How to Care for your Breasts
Thinking of the best health measures for your lovely pair? Let`s take a look at 10 of these essential breast health tips. Are you ready?
10 Health Tips for Breast Care
Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a lot of fruits and veggies is linked to a lowered risk for developing estrogen-receptor-negative breast tumors. This may be due to the fact that a number of fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenoids which are natural pigments that serve as antioxidants. Estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancers constitute about 15 percent of all breast cancers and are particularly difficult to treat.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercising will do your breasts some good. Fat cells produce estrogen, and high levels of it may cause certain cancers. Working out regularly will help shrink the size of fat cells, so your body pumps out less estrogen. You`re advised to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Spreading it across the week would be a great idea, as overly intense exercise may be harmful. You can do some cardio, or just hop on your bike and get those muscles working.
Eat Some Chocolate
Yeah, you just found a reason to indulge in some chocolate-eating. But remember that moderation is key. Studies have found that dark chocolates contain a compound that fights fast-growing cancers. So, yes, you can prevent breast cancer with some yummy bars of chocolate. Snack on them already!
Drink Less Alcohol
Women who drink more than three glasses of alcohol a day are about two times more vulnerable to developing breast cancer than their non-drinking counterparts. For the sake of your breasts` health, keep your alcohol intake to a serving a day or less. So in essence, you should have not more than 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
Don’t Freak Out Over a Lump
A number of people freak out whenever they find a lump in their breasts during a self-examination. Here`s what you should know: four out of five lumps you feel in the breast are benign. Notwithstanding, you should always see a doctor whenever you feel a lump, even as you have it in mind that not all lumps are indicators of breast cancer.
Eat Dark Grapes
You probably didn`t know that the skin of grapes may have anticancer properties. The antioxidant, resveratrol, which is present in grapes can protect your cells from damage that could result in cancer. And of course, resveratrol is great for your heart too. Do well to enrich your health with some whole grapes or unsweetened grape juice.
Get Adequate Sleep
Staying up late exposes you to more light at night, and as a result, suppresses melatonin levels. By all means, get about seven to eight hours of sleep every night for your general health and particularly your breast health.
Know your Body
Self-examinations are great, however, they are more effective when you understand your body. Get familiar with the look and feel of your breasts. That makes it easier for you to spot any changes immediately they occur. Also, did you know that the best time to do self-examination is when your breasts are not swollen and tender? So avoid doing a self-examination before or during your period.
Take Some Folic Acid
People who don`t consume adequate folate should consume some folic acid. Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid, and inadequate consumption is associated with impaired ability to repair DNA. Damaged DNA is linked to an increased risk of cancer. You can get some folate in foods like spinach, cereal, grains, and black-eyed peas. You should have up to to 400 micrograms daily if you`re taking folic acid.
Reduce Stress
Take deep breaths, rest when you need to, and just manage stress better. There are psychological factors that are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Also, people who are constantly under stress tend to turn to alcohol, overeating, and some other unhealthy habits in a bid to cope with the pressure. Try to get enough rest and avoid stressors.
8 Interesting Breast Facts
Breast Size Is Hereditary
Women may inherit their breast size from either parent`s family line. Here`s why sisters in a family may have clearly different breast sizes.
Your Boobs Aren’t Just Made of Fat
Your breasts are a complex system of glands and ducts. Underneath each breast, there are muscle and fibrous tissues that separate it from the ribs. As you age, your breasts will turn into mostly fat.
There Are Various Types of Nipples
They are primarily four types of nipples. While some are protruding, others are flat, some are puffy, and some others are inverted. And yes, all these nipple types are normal.
Sagging Is Almost Certain
It is only natural that as you age, your breasts will sag. Some women undergo corrective surgery to avoid sagging. Smoking and sleeping on your stomach are some other factors that may make your breasts sag.
The Average Boob Weighs Between One and Two Pounds
Women have breasts of different sizes, however, many of them are between one and two pounds. The Guinness Book of World Records registers the woman with the largest natural breasts in the world who wears a size 52I bra that weighs about 100 pounds.
Areolas Change Color During Sexual Arousal
While your nipples perk up during sexual arousal, your areolas get darker. The breasts then swell on the inside as a result of increased blood flow.
Weight Gain Can Make your Boobs Bigger
While weight gain increases your breast size, weight loss makes them shrink. However, this doesn`t work the same way for every woman because some women have denser breasts with less fatty tissue. Other factors that affect breast size are menopause, birth control pills, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and even sex.
Areolas Give Off a Scent
The areola has little bumps at its edge. Also called Montgomery’s glands, these bumps produce a scent like amniotic fluid that only babies can detect. This makes babies drawn to that part of their mother`s body.
4 Factors that Affect Breast Size
A number of women and men are obsessed with big breasts, and some women will get to any length to have bigger breasts. What exactly determines or influences breast size? Let`s take a look at four of them.
Body Weight
A vital part of the tissues that constitute the mammary gland comprises fat and other fat-based contents. Your body weight, will, to a large extent, affect the physical appearance of your boobs. Your breast size will inevitably change as you gain and lose some weight.
Genes
Genes control breast growth and development, among other body parts. They determine the level of hormones responsible for the growth of your breasts and their tissues.
Age
As you get older, your breasts will likely sag. This is only normal because the ligaments and tissues that hold them firmly together get weak.
Breastfeeding
Lactating women produce breast milk with the support of certain hormones. During this time, your breasts will swell while you produce milk and will deflate while you don`t. As your breasts inflate and deflate at intervals, it affects their size and shape.
Now that you Know…
You can care for your breasts better in order to avoid breast cancer and other breast conditions, as well as to attain that perfect shape and size you have always longed for. Caring for your breasts is caring for your womanhood.
