October : Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Hi there,
Let’s say, it’s not a very nice subject to talk about, but definitely very important.
Do you know what’s Breast Cancer?
The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor
*There’s some factors that increases the risk that we can’t control like: Genetics, Menopause and Environmental Pollution .*
But there are always ways to decrease the risk by few changes in your lifestyle.
How to Decrease the Risk of Breast Cancer :
– Exercise Regularly : Studies proven that exercises shows a significant decrease the risk of Breast Cancer, studies don’t show yet, which kind of exercises do it. Exercises for females enhance Estrogen levels specially playing a big rule during the Menopause. But we know that Resistance Training decreases inflammation and decrease body fat%, factors linked with Breast Cancer.
– Eat Organic : Even knowing that the our Organic Food isn’t as clean and nutritional as 50 years ago; better keep it safe. Processed Food will mess up your hormones opening doors for cancerous cells.
– Eat Good Fats : Omega 3 fatty acids improve Estrogen Metabolism; adding it to your daily diet plus animal fats can increase 69% of chances for a Breast Cancer free life.
– Eat Nuts: Specially Walnuts, highly linked with lower Breast Cancer Risk.
– Drink Green Tea and Coffee : Remember Breast Cancer is linked with Estrogen unbalances, and these 2 friends help the liver to metabolize your Estrogens.
– Eat Fibers: Eat plenty of them, they will help to detox Estrogen from your body. Try: Strawberry and Apricot (if it’s in Season), Broccoli, Kale, Flax seeds, Sesame, Sunflower.
– Vitamin D: Supplements are necessary. Denying supplementation is to deny science, be smart.
*Nothing previously mentioned, was away from a Balanced Nutrition and Active Life Style. *
How to Diagnose the Symptoms:
Make sure you Check yourself at least once a month.
1) IN THE SHOWER 
Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.
2) IN FRONT OF A MIRROR
Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
3) LYING DOWN
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
*Of course you can always do the breast screening tests like the breast Ultrasound and Mammography exam, it can detect tumours even before you could feel it.*
Say NO to Breast Cancer.
Keep Strong.
References:
- Mayor, S. Benefit of Exercise in Lowering Breast Cancer Risk is Lost in Postmenopausal Women Who Had Gained Weight. British Medical Journal. 2012. 344, e4346.
- Rollison, D., Cole, A., et al. Vitamin D Intake, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms, and Breast Cancer Risk among Women Living in the Southwestern U.S. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2012. 132, 683-691.
- The American Journal of Medicine, Genetics for the General Internist http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.07.034
A BioSignature Journey
Hey, I am one of the lucky clients who trains with Douglas and was given the privilege to share with you my experience and journey with the BioSignature Modulation program.
I did it once before, exactly a year ago, I am happy to say it was considered a success story being one of the few people who did it in my circle. I can say I benefited from the experience during the past year it was worth it and I came out of it leaner, stronger, healthier and best of all with more knowledge about my body.
Now needing to refresh, follow-up on my experience, doing it the second time around seems to be more interesting, motivating and exciting especially with a training partner. Now, I know more about my body, have the experience, I can avoid all the pitfalls I did, make use of lessons learned and commit to it as a way of life! Once you learn your BioSignature strengths and weaknesses and the techniques to achieve your fat loss, you are able to maintain a healthy, lean and strong body for life.
For those people who went through the BioSignature will understand what I’m talking about and have a chance to look at a different experience. For those people who never did it, will get to know about it and it’s benefits and rewards. Everybody will get to learn something from our experience through this challenging journey!
So what is Biosignature Modulation?
Check out what Douglas says about BioSignature.
It is a scientific approach to fat spot reduction and fat loss with long-term
health benefits of having a balanced hormonal system. A qualified personal trainer like Douglas has the knowledge and tools to combat site specific fat storage which is apparently due to imbalances in our body biochemistry, especially our hormones, if unbalanced, cause the extra body fat %.Using a simple 12-point skin-fold test, dietary changes, supplementation and exercise based on our individual biochemistry by following our personal plan, we will emerge leaner, stronger, healthier, and more energetic!
According to Douglas, what’s nice about this program is that it changes as our body changes so as we become healthier, stronger and leaner our body needs to be challenged in different ways. Douglas will assess our progress every week to ensure we have consistent progress and to motivate us to stay on track with our goals!
How did the Journey start?
1. Measurements
The first step is taking measurements: There are 12 major body fat sites that were quickly and accurately tested by a pair of skin calipers. These sites include the cheek, chin, pectoral region, triceps, umbilical, supra iliac, subscapular, mid axillary, quadriceps, hamstrings, knee and calf.
Apparently each hormone is related to a skin-fold as follows:
- Cortisol: Umbilical; Excessive fat gain in belly region, excess carbs and stress levels
- Insulin: Suprailliac, Subscrapular; Excessive fat gain in love handles and on the upper back
- Estrogen: Quadriceps, Hamstrings; Excessive fat gain in hips and legs
- Testosterone: Pectoral, Tricep; Androgen imbalance, accumulated fat in chest area for men
- Growth Hormone: Knee, Calf; Reflects sleep patterns and overall fat loss
- Thyroid: Mid-auxillary; Function of thyroid, accumulated fat 8 inches below armpit
2. Analysis
The next step the biosignature sites were analyzed. Interestingly enough, my training partner and I had similar problem areas but with differences in priorities. Generally, it was discovered that there is an excess amount of fat in the following priority areas, besides decreasing body fat % and increasing lean body mass:
- Hamstrings: the issue is with estrogen levels. Need to detoxify estrogen levels.
- Quadriceps: the issue is with estrogen levels. Need to detoxify estrogen levels.
- Calves: the issue is with growth hormone. Need to improve sleep patterns.
Looking at the analysis and comparing myself to last year, my priorities remained the same but the order changed. In others areas some improved, some stayed the same and some got worse! I would have imagined different priorities so you never know for sure until you get tested and analyzed. So prepare to be surprised!
3. Protocol (Personal plan)
After determining the cause of the fat, the next step was to make appropriate modifications in our diet and exercise prescription which consists of a customized personal plan for:
- Nutrition
- Supplementation
- Training and exercise regimen
The following initial plan was devised for both of us to be updated as we go based on our progress and how we feel and respond to the program:
| General Plan: The program plan is for 12 weeks to see results. There will be 2 weeks (14 days) foundation where we clean our system from toxins by following strict detox rules and supplementation. Then introduce sugars, carbs and dairy back into the system slowly one variety at a time and see how we feel. Also introduce other supplements for estrogen detox and fiber cycle. | |
Nutrition:1. Foundation (Week 1 and 2):
2. Week 3: Introduce Sugar
3. Week 4: Introduce good Carbs
4. Week 5: Introduce Dairy |
Supplementation:Foundation:
For Estrogen detox:
For Estrogen Fiber Cycle:
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Training: (Foundation 2 weeks)
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For Growth Hormone:
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Well after taking measurements, doing analysis and formulating an initial plan, we started the foundation stage. I will post our progress, reveal more information and our personal experience to take you through our journey with Douglas with the BioSignature Modulation.
Please feel free to comment and ask questions. That’s what it’s all about…sharing the experience!
See you soon!
Douglas Leandro 