Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in woman and the second leading cause of death for them.
Right now, statistics say that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
We can assume that cancer happens for three reasons (or any combination of these reasons):
1: Genetics
2: Environmental Factors (& bad luck)
3: Diet and Lifestyle
Many of us think that there’s nothing we can do about number #1. However, if we become aware of the toxins in our environment that we are breathing in, consuming, putting on our skin, or unwittingly introducing routinely (i.e. drinking from to-go cups with plastic), then we have a ton of power to change or diminish that exposure. We can fine tune our diet to one where cancer cannot thrive, and therefore harness the power of epigenetics to make sure certain genetics do not get switched on.
Thus, we can radically improve this 1-in-8 women statistic by taking our health into our own hands.
Our primary focus today is on natural ways to detox the breasts and keep them healthy.
Many of us go on annual or bi-annual cleanses. We cleanse our digestive system and our primary detoxification organs (the liver and the kidneys).
This contributes exponentially to whole body health, but for us women, especially those of us with breast cancer in our families, we should take it a step further and detoxify the breasts.
Doing so is especially supportive for women planning to get pregnant or for pregnant women before nursing.
1 – LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials that, in this case, can cause or help flip on the genetic switches for breast cancer. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body to keep you healthy. You want lymph fluid freely flowing throughout your breast area (thus, please do not use antiperspirant and keep toxins trapped in there).
According to Dr. John Douillard, symptoms of lymph congestion Include:
- Rings get tight on fingers
- Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
- Feeling tired
- Bloating
- Itchy skin
- Holding on to water
- Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
- Dry skin
- Brain fog
- Cold hands and feet
Therefore, we need to add cleansing the lymphatic system to our routine cleansing of the body for the immune system to remain strong.
The heart is our primary muscle to pump blood throughout the body, but we have no such muscle for our lymphatic system to keep it flowing. We must do the work “manually” to keep it flowing and cleansed to stay healthy.
5 Ways to Cleanse the Lymph System Manually
1: Lymphatic massage
This massage is a very gentle type of massage and encourages the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues and back toward the heart where the lymphatic system can empty toxins into the bowel channel to be released from the body. You can seek out a practitioner that specializes in lymphatic massage, or you can perform self-massage. This YouTube video gives an excellent demonstration.
2: Electromagnetic Lymph Therapy
There is a machine called a Light Beam Generator that is used as lymph drainage equipment to assist the body in its natural process of moving stagnant lymph pathways.
I must share that my experience of this machine is anecdotal and not scientific, but I have found it quite effective in alleviating inflammation, pain, and for accelerating my personal cleansing programs. Typically, I will get an electro-magnetic lymph treatment immediately before a colonic to move stagnant lymph fluid up toward the heart, which helps the toxins dump into the bowel channel, making a colonic that’s much more productive.
Proper lymphatic drainage removes debris and foreign proteins from the body (inhibiting their development in stagnant cells), helps remove steroids (which mimic hormones), and makes waste removal happen more rapidly. All of this helps create a protective inner barrier to health-related issues in a simple, effective way.
Note that laws are different state-by-state, so you will have to find a practitioner in your area to see if this procedure is an option for you.
3: Drinking small sips of hot water daily
The most simple and inexpensive way to dilate and hydrate the cells is to drink little sips of hot water (no tea, no lemon, just plain hot water heated up on the stove, not in the microwave) throughout the day.
Try drinking the hot water every 10-15 minutes for 14 days in a row to decongest your lymph.
4: Dry Skin Brushing
Another simple, inexpensive, and effective technique for aiding the lymphatic system in its daily detoxification is dry skin brushing. Pick one up at your local health food store or online and use it on dry skin in light, upward strokes toward the heart before jumping in the shower or soaking in the bath.
5: Don’t congest your lymph
Please don’t use toxic, conventional antiperspirant that prevents your body from removing stagnation and congestion. Allow yourself to sweat and naturally clean your body often. The cleaner you are, the less you will sweat and the less body odor you’ll experience. An excellent natural deodorant that actually works is Stank Stop by FATCO.
Think about other ways you can congest your lymph with the litany of personal care products we use and upgrade to better versions. We have a blog and shot a video for you on that topic here.
Be mindful about how much plastic you are drinking out of, be it plastic water bottles or hot drinks with plastic sip lids. Changes in temperature can trigger the release of dioxins in certain plastic and/or parabens (tiny plastic compounds that have been found in breast cancer tumors) that we do not want inside our bodies. Use glass water bottles whenever possible and your own takeaway coffee cups with silicone lids.
2 – CASTOR OIL PACKS
Castor oil’s healing properties go all the way back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil packs have a remarkable ability to reduce inflammation and to help the organs communicate and work better together as a team.
They also improve elimination and circulation (especially of the lymphatic system) and help rejuvenate the immune system.
In addition, castor oil has long been revered as an inexpensive, yet highly effective, home remedy for rebooting the liver, detoxing the gastrointestinal tract, healing the skin, and calming the emotions. It is also helpful for sleep, which makes a castor oil pack a good nighttime self-care technique.
Castor oil packs are made with several layers of flannel and cold-pressed castor oil (both of which can be purchased online or from a local health food store).
If you are a visual learner, we like this video from the 70’s teaching you how to administer a castor oil pack directly on the breasts. You may want to use two different flannels and two heating pads so that you can make sure to cover the lymph node area by the armpits.
3 – PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES
Often used in natural cancer treatment and prevention, these powerful enzymes are whole-body enzymes that digest or break down foreign proteins in the body and process them via the bowels.
They’ve shown to block the invasiveness of tumor cells and to inhibit the spread of cancer while enhancing immune response.
How proteolytic enzymes work:
Proteo means protein and lytic is the actual enzyme part of it. Thus proteolytic enzymes sever the bonds between amino acids that make up the foreign proteins that make us sick (i.e. fungus, bacteria, etc.). They also break down immune complexes that formed between antibodies produced by the immune system and the compounds they bind to like antigens (specifically antibodies produced in response to consuming food we are sensitive to).
It’s helpful to get guidance from your health practitioner before taking proteolytic enzymes because those with leaky gut or gastritis can have a burning reaction to them when the protective mucosal lining is not intact. They are also contraindicated for pregnancy and nursing.
These are our favorite brand of vegan, high-quality proteolytic enzymes. A typical dose is either 3 per day at least 45 minutes away from food for 4-6 weeks or 2 upon waking and 2 mid-morning, away from food for 4-6 weeks.
4 – FOOD AS MEDICINE
Diet is perhaps the most powerful part of the entire equation when trying to avoid breast cancer through lifestyle. You will want to adhere to these simple strategies to enhance your food as medicine prevention factor.
- Balance your pH – get familiar with Acid-Alkaline Balance and alkalize. We have a detailed blog on that here.
- Use 1 teaspoon daily of dried ginger to kill cancer stem cells. Watch our blog with Immunologist Dr. Grover explaining the science of this magical substance here.
- Consume grapefruit regularly. It is the best fruit to cleanse the lymph system.
- Add organic broccoli to your diet several times a week. It is clinically proven to block tumor growth.
- Get enough fiber, which can help pull excess estrogen out of the system. You can find out more about fiber here.
- Consume beets several times a week. They are high in iron to keep your cells oxygenated, and cancer cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.
- Take fish oil daily to keep inflammation at bay.
- Artichokes boost liver function and contain enzymes that ward off the replication of cancer cells. Click here for our artichoke smoothie recipe.
What About Breast Implants?
My clients with breast implants often ask me if they should do anything special to protect themselves given they have a foreign object inside their body. While there are currently no strong links between breast implants and increased risk of breast cancer (although depending on the implant, there have been links to breast implants contributing to autoimmune conditions), routine lymphatic attention is necessary, because the implants can structurally impair the lymphatic vessel pathways. Using the advice in this blog will serve you well if you have breast implants.
Thank you for this information. I don’t see DIM anywhere in TWJ protocols or recommended supplements. I don’t want to take this without solid information. Can you offer any guidance or reason not to add this to my supplements? Thank you.
Packing in the SUPER HELPFUL information, as usual!!! Glad you addressed drinking from plastics, as well. I learn so much from you & love watching these clips!! Thanks darling – have an amazing day! 🙂
Hi Em, We appreciate you being part of our tribe. You have an amazing day as well! ~Stacey, TWJ Team Member
Hi Christa: I was wondering how often would one do the castor oil pack on the breasts as a preventative measure to prevent breast cancer and detox the breasts? You mentioned the use of proteolytic enzymes for 4-6 weeks so I was wondering what the recommendations would be for the castor oil pack? Also how often during the year would you recommend doing the enzymes and castor oil treatment? Thanks for all of your advise and information!
Hey Debbie, I would do the castor oil packs 2-3 times a week for that entire duration 3-6 weeks along with the proteolytics and not do this more than 2x/year as a clean up. Make sure you don’t have gastritis or a thin mucosal lining prior to starting proteolytics though.
Hi Christa,
I was wondering what you think about breast implants with respect to health. I have them and I came across a website about Breast Implant Illness. I feel that mine are making me sick. I am debating on getting them removed. I also have the MTHFR mutation and high strep titers (PANDAS), which all three of my children have both of these as well. I trust your opinion on this issue:)
Thank you!
Hey Jennifer, I posted this (below) about implants. It depends if they are saline or silicone, but honestly with what you are contending with with PANDAS, I would lean toward getting them removed. MHTFR can be compensated for. Surgery is a big decision either way – so you might try a body tune up type of cleanse like GT5 and then get your markers run to see if your immune system is able to remain strong and keep infections in check and if not, then removal might be your best bet since implants can now be tied to autoimmune disease like RA. Thank you for your trust. 🙂
Is it ok to continue doing the breast castor oil packs once pregnant? Thank-you thank-you Christa, you are amazing!
Hey Robyn, there’s no research on it either, but I can tell you that it’s very gentle and I would do castor oil packs once weekly if pregnant, followed by a ton of water. Check with your OB/Gyn since they know your entire health history. xoxo
Thanks so much for this info! I feel like my lymph nodes are always swollen and have wanted to be able to help them detox! Questions: About the hot water, how much do we drink in a day? Every 10-15 minutes all day long is tough to do. 😉 Is 8 ounces enough? Would have to keep reheating the water too. Also, how often would we want to incorporate these regimens, i.e. how frequently should we do the castor oil packs, how many times a year should we do the round on the proteolytic enzymes, etc. Thank you!!
Hey Gina – Why don’t you start out small and drink 3 mugs of hot water each day sipped slowly, but not too slow where you have to reheat. Castor oil packs three times a week for 3-4 weeks should make a nice impact along with the proteolytics (check with your doc on those first though please).
This info is great- I’m a 5 year survivor on Tamoxifen – I also have Celiac Disease (other than that I’m healthy!!) your advice on gut thrive has me intrigued. Where can I get more info? ( I blame my gut whenever I’m out of balance in my body- including getting new cavities despite diligent oral hygiene).
Congratulations on 5 years, Kristina! My mom is with you and we are so happy about that. Omg, our Gut Thrive program is perfect for you especially with Celiac. It’s going to blow you away. Here’s the link to the enrollment page where you can read the entire process http://www.gutthrivein5.com/enroll-today/ or if you prefer to go through our educational series to understand it completely including a day in the life on the program, you can join that here: http://www.gutthrivein5.com/ I am with you that ALL imbalances begin in the gut. It is our foundation for a healthy life. And p.s. in the program we also address the oral microbiome as well.
Hello Kristina and congratulations on 5 years out of cancer. That is wonderful! We celebrated that milestone with my mom last year and the whole family exhales. Being a cancer survivor and a Celiac, there is no better program for you to reboot your gut, your liver, and your blood and to recharge your mitochondria (cellular health) than our Gut Thrive Program. I think you will be overjoyed with your results. Here’s a link that describes the program where you can also enroll: http://www.gutthrivein5.com/enroll-today/ and here is a link to a free video series that will educate you deeply on gut health and walk you through our Gut Thrive process so you can see if it’s something you are ready to tackle: http://www.gutthrivein5.com/
Wow! Thank you for these great tips. We have used castor oil packs often for liver, kidneys, uti, endometriosis, etc., but never knew about using them to detox breasts! Now I’m going to go sip some hot water. ❤️??
So welcome, lovely Sharon! xoxo
Is this treatment recommended if I am currently trying to get pregnant?
Yes Monica, absolutely. It’s best to detox the breasts now before you get pregnant and to also give your lymphatic system a nice flush. Win-win for both you and baby.
Excellent information! Just a question regarding the side effects of lymph drainage/detox: Should I expect to feel “icky” afterwards? How can I prevent this? Thank you for so clearly explaining something that few talk about.
It’s my pleasure. Anytime you detox you have the potential to feel some symptoms. However, these are all extremely gentle ways to cleanse and the chances of feeling “icky” are very low. If you do – then all you need to do is drink plenty of pure water.
I had breast cancer followed by lumpectomy,chemo and radiotherapy throughout 2013. I’m still not feeling back to normal and am getting bad side effects from tamoxifen. I’m definitely going to give some of this a go ASAP ?
Gwen, congratulations on being on the other side. This should definitely help you feel better but also consider a microbiome rejuvenation that also addresses the liver like Gut Thrive since they are both so baseline to hormone production and Tamoxifen is throwing those hormones off. Lots of success stories from that.
Can you use the castor oil while breastfeeding.
Hey Melissa, while there’s not much research to be able to recommend it during breast feeding, I will tell you that it’s so gentle that I would do it during breast feeding and just take chlorella afterward to cleanse the breast milk and also drink a lot of water. It can improve milk flow.
Great Video! PLEASE, PLEASE CONSIDER ANSWERING MY COMMENT: I’ve looked for specific, accurate demonstrations of the proper way to Dry Skin Brush and there are many discrepancies. PLEASE – You are our Go-To Source – Can you PLEASE do a video demonstrating on a doll or a mannequin or something with clear explanations from the feet all the way up. There are people saying different techniques for the breast area, for the back etc. I even have a book that differs from videos I’ve watched. But YOU ARE ALWAYS the Voice of Reason and the Final Word! Please help! Thank You! (Or at least put your stamp of approval of a demonstration that is already out there)
Hey Patty, I appreciate your trust. Thank you for that. This naturopathic doctor seems to give one of the better demonstrations I’ve seen along with valid explanations and excellent details for everything. I’d follow her advice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqKPaG0gAnk
LOVE, love, love you Christa!! Thank you SO much for always giving us so much information and helping us empower ourselves with all this valuable knowledge!! Every time I watch a clip or read an email or other publication from you, I learn SO much!! Thanks again~ and congratulations on your marriage!! Hugs!!
Thanks so much, Dayna! So happy to support and empower you with information and knowledge. Thank you for the well wishes on our marriage! Hugs back to you. xo, Christa
Thanks for this great information! Would all of this be recommended for someone coming out of traditional breast cancer treatment?
Hi Jenna, Yes, all of these methods are beneficial for those trying to reduce their risk of breast cancer as well as those that have completed traditional breast cancer treatment. ~ Stacey, TWJ Team Member
Glad you enjoyed this Jenna. After finishing breast cancer treatment, I’d suggest doing a liver and microbiome boost/cleanse, and then detoxing the breasts and lymphatic system immediately after.
Hi Christa, great article.. Could you please explain how to take the proteolytic enzymes in a little more detail when using them to help detox the lymphatic system? Should we only take them at the beginning or middle of our meals.. or can we take these several times a day without food( empty stomach) since we are trying to do something other than use for meal digestion.. or do we need to take with some food? Lastly, how many should we take daily, and for how long? Thank you for your time and sharing this information!
Hi Charlotte, In Christa’s blog she says it’s helpful to get guidance from your health practitioner prior to taking proteolytic enzymes, because those with leaky gut or gastritis can have a burning reaction to them when the protective mucosal lining is not intact. They are also contraindicated for pregnancy and nursing.
Here is a link to her favorite brand of vegan, high quality proteolytic enzymes. Typical dose is either 3 per day at least 45 minutes away from food for 4-6 weeks or 2 upon waking and 2 mid-morning, away from food for 4-6 weeks. http://store.gutthrivein5.com/product/proteolytic-enzymes/. Thank you! Stacey, TWJ-Team Member