interest in sex
Headaches, backaches, cramps
Inability to concentrate, loss of interest in usual activities, confusion

What Causes It?

While the exact cause of PMS is unknown, the most popular theories include hormonal changes (estrogen excess or progesterone deficiency), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), vitamin B₆ deficiency, abnormal metabolism of prostaglandin (hormone-like substances), excessive fluid retention, and endorphin (a substance in the brain that provides pain relief) withdrawal.

Who's Most At Risk?

Women with a history of the following conditions are at a higher-than-average risk for having PMS.

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Depressive, mood, anxiety, or bipolar disorders (including a family history of these problems)
Postpartum depression or psychotic episodes
High stress

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with PMS, you should see your health care provider. Your health care provider can help make a diagnosis and guide you in determining a treatment or combination of therapies that may work best for you.

You'll need to chart your symptoms and their severity daily for 1 - 2 months. Your provider will take a detailed history of symptoms, do a physical and gynecologic examination to rule out other medical conditions, and conduct a psychosocial evaluation. Certain laboratory and imaging studies may be used, such as a Pap smear, complete blood count, chemistry screen, fasting blood glucose test, and thyroid studies.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Reducing stress, increasing exercise, and making dietary changes around the time of menstruation can prevent PMS symptoms from worsening.

Treatment Plan

Preventive measures and, in some cases, drug therapy, are most often used for treating PMS.

Drug Therapies

Your provider may prescribe the following medications.

Diuretics, for bloating and water retention
Analgesics, for headaches and cramps
Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers, to prevent the onset of migraine headaches
Prostaglandin inhibitors for painful menstruation
Spironolactone for skin conditions
Medications that block ovulation
Bromocriptine for breast soreness
Anti-anxiety medications
Antidepressants
Progesterone, for relief of symptoms

Women who are planning to become pregnant should avoid medications such as prostaglandin inhibitors, diuretics, spironolactone, and danazol.

Surgical and Other Procedures

Women whose symptoms are severe and do not respond to treatment may need to undergo a hysterectomy, including removal of the ovaries, followed by estrogen replacement therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for PMS may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Eliminate all potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.
Eat calcium rich foods, including beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale).
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy), or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Drink calcium-enriched soy milk, for bone health and symptoms of PMS.
Exercise moderately at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Calcium citrate, 500 - 1,000 mg daily, for bone support and symptoms of PMS.
Vitamin D, 400 IU daily, for bone support and symptoms of PMS.
Ipriflavone (soy isoflavones) standardized extract, 200 mg three times a day, for bone loss and symptoms of PMS.
Progesterone cream, 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoonful (depending upon extract strength) applied topically daily on days 7 - 28 of cycle, for symptoms of PMS. Talk to your doctor. Although available as an over-the-counter product, progesterone cream may interfere with prescription and non-prescription medications, such as oral contraceptives.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil daily, to help decrease inflammation. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
SAMe (s-adenosyl-L-methionine), 100 - 200 mg before breakfast daily, for mood improvement.
Melatonin, 2 - 5mg before bed, for sleep regulation.

Herbs

Herbs are generally available as standardized dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures or liquid extracts (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). Mix liquid extracts with your favorite beverage. Dose for teas is 1 - 2 heaping teaspoonfuls per cup of water ,steeped for 10 - 15 minutes (roots need longer).

The following herbal remedies may provide relief from symptoms:

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) standardized extract, 400 mg daily before breakfast, for symptoms of PMS.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) standardized extract, 20 - 40 mg two times a day, for symptoms of PMS.
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) standardized extract, 500 - 1,000 mg daily, as a source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), for symptoms of PMS.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) standardized extract, 300 mg 2 - 3 times per day, for depression associated with PMS. Check with your health care provider if you are taking prescription medications, especially oral contraceptives.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (300 mg 2- 3 times per day) for depression associated with PMS. Must be taken consistently throughout the month. Direct sun exposure may cause rashes in some people.
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) standardized extract, 100 - 250 mg 1 - 3 times a day, as needed for symptoms of stress and anxiety associated with PMS. Patients with a history of liver disorders should talk to their doctor about taking this supplement.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf tincture, 5 - 10 mL 2 - 3 times a day, for fluid buildup associated with PMS. You can also prepare teas from the leaf.

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for PMS based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

A low homeopathic dose, such as 30C, as often as every 15 - 30 minutes, may be used for symptoms of PMS, including bloating, pain, irritability and mood swings.

Chamomilla -- for intense menstrual pain. This remedy is most appropriate for women who are extremely irritable, angry, and have frequent mood swings.
Cimicifuga -- for feelings of hysteria, frustration, and being overwhelmed. This remedy is most appropriate for women who have labor-type pains that migrate from one side of the body to the other and may involve the back or even sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body; extends from the lower back down through the legs and knees).
Colocynthis -- for cramps that are relieved by bending forward, abdominal massage, and warmth (such as a heating pad). This remedy is most appropriate for women who are extremely irritable and restless.
Ignatia -- for emotional symptoms such as grief, panic, and mood swings. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who feel particularly vulnerable.
Lachesis -- for women who tend to be annoyed, caustic, talkative, and envious, and whose pain and bloating is worse on the left side. Also for women whose symptoms tend to worsen upon awakening in the morning and with exposure to heat or light pressure. Also for women whose symptoms improve dramatically when menstruation begins.
Lycopodium -- for bloating with backaches and gas that are the worst during early evening and in warm weather.
Magnesia phos -- for sharp cramps that are relieved by bending forward, abdominal massage, and warmth (such as a heating pad), but are worsened by cold air.
Nux vomica -- for individuals who are extremely irritable, confrontational, and feel nauseous.
Pulsatilla -- for irregular periods with cramps, bloating, or mood swings as the predominant symptoms. An appropriate candidate for Pulsatilla is gentle and yielding but clingy and cries easily. Women who may benefit from pulsatilla may have nausea and water retention that is aggravated by heat.
Sepia -- for bloating, mood swings, constipation, drowsiness, and irritability.

Acupuncture

Although scientific evidence regarding the use of acupuncture for PMS is lacking, this condition is frequently treated by acupuncturists. Acupuncturists treat people with PMS based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In the case of PMS, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the liver and spleen meridians. Many treatments include moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points). Qualified practitioners may also recommend herbal treatment or dietary modifications.

Castor Oil Packs

For cramping and pain, dampen a cloth with castor oil and apply to the abdomen. Cover with saran wrap, and then apply a heating pad over this pack. Use for 1 - 3 hours, then remove.

Chiropractic

Some studies suggest that chiropractic spinal manipulation may be effective for women with PMS. Women with PMS have been found to have a higher rate of spine-related problems (such as tenderness and muscle weakness) than those who do not have PMS. In one study, researchers found that women with PMS experience a significant decrease in symptoms after receiving spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy compared to those who do not receive the chiropractic treatment. The researchers note that these effects may be short-lived and that monthly chiropractic treatment would probably be needed to maintain these positive results.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Severe PMS can disrupt a woman's life. Psychological and emotional support as well as treatment of the physical symptoms may help.

Following Up

Ongoing follow-up and regular evaluations are necessary.

Supporting Research

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Wuttke W, Gorkow C, Seidlova-Wuttke D. Effects of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) on bone turnover, vaginal mucosa, and various blood parameters in postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conjugated estrogens-controlled study. Menopause. 2006;13(2):185-96.

Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlove-Wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(4):348-57.

Review Date:
8/4/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Breast cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:54 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Following Up
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Breast cancer is when a cancerous tumor occurs inside the breast. Each year more than 185,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The incidence of this disease is rising in developed countries. About 43,500 women die from breast cancer annually, making this disease second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death by cancer among women. Women detect 90% of breast cancers themselves, often through breast self-examination (BSE).

Signs and Symptoms

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms.

A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
A change in the size or shape of the breast
Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast
Ridges or pitting of the breast (the skin looks like the skin of an orange)
A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red, or scaly)

What Causes It?

While the cause of breast cancer is not known, it is clear that the disease is hormone-dependent. Women whose ovaries do not function and who never receive hormone replacement therapy do not develop breast cancer.

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at a higher-than-average risk for developing breast cancer:

Women (over 99 percent of cases)
Increasing age
History of cancer in one breast
History of benign breast disease
Never giving birth or first pregnancy after 30
Family history (first-degree relative) of breast cancer (significant for premenopausal women)
Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
Possibly, long-term oral contraceptive use (although this is controversial)
High doses of ionizing radiation before age 35
History of cancer of the colon, thyroid, endometrium, or ovary
Diet high in animal fat, excessive alcohol consumption, and, possibly, obesity
Alterations in certain genes
Breast implants

Despite the relevance of risk factors, 70 - 80% of women with breast cancer have none of the known risk factors.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with breast cancer, see your health care provider immediately. He or she can help make a diagnosis and help you determine which treatment or combination of therapies will work best for you.

Your health care provider will do a breast exam and run some laboratory tests, including a study of breast tissue and genetic studies. Imaging techniques may include mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other methods that help distinguish a cyst from a tumor or make a distinction between cancerous and noncancerous disease.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Early detection is important. Monthly breast self-examination and annual gynecologic exams play a large role in early detection. Nutrition may play a role in prevention.

Treatment Plan

Treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor, results of lab tests, and the stage, or extent, of the disease, along with the patient's age and menopausal status, general health, and breast size.

Drug Therapies

Your health care provider may prescribe one or more of the following therapies:

Radiation therapy -- the use of high energy rays to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing
Chemotherapy -- the use of drugs to kill cancer cells
Hormonal therapy, which keeps cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow
Antitumor antibiotics
Antiestrogens, such as tamoxifen, which block the action of estrogen on breast tissue
Monoclonal antibodies to block the protein receptor that is produced in large numbers in women with breast cancer
High-dose progestogens (steroid hormones)

Surgical and Other Procedures

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The choice of surgeries includes the following:

Mastectomy -- removal of the breast or as much of the breast tissue as possible. This treatment can be followed by breast reconstruction.
Lumpectomy -- removal of the tumor and a small amount of tissue around it, usually followed by radiation therapy
Segmental, or partial, mastectomy -- removal of the tumor and a small amount of tissue around it, as well as the lining of the chest muscles below the tumor and some of the lymph nodes under the arm. It is usually followed by radiation therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for breast cancer may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Psychotherapy and support groups may help improve quality of life and survival. Always tell your health care provider which herbs and supplements you are taking.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Try to eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese, and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium, and iron, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower).
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein. You should eat quality protein sources, such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes, as part of balanced program aimed at gaining muscle mass and preventing wasting that can sometimes be a side effects of cancer therapies.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Exercise, if possible, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tbsp. of oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
Calcium d-glucarate, 1,500 - 3,000 mg daily, for support of breast cancer.
Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg one to two times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support.
Lycopene, 5 mg one to three times daily, for antioxidant and anticancer activity.
Alpha-lipoic acid, 25 - 50 mg twice daily, for antioxidant support.
Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 - 200 mg daily, to help decrease inflammation and for antioxidant effects.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant and immune activity.
Ipriflavone (soy isoflavones) standardized extract, 200 mg three times a day, for breast cancer support.
Melatonin, 2 - 6 mg at bedtime, for immune support and sleep. Higher doses may be needed in breast cancer. Ask you health care provider.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anticancer and immune effects. Use caffeine free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) standardized extract, 150 - 300 mg two to three times daily, for anticancer and immune effects. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops two to three times a day.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg three times a day, for anticancer, immune, and antibacterial or antifungal activity.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for detoxification support.
Fermented wheat germ extract, 1 packet dissolved in favorite beverage once daily, for anticancer and immune effects.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) standardized extract, 200 mg two to three times daily, for anticancer and immune support.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) standardized extract, 20 - 40 mg two times a day, for symptoms of menopause if breast cancer is present.

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath considers both your symptoms and constitutional type in order to create an individualized treatment regimen. Some of the most common homeopathic remedies that may treat symptoms associated with breast cancer are the following:

Arsenicum for anxiety and nausea, with restlessness and burning pains
Ipecac for nausea unrelieved by vomiting
Nux vomica for sharp abdominal pains with anger and collapse

Acute dose is three to five pellets of 12X to 30C every 1 - 4 hours until symptoms are relieved.

Acupuncture

While acupuncture is not used as a treatment for cancer itself, evidence suggests it can be a valuable therapy for symptoms associated with cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy. In a study of 104 women with breast cancer and nausea from chemotherapy (all of whom were taking anti-nausea medication), women treated with acupuncture experienced fewer attacks of nausea than women who received the medication alone.

Studies have indicated that acupuncture may help eliminate pain and hot flashes caused by tamoxifen (a breast cancer medication). One study found that acupuncture markedly improved breathlessness in women with late stages of breast cancer. Acupressure (pressing on rather than needling acupuncture points) has also proved useful in controlling breathlessness. Patients can learn this technique to treat themselves.

Some acupuncturists prefer to work with breast cancer patients only after they have completed conventional medical cancer therapy. Others will provide acupuncture and herbal therapy during active chemotherapy or radiation. Acupuncturists treat breast cancer patients based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In many cases of cancer-related symptoms, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Most complications result from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or use of the drug tamoxifen, which is effective in preventing recurrence but increases a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer and blood clots. These include:

Restricted shoulder movement
Increase in size of operative scar
Inflammation of connective tissue in the affected arm
Cancerous tumor of the lymphatic vessels in the affected arm
Accumulation of fluid in the breast; swelling of tissue in the arm
Discoloration of the skin from radiation, or a red spot
Inflammation of the lung from radiation
Death of the fat cells underlying the breast tissue
Recurrence of the disease

The prognosis for breast cancer patients depends primarily on the stage, or extent, of the disease at the time of the initial diagnosis.

Following Up

Breast cancer patients should be followed every 3 months for 18 months to 4 years, then every 6 months thereafter.

Supporting Research

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Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993:40,42,192,274.

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Review Date:
8/8/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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