Hormone Dependent Cancers

We can all think of someone in our life who has been impacted by cancer. Maybe you have been wondering how or why this happened. Are our genetics to blame, or is it something else? Only 20% of our health outcomes are due to genetics. 20%! That means we have much more control over our health than we ever imagined.

Let’s start with the term “hormone dependent” or “hormone sensitive”. A hormone dependent cancer is a type of cancer that relies on a hormone to grow and survive. Most often we think of breast cancer that requires estrogen, specifically estradiol (E2), or prostate cancer that requires androgens, specifically testosterone, to grow. 70% of breast cancer cases are hormone-dependent, or estrogen receptor positive. That means only 30% of the most common type of cancer in women is genetic in nature. So, what contributes to this excess hormone production and what can we do about it? Great question.

Here is a list of our top tips to help with balancing hormones:

• Maintain a diverse gut microbiome! A variety of foods rich in color (and phytonutrients) play a significant role in hormone detoxification pathways. An important marker of health called beta-glucuronidase can cause the recycling of toxic estrogens from our gut. Higher levels of beta-glucuronidase tend to be seen in those with hormone dependent cancers.

• Consume adequate amounts of complete protein sources. Our bodies require essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) for a multitude of reasons. As it pertains to hormone health, adequate protein intake is important for both phases of detoxification in the body. Complete protein sources are also rich in B Vitamins which act as cofactors in the detoxification process.

• Maintain optimal Vitamin D levels (an optimal range is between 60-80 ng/dL). Vitamin D inhibits the growth of malignant cells, decreases levels of inflammatory mediators in the body, and reduces the excess production of hormones. We recommend a Vitamin D3/K2 supplement to help maintain adequate levels, especially in the winter months.

• Aim for three servings of cruciferous rich vegetables every day (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, & Brussel sprouts). The cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulfur which helps rid excess hormones from the body.

• Keep alcohol to a minimum. Alcohol can slow liver detoxification pathways and further increase hormone levels in the body.

• Stay hydrated! Aim for at least 64 ounces of water every day.

• Make sure you are moving your bowels every day! This is so important for ridding the body of excess hormones! Wondering what your stools should look like? Check out the Bristol Stool Chart. We recommend your stool looking liked a Type 4.

• Try to choose natural cleaning, skincare and hair care products to decrease exposures to harmful toxins, xenoestrogens, and plastics that can increase hormone dominance. We recommend checking out the Think Dirty app to help you decipher which products to use!

• Keep your blood sugars balanced by consuming a carbohydrate, fat, and protein at each meal!