Flaxseeds are the richest source of a wondrous bioactive substance known as SLD (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside) that provides the body with a multitude of benefits. In fact, flaxseeds contain 800 times more SLD and related compounds (mammalian lignan precursors) than any other food on earth. Ingesting the equivalent of two heaping tablespoons of ground flaxseed (flaxseed powder) or approximately 40-50 gm of flaxseed is of great value in protecting female reproductive organs, and the male prostate gland from disease processes, keeping cholesterol within a safe range, supporting liver and gallbladder function, improving large bowel health, reversing fibrocystic breast disease, possibly supporting bone density and improving the texture and smoothness of the skin (an effect that almost everyone notices within the first few weeks of use). Here’s how and why flaxseed should be part of your daily wellness plan whether you are a woman or man.

Flaxseed and Breast Health

The SLD in flaxseeds are converted by large bowel bacteria into two estrogen-like substances known as enterolactone and enterodiol.

Enterolactone and enterodiol are classified as phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens), which means they can bind to estrogen receptors on breast tissue, the endometrium of the uterus and cells on the cervix, and tone down the over stimulation of the body’s more potent estrogens to these tissues. This is important because over stimulation of these tissues by the body’s estrogens (or hormone replacement therapy or the birth control pill) is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer and cancer of the cervix.
The phytoestrogens derived from flaxseed are so effective at protecting a woman’s reproductive tissues from estrogen over stimulation that a recently published Toronto-based hospital study demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation greatly improved symptoms in women who suffered from cyclical mastalgia.
Other studies have demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation can normalize estrogen production and reduce the build up of more cancer permissive estrogens (decrease synthesis of 16-alpha hydroxyestrone). Furthermore, flaxseed ingestion has been shown to directly slow down the breast cell division rate (antiproliferative), which is a factor in the prevention of breast cancer development. All indicators suggest that every adult woman (by age 16) should capitalize upon the benefits of flaxseed as it impacts the lifelong health of reproductive tissues.

Flaxseed and Prostate Health

The phytoestrogens derived from flaxseed helps to preserve prostate health in various ways. These phytoestrogens (enterolactone and enterodiol) block the over production of estrone hormone within fat cells. With weight gain, fat cells become larger and tend to manufacture more estrone hormone, which encourages prostate cells to synthesize more dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, in turn, stimulates rapid cell division of prostate cells leading to prostate enlargement. DHT also promotes the growth of any existing prostate cancer cells. By age 50, 15 to 30 percent of men already have some cancer cells present within the prostate gland. Keeping DHT levels in check is considered to be an important step in preventing those cancer cells from dividing and spreading en masse throughout the prostate gland and metastasizing to other parts of the body. Thus, the ingestion of flaxseed on a daily basis provides important bioactive agents that indirectly slow the rate of prostate cell division, reducing the chances of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and hindering the promotion of cancer development. These same phytoestrogens also bind to receptors on the prostate gland helping to block the influence of other hormones, which may stimulate rapid prostate cell division. Other herbal compounds such as saw palmetto, pygeum africanum, soy isoflavonoids and beta-sitosterol can also block the build up of DHT and support prostate health. However, the daily ingestion of 50 gm of ground flaxseed each day should be included as a primary anti-aging, disease prevention strategy used by every adult male; as prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and prostate enlargement problems will affect 80 percent of men if they live to old age.

Flaxseed and Cholesterol

Studies reveal that the same amount of flaxseed required to help maintain male and female reproductive tissue health (approximately 40-50 gm ground flaxseed) can also lower blood cholesterol by up to 10 percent in people with high cholesterol levels. More importantly, it lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) by approximately 15 percent and concentrations of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] by 7 percent. Lp(a) is now recognized as a significant risk factor for heart disease and flaxseed supplementation is the only known dietary intervention that can lower Lp(a) into a safer range if it is elevated. As it turns out, flaxseed contains soluble dietary fiber, which has proven cholesterol-lowering effects. All in all, daily flaxseed supplementation factors into a heart-healthy lifestyle program as well.

Flaxseed and Bowel Function

Flaxseed also contains insoluble dietary fiber, which acts as a bulking agent or roughage in the promotion of more regular bowel movements. Studies indicate that flaxseed supplementation provides a natural and gentle laxation effect, which is associated with relieving constipation, and promoting the health of the large bowel. Most people ingest less than half of the recommended amount of dietary fiber. By providing both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, flaxseed is one of the few natural nutrition products that can help to keep cholesterol levels in check and maintain more optimal bowel function at the same time.

Flaxseed and Liver & Gallbladder Support

The daily ingestion of ground flaxseed has been shown to improve the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder, and ultimately into the intestinal tract. This effect helps to reduce the chances of gallstone formation and related gallbladder disease. Essentially, flaxseed supplementation induces a type of liver flushing effect, preventing the stagnation of bile, which can harden into stones if not eliminated in a timely fashion. Flaxseed supplementation also helps to prevent the conversion of bile into cholesterol, further facilitating a cholesterol-lowering effect by this action in the liver.

Flaxseed and Your Skin

Although the mechanism of action remains a mystery, virtually everyone who begins using flaxseed supplementation on a daily basis comments on the improved texture and smoothness of their skin all over their body. This is an effect that is usually noticed within the first month of using flaxseed on a daily basis. For those of us who use it, this is a wonderful additional benefit to its other premiere health-enhancing attributes.

How to Use Flaxseed

You can purchase ground flaxseeds (often marketed as flaxseed powder) or you can grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee grinder on a daily basis to maximize freshness of the product. Make sure your flaxseeds or powder are from organic sources.

Studies reveal that ingesting 40-50 gm of ground flaxseed per day provides the health-promoting benefits reviewed in this article.

This is the equivalent of two heaping tablespoons of ground flaxseed (flaxseed powder).

It can be mixed into a protein shake or fruit juice (e.g., orange juice). Many people sprinkle it on to their cereal or mix it into a bowl of low-fat yogurt. It can also be baked into low-fat muffins or flax-bread. The important thing is that you consume at least 25 gm per day, but more ideally 40-50 gm through whatever delivery system works for you. The best news is that it has a nutty, flavorful taste that is very palatable and enjoyable.

Flaxseed is truly one of nature’s gifts that you should incorporate into a proactive, anti-aging, disease prevention lifestyle. I personally recommend that you use it on a daily basis throughout your life.

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Between 5 and 10 percent of breast cancer patients have a very strong family history of breast cancer. Their cancers are considered “hereditary.” This term could apply to the occurrence of breast cancer in closely related family members on one side of the family across generations: for example, breast cancer in a combination of one’s mother, aunt, daughter, grandmother, and great aunt. It could also apply to more than one occurrence of early-onset (under age 50) breast cancer or the incidence of cancer in both breasts in an individual family member; or to the presence of male breast cancer in the family.

Mutations in two particular genes — named BRCA1 and BRCA2 — account for most hereditary breast cancers. To illustrate the power of these mutations, consider these statistics: The general population has a 7 percent chance of getting breast cancer; those with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have a 55 to 87 percent chance. Risks for some other types of cancer also increase for those with either gene mutation, male or female.

Although genetic, or gene, testing can be done on a sample of blood obtained the same way as for the diagnosis of illness or for routine blood work-ups, much thought and discussion with one’s oncologist and a genetic counselor on his or her professional team should precede testing because of the complicated DNA testing process that is done only at specialized medical laboratories and its resulting high cost.

Testing results are considered very reliable. A genetic counselor is specially trained to understand and explain the statistical probabilities that can be derived from testing and clarify the result obtained, because it isn’t as simple as “you have it” or “you don’t have it.” It is one of four possibilities: positive, ambiguous, or one of two types of negative. Along with a personal consultation, the genetic counselor uses simple graphs, charts, and layman’s terms to make the process understandable.

Genetic testing should be done with a willing family member who has already been diagnosed with breast cancer, because she is most likely to have the mutated gene if one exists. She should first contact her health insurance company to see if some of the costs of testing are covered by her policy, because it is quite expensive. If testing is done and either mutation is found in her DNA, any follow-up testing for family members is a simpler and less costly process.

If a mutation is found, the only conclusion that can justifiably be drawn is that family members are at increased risk. A positive result does not make breast cancer inevitable, but it does allow decisions to be made about more frequent screening, the addition of advanced screening methods, preventive surgery options, or preventive drug treatment. A negative result can bring reassurance to family members that their — and their daughters’ and granddaughters’— chances of getting breast cancer are no greater than those of the general population.  Adult daughters and granddaughters should only be given test results, however, if they want to know them because of the Pandora’s Box that can be opened as a result of knowing. All genetic testing decisions are very personal, and should be the individual’s choice.

All 50 states have laws protecting those who undergo genetic testing from having their results used as evidence of a pre-existing condition. Protection is also offered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. There are a few exceptions, however, which bear investigation before testing is done.

Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are the first to be identified, researchers are working hard to uncover other cancer-related gene mutations.

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Worldwide, there are 10 million breast cancer survivors who have a lifetime risk of developing lymphedema. The chronic condition is the swelling of limbs. In the case of a breast cancer survivor the swelling would most likely affect the arms.

The abnormal swelling of the limbs is an emotionally upsetting side effect of cancer treatment. Lymph glands carry fluids throughout the system. Surgery and radiation damages the lymph system, so that the fluid is not carried through the system as it should be. This causes an abnormal swelling in the extremities

Any woman can get lymphedema, but women who are overweight are at a higher risk of the uncomfortable condition. According to information on the Sinclair School of Nursing website, as estimated two million women in the US are at risk of developing the abnormal swelling. This new report indicates that women who are obese have a much higher risk of lymphedema compared two women of normal weight.

According to Jane Armer, profession a the Sinclair School of Nursing and director of nursing research at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, women who are overweight have the greatest risk of developing lymphedema. Overweight women should be closely monitored for changes in symptoms and limb volume.

According to the news release, approximately two thirds of breast cancer survivors are at risk of lymphedema in the 30 months after surgery. Survivors who develop post operative swelling have a 40 percent higher risk of developing lymphedema, which is significant.

Diagnoses of post operative breast cancer lymphedema can be difficult because of inconsistent measurement approaches and standards of measurement, according to Armer. A measurement of the limb before surgery is essential for detection of post operative swelling.

Doctors and patients may neglect to treat the lymphedema. Medical treatments include compression garments, prescriptions to manage pain and a specific massage treatment called manual lymphatic drainage. Patient frequently use lay therapies without discussing them with their physicians.

Education about lymphedema can help breast cancer survivors to recognize symptoms and to report them to their oncologists. Women who are overweight or obese may wish to discuss a weight control plan with their doctor to reduce their risk of lymphedema.

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Going in for regular exams is vital to staying healthy, for women around the world. So is getting the recommended tests and exams such as a mammogram or Pap smear. These are valuable tools that can help save lives, yet too many women don’t have them done because they feel uncomfortable with the procedure. It might be a good idea to remember that a little discomfort is nothing compared to months of radiation or chemotherapy!

Finding the Right Doctor is Key

One of the most common issues with health problems for women is the old-fashioned approach of many doctors. It was taught, not so long ago, in medical schools, that the majority of women’s “health issues” were really all in the head. Many doctors still feel this way and are more likely to dismiss potentially risky symptoms in women than they would in men.

To avoid being short-changed in the health department, look for a doctor that will listen to you and take you seriously. If you aren’t comfortable talking with your general practitioner or gynecologist, find a new one. When you are comfortable with your doctor, you are more likely to see her for any concerns, instead of waiting until the problem gets worse.

A good doctor will listen to you without jumping to conclusions or rushing you. If you feel that your gynecologist is only interested in getting you out the door so her next patient can come in and she can earn a bit more, start looking for a new doctor. Talk to friends about doctors they trust and don’t feel bad about going in for a checkup, just to meet the doctor and see if you like him.

What Women Are Missing

It’s all too common to have a twinge or a pain or notice something about your body that isn’t quite right. What you do about it could mean the difference between life and death down the road! While not all health issues are quite that serious, there are good reasons to see your doctor and to get tested if you notice something suspicious. Here are some of the most often ignored problems in women today.

Urinary Tract Infections

Through simple physiology, women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men. With shorter urethras, it is easier for bacteria to migrate from outside the body to the bladder. There are several factors that can improve your chances of getting an infection, such as sex, where the movement can actually push bacteria up the urethra.

Another common cause of UTIs is pregnancy, since this shortens the urethra more. Also, waiting to urinate can allow bacteria to build up to dangerous levels in the bladder, both in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Once the bacteria are in the bladder, they may also spread throughout the urinary tract, including to the kidneys.

Most women will have experienced at least one bladder infection and will easily recognize the symptoms. The urge to pee, followed by sharp, stabbing pains and very little urine release are the most predominant symptoms. You may also have pain in your lower pelvis, back and sides. If the infection has spread to your kidneys, nausea, vomiting and back pain are most common. There may also be blood in the urine.

So, what is the big deal with UTIs? If left untreated, they can turn into kidney infections which can cause lasting damage. Also, unchecked infections during pregnancy may result in premature birth or low birth weight babies. It is extremely important to get correctly diagnosed and treated. The usual treatment for a UTI is 7-10 days of antibiotics, which need to be finished, even if the symptoms go away. Not finishing the course of prescribed medicine can result in a recurrence of antibiotic resistant infections.

Breast Cancer

Do you do your monthly self-exam for lumps in the breasts? If not, it’s time to start. When breast cancer are detected early enough, it is highly treatable, but your chances of a happy ending diminish the longer you wait. Many women who do self-exams are able to find lumps before they grow too big and can undergo successful treatment early on.

Breast exams are so simple, there is no excuse not to do them. Choose a time shortly after your period ends, since this is when your breasts will be at their softest. While in the shower or shirtless, raise one arm above your head and use the other hand to press and massage in a circular motion around the breast, including the tissue under the arm and up toward the shoulder. After a couple of months, you will know exactly what your breast tissue should feel like and any abnormalities will be easy to spot.

If you notice a lump, however small, that wasn’t there before, see your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of cancer. There are many other causes of lumps in the breast, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Also, don’t rely only on touch to tell you if something is wrong. Strange pains in your chest and breasts, dimpled or puckered skin, discoloration or any other abnormality could be a sign that something is wrong. Visually inspect yourself as well and talk to your doctor if you notice anything odd.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

You were probably scared by your mother with this one when you were younger. The most common cause of this potentially lethal bacterial infection is leaving tampons in too long, but what most people don’t realize is that it can affect anyone of any age, menstruating or not. Other risk factors include surgery and open wounds.

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by either staph or strep bacteria, which usually enter the body through a small cut or opening. This syndrome became famous back in 1980 when a brand of tampons caused an outbreak of toxic shock syndrome. Since then, the majority of women assume that if they don’t use super absorbent tampons, they are safe.

It’s a good idea to know what the symptoms are, since the infection spreads quickly and can be deadly. The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome often appear very suddenly, which is a symptom in and of itself.

The most typical symptoms for this syndrome are sudden high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, a red rash (usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), muscle aches, confusion, headaches and seizures. Any of these experienced after surgery or being cut is reason to visit the doctor, just to rule out any serious problems.

Strokes

Did you know that a sudden attack of hiccups, in conjunction with other symptoms, could mean you are suffering from a stroke? Probably not, since this is just one of several symptoms that are unique to women.

While women usually experience some classic signs of a stroke, numbness on one side of the body, blurred or double vision, confusion and difficulty understanding what people are saying, they may also exhibit some symptoms that don’t occur in male stroke victims. If caught in time, there is a very good chance that a patient will be able to recover from a stroke, but if no one realizes what the signs are until it’s too late, things can turn out very differently.

Women have a seizure, sudden fatigue or nausea, sudden racing heart, shortness of breath and may faint during a stroke. Any one of these could be passed off as a less serious condition, so if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it is important to check for a stroke. You can do this by going through the acronym FAST:

F – Face. Ask the person to smile and note if one side of the mouth turns down.
A – Arms. When the person raises her arms, does one slowly move downwards on its own?
S – Speech. Ask the woman to repeat a simple sentence. Are her words slurred?
T – Time. Get to the nearest ER immediately if you or anyone else has the above symptoms. Time is of the essence, since rapid treatment can prevent permanent brain damage.

The majority of women will present with the normal symptoms of a stroke in addition to one or two gender-specific ones. That’s why the FAST test is so useful, it will help determine if the woman is suffering from a stroke or not, regardless of her other symptoms.

Being aware of the medical conditions that are most often overlooked by women is the first step to not becoming a victim of one of them. Now that you know what to look for, make sure you keep an eye out for possible problems, and seek medical help before it turns into a serious issue. Don’t let yourself become just another statistic.

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Digital mammography is more successful than traditional film mammography in detecting breast cancer. Initially, digital mammography was only more effective in detecting breast cancer in women with smaller size breasts. However, advances in its technology have made it possible for digital mammography to be just as effective with breasts of all sizes.

No longer are hospitals forced to use both types of screening due to variations in breast sizes. The initial digital imaging machines contained image receptors that were too small to be effective in capturing a full image of large size breasts. Large breasts for this discussion are classified as any breast that reaches a “D” cup or larger.

The superior diagnostic techniques that are needed to detect breast cancer in its earlier stages are now provided with the advanced digital imaging capabilities of digital mammography. Original mammography methods were much slower since film had to be developed before any diagnosis could be made.

With this newer process, the images of breasts are captured electronically. This leads to faster results and quicker diagnosis. Additionally, this type of mammography provides an improved contrast between non-dense and dense areas of breast tissue.  This allows for a better diagnostic determination.

In fact, the digital images can be searched for signs of mass or calcifications using special software. If anything shows such as an abnormality, the area is marked for further consideration by the radiologist. One of the benefits for hospitals using digital mammography is that the results are easier to store and retrieve.

Introductory blurb: Fortunately, advances in technology have made it possible for hospitals to offer digital mammography to all women. This means a better opportunity to discover breast cancer sooner.

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In fact, their doctors give them drugs to get rid of the hormone because it can fuel the growth of breast cancer.

So these women would probably be surprised by the approach taken by breast cancer physician Matthew Ellis, M.B., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis — he has demonstrated that estrogen therapy can help control metastatic breast cancer.

In a study presented at the 31st annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, he showed that for about a third of the 66 participants — women with metastatic breast cancer that had developed resistance to standard estrogen-lowering therapy — a daily dose of estrogen could stop the growth of their tumors or even cause them to shrink.

Ellis believes that estrogen therapy offers an appealing alternative to chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer that has become resistant to estrogen-lowering agents called aromatase inhibitors, such as exemestane, anastrazole and letrozole.

These drugs deplete the body of estrogen and are standard treatments for hormone-receptor positive breast cancers, which account for about 75 percent of breast cancer cases.

“By stabilizing or shrinking tumors in some women with metastatic breast cancer, estrogen therapy can relieve pain and other symptoms of cancer and can potentially prolong lives,” says Ellis, an oncologist with the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

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All women are at risk for getting breast cancer.

So, it is better to have breast cancer information for right treatment. Breast cancer refers to a wide variety of cancers that occurs in the breast.

The most common types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma (occur in milk ducts of the breasts) and Lobular carcinoma (occur in the lobules where breast milk is made).

Breast cancer information on in situ breast cancer

This refers to a cancer where the breast cancer cells that remains within their place of origin and do not attack breast tissue around the duct or lobule.

Breast cancer information on ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is early-stage breast cancer that some experts consider as a “precancerous” condition. If left untreated, it may eventually become invasive breast cancer.

Breast cancer information on lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This type remained a point of controversy in the medical community whether to consider it as an early form of breast cancer or just a marker for the future development of cancer.

If you have LCIS, then you’re more likely to develop invasive lobular breast cancer.

Breast cancer information on invasive breast cancer

This refers to the cancers that break free of where they originate, attacking the surrounding tissues of your breast.

Breast cancer information on invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): It refers to the majority of invasive breast cancers where cancer cells in the lining of your milk duct break free the ductal wall and attacks surrounding breast tissue.

Breast cancer information on invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): It is less common than IDC, but starts in the milk-producing lobule and attacks the surrounding breast tissue. It can also spread to more distant parts of your body.

It is also important to have breast cancer information regarding less common types of breast cancers. They are:

Inflammatory breast cancer: This is a rare type of breast cancer that results from cancer cells blocking lymph vessels located near the surface of your breast.

Medullary carcinoma: A specific type of invasive breast cancer where the cancer cells are large, and immune system cells are present around the border of the tumor.

Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma: A type of invasive breast cancer where the cancer cells produce mucus and grow into a jelly-like tumor.

Paget’s disease of the breast: A rare type of breast cancer that affects your nipple and areola. It starts in a milk duct, as either an in situ or invasive cancer.

Tubular carcinoma: This is a rare type of breast cancer. Although it’s an invasive breast cancer, the view is more favorable than invasive ductal carcinoma or invasive lobular carcinoma.

Phylloides tumor: Phylloides tumors develop in the connective tissue of the breast, rather than in a duct or lobule. The outlook for a phylloides tumor is doubtful.

Metaplastic carcinoma: This type remains localized and contains numerous different types of cells that are not typically seen in other forms of breast cancer.

Sarcoma: It develops in the connective tissue of the breast, which is malignant.

Micropapillary carcinoma: It tends to be relatively aggressive, often spreading to the lymph nodes even when very small.

Adenoid cystic carcinom: It is characterized by a large, local tumor. It’s an invasive but very slow-growing type that’s unlikely to spread.

Know breast cancer information before to take correct treatment for breast cancer.

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