If a diagnosis of breast cancer has been made, it is critically important at the time of diagnosis to get both Vitamin D and iodine levels tested.
For a woman with extremely low levels of Vitamin D or iodine, the long term outcome may not be as positive as it would be for a woman with normal levels of both. These tests are simple and are generally covered by insurance and treatment is supplementing with the appropriate nutrients to normalize blood levels of both nutrients.
Paraben and phthalate levels should also be considered for evaluation so the appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce these blood levels can be implemented. Research strongly suggests these chemicals may be contributing to the development of cancer.
Parabens are used in many cosmetics such as makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, shaving creams and gels and are absorbed through the skin. Parabens act like estrogen in the body and may be involved with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers as they have been found in breast tissue and breast cancers.
Phthalates are found in nail polish, hair spray, personal care products, and cleaning products. Phthalates don’t act like estrogen, but affect how other hormones, like testosterone, interact with estrogen.
If you suspect that you have had a high exposure to phthalates or parabens there is a urine test (not usually covered by insurance) that will identify your levels so you can be proactive about positive lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, many women feel that there is no way to mitigate the side effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy options for this type of diagnosis. Very few women, going through breast cancer treatment realize that acupuncture should also be considered as an important additional treatment.Â
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years. While only approved as a healthcare treatment in the United States since 1996, acupuncture has been practiced in the United States for almost 200 years. While used to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments, acupuncture is also effective for side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting and impaired immunity. It is also effective for post-surgical healing and for the burns associated with radiation.
In 1997, the National Institute of Health concluded that “there is clear evidence that needle acupuncture treatment is effective for postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting” and that there are “a number of pain related conditions for which acupuncture may be effective as an adjunct therapy, an acceptable alternative, or as part of a comprehensive treatment program.” In fact, acupuncture for pain is now being showed to produce natural pain killers which work like morphine (opiods) which are highly effective and can be safely used for the post surgical component of cancer care.
Whether for post-operative care, or to minimize the nausea associated with chemotherapy, acupuncture should be an integral component of a breast cancer patients care plan.
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Crosby Chiropractic has five chiropractors who are licensed to perform acupuncture who also understand the nutritional needs also associated with women’s health issues. If you have a friend or family member that you believe we can help, please contact (636)928-5588 to set up an appointment today.
