Naturopathic Principles #6 Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I know, it’s corny but so true! I can’t resist a good adage especially when it conveys wisdom.  

Natural medicine seeks to optimize health and wellness by preventing disease whenever possible. This includes taking into account personal risk factors, family history, genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors. This principle also encompasses the idea of reversing a disease course before it gets too entrenched.

Many chronic diseases have precursor states. You may have heard of pre-diabetes or pre-hypertension (high blood pressure). These early disease states are the best time to use dietary, lifestyle and targeted supplementation to reverse early physiological changes. Unfortunately, conventional medical providers usually do not have the training or the ability to offer longer visit times to provide the necessary patient education.  

A lot of medical doctors are now adding continuing education courses in functional medicine to try to get a better grasp of highly effective diet and lifestyle modification. But a weekend seminar is no match for spending four long years steeped in these principles. Functional medicine is basically a re-boot of naturopathic medicine.

Does this principle resonate with your own health beliefs? Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? If you are ready to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right spot! Check out my bio to get in touch. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

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8 ways to prevent breast cancer

1. Maintain a healthy weight – being overweight has been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Manage your weight with both healthy activity & good nutrition. Avoid crash or fad diets.

2. Eat a healthy, varied diet – Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.) help the liver break down hormones like estrogen. Fiber from fruits & veggies help the body bind & eliminate waste. Add healthy fats and protein to balance your diet.

3. Consume alcohol in moderation – alcohol intake has been linked to breast cancer risk. Moderation is defined as less than 1 drink per day for women and less than 2 per day for men.

4. Get regular screening – monthly self-breast exams are a great way to “Get to Know your Girls.” Yearly breast and pelvic exams should be performed by your primary care provider (PCP). After 50, talk to your doctor about getting regular mammograms.

5. Stay active – Exercise promotes cardiovascular fitness, healthy weight and mental well-being. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. You can also get a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Find physical activity that you enjoy - biking, dancing, swimming, walking, etc.

6. Check in with your hormones - Talk to your doctor about any signs of possible hormonal irregularities. If you have painful, heavy or long periods, fibroids or fibrocystic breasts, you may have too much estrogen. Excess estrogen is connected with some types of breast cancer. Managing your hormones is important for overall health and can decrease your cancer risk.

7. Stay regular – make sure you are having at least one healthy bowel movement every day. Eating a high fiber diet (5-9 servings of veggies, 1-2 servings of fruit) and drinking 60-80 oz of hydrating fluids helps with good bowel health. Constipation can lead to re-absorption of estrogen and cause hormonal imbalances.

8. Manage stress – Stress leads to the release of cortisol, which can disrupt blood sugar, mood and sleep and cause weight gain. Find healthy ways to blow off steam and prioritize self-care. Journaling, guided meditation, time spent alone, crafts and creative endeavors, a relaxing massage, talk therapy, prayer and so many other simple activities can help take your body out of the “fight-or-flight” mode.

Are you looking for a new kind of partnership with your primary care provider? Optimizing your current health and working to prevent disease is what I specialize in. It’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Understanding your individual case and taking a patient-centered approach to care is what i do everyday!

If you are looking to start or revitalize your health journey, you are in the right place! I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to answer your initial questions. Convenient telehealth appointments are available from the comfort of your own home.

#naturalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #healing #drjesskeating #willowcnm #telehealth #holisticmedicine #prevention #breasthealth #wellness #willowclinic