Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Breast Cancer: A Practical Manual for Understanding, Prevention and Care »

Sat Dharam Kaur, ND lectures on breast health at a naturopathic college and has a naturopathic practice specializing in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. She has a worldwide reputation as a teacher and activist and has been a featured speaker at The World Conferences on Breast Cancer.

A naturopathic approach to breast cancer, concentrating on nutrition, risk factors, exercise and lifestyle changes that can prevent or help in the treatment of breast cancer.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Robert E Burke, MSN, MPS, BSN(Pace University)
Description:This book provides women of all ages with the necessary tools to understand the basics of breast health and disease in order to promote healthy living.
Purpose:The book was written in the belief that the better we understand the origins of breast cancer, the better our ability to prevent it. Although the emphasis of this book is on breast health, the underlying content challenges the women and healthcare professionals who read it to become more aware of their bodies and how they live their lives in order to promote healthy living. The author's objectives are realistic and important. This book balances the viewpoints of Western biomedicine with naturopathic medicine's perspectives to provide a unique approach to approaching breast cancer, its prevention, and treatment.
Audience:The author states that this book is written for women. In the preface, Dr. Carolyn Dean goes further and states that the book is meant to be an indispensable resource and companion for all women, in poor or good health. This book may also be helpful to healthcare professionals who are interested in understanding the naturopathic approach to breast health promotion and disease prevention. The author is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. She maintains a private practice in Ontario and lectures on breast health and stress management at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has taught the Healthy Breast Program since 1996 and Kundalini yoga since 1979.
Features:The first few chapter focus on the risks of developing breast cancer, a basic overview of breast anatomy and physiology and the role of hormones and the environment on the body. This is followed by strategies that promote healthy living through diet, nutrition, and supplementation, and maintaining psychological health. Information is provided on Western biomedical and complementary therapeutic approaches to dealing with breast cancer alone and/or in combination with one another. The book also provides numerous exercises, charts, checklists, and worksheets to aid readers while they progress through the chapters. In addition, a list of resources and suggestions for further reading provides the reader with avenues to keep learning. As the guide for health promotion and disease prevention it is meant to be, I found very few shortcomings. Throughout the book, there are many interesting facts and preventative notes listed in the margins. This is unique and allows readers to gain pearls of information as they skim through the book.
Assessment:This book does an excellent job reviewing the basics of breast health and disease. The strategies for promoting healthy living, including the exercises, charts, checklists, and worksheets make this an interactive book that empowers readers to become more proactive in promoting healthy living in their lives.

Preface by Dr Carolyn Dean, MD, ND

Introduction

Glossary

Chapter 1: What is Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?

Preface

Incidence Rates

Causes of Breast Cancer

Hereditary Risk Factors

Reproductive Risk Factors

Lifestyle and Healthcare Risk Factors

Hormonal Risk Factors

Environmental Risk Factors

Dietary Risk Factors

Psychology and Spiritual Risk Factors

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Body-Mass Index

Waist Circumference and Waist:Hip Ratio

Breast Health Balance Sheet

Chapter 2: Getting to Know Our Breasts

Preface

Breast Anatomy and Physiology

Breast and Our Body Systems

Befriending Our Breasts

Common Breast Conditions

Breast Cancer

Diagnostic and Predictive Tests for Breast Cancer

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Exploring Positive and Negative Associations with Our Breasts

Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Directions

Breast Map Worksheet

Measurable Factors in Breast Cancer Prognosis

Medical Protocol for Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Chapter 3: Understanding the Hormone Puzzle

Preface

What is a Hormone?

Estrogen Balance

Low Progesterone

High Prolactin

Increased Growth Hormone

Increased Testosterone

Unbalanced Thyroid

High Insulin Levels

High Insulin-like Growth Factors-1 and -2 Levels

Unbalanced Cortisol

DecreasedMelatonin

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Components and Functions of the Endocrine System

Estrogen Sources

Target Sites and Effects of Estrogen

Target Sites and Effects of Progesterone

Vitamins and Minerals to Increase Progesterone

Symptoms of Unbalanced Thyroid

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Chart

Dietary Sources of Tyrosine

Strategies for Improving Thyroid Function

Insulin and Estrogen

Strategies for Balancing Insulin

Melatonin Healing Mechanisms

Food Sources of Tryptophan for Elevating Melatonin

Strategies for Taking Care of Your Pineal Gland

Hormone Balancing Strategies for Breast Cancer Prevention

Chapter 4: Environmental Impact on Breast Health

Preface

Radiation

Electricity and Electromagnetic Fields

Petrochemicals, Chlorinated Chemicals, and Formaldehyde

Organochlorines

Phthalates

Bisphenol-A

Nonylphenyl Ethoxylates

PBE (Promiated Fire Retardants)

Is There Any Place Salve to Live?

Rachel Carson Day (May 27)

Non-Toxic Body and Home Care Products

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Radiation Protection Diet Checklist

Currently Used Pesticides and Breast Cancer

Pesticide Residue Chart

Greenpeace Alternatives to PVC

Phthalate Sources and Health Effects

North American Pollution Chart

Rachel Carson Day Annual Letter Writing Exercise

Non-Toxic Home and Body Care Products Shopping Checklist

Chapter 5: Detoxifying Our Bodies

Exotoxins and Endotoxins

Detoxifying Systems

Promoting Blood Circulation

Assisting the Liver

Kidney Cleansing

Adjusting Acid and Alkaline Balance

Eliminating Intestinal Parasites and Yeast

Cleansing the Colon

Bringing Back Friendly Bacteria

Assisting Digestive Enzymes

Sweating It Out

Detoxifying the Lungs

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Functions of the Liver

Harmful and Protecive Substances that Speed Up Phase 1 Detoxification

Phase 2 Detoxification: Conjugation Reactions

Phase 1 Activity

The 10-Day Liver Flush and Cleanse Exercise

Directions for Using a Castor Oil Pack

Water Filters

Urine and Saliva Testing Directions

Acidic and Alkaline Forming Foods and Activities

pH Balance Chart

Directions for Preventing Parasites

Directions for Giving Yourself an Enema

Enzyme Functions

Chemicals to Monitor During Sauna Treatments

Directions for a Sauna Detoxification Program

Sauna Nutritional Supplement Schedule

'Breath of Fire' Lung Detoxification Exercise

Chapter 6: Activating Our Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Preface

Parts of the Lymphatic System

Assisting Lymphatic Circulation

Specialized Cells of the Immune System

Western Herbs

Western Herbal Formulas for Breast Health

Ayurvedic Herbs

Chinese Herbs

Herbal Oils for Breast Health

Medicinal Mushrooms

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Dry Brush Massage Instructions

Breast Self-Massage Instructions

Rebounding Exercise Instructions

Low Immunity Factors

Phytochemicals in Herbs Active Against Breast Cancer Cells

Essiac Formula Instructions

Etiology of Breast Cancer in Chinese Medicine

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Breast Health

Directions for Making Herbal Oils

Chapter 7: Eating Right for Breast Health

Preface

Organic Food

Vegetarianism

'Good' Fats and 'Bad' Fats

High Fiber

Phytoestrogens

Protein

Low Sodium / High Potassium Foods

Shitake and Maitake Mushrooms

Our Kitchen Parmacies

Low Glycemic Index Foods

Foods to Avoid

Food Rotation

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Cancer Fighting Phytochemicals

Directions for Sprouting Broccoli Seeds

Citrus Flavonoids

Fat Content of Common Foods

Evaluating the Fiber Content of Your Diet

Phytoestrogen Content of Various Foods

Calorie, Protein, Isoflavone, and Fat Content of Soy Foods

Vegetarian Sources of Protein

Sulphur-Containing Protein Rich Foods

Potassium Content of Common Foods

Glycemic Index of Various Foods

Calcium Content of Various Foods

Recommended Healthy Breast Daily Diet

Weekly Diet Diary

14-Day Dietary Routine Worksheet

Chapter 8: Nutritional Supplements for Breast Health

Preface

Vitamins

Minerals

Other Nutrients

Supplement Packaging

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Bioflavonoids and Cancer

Nutritional Strategies for Breast Health Guidelines

Daily Therapeutic Amounts of Vitamins and Minerals Exercise

When to Take Supplements Guidelines

Daily Supplement Schedule Worksheet

Chapter 9: Psychological and Spiritual Means of Preventing Breast Cancer

Preface

Developing a Healthy Self-Image

Becoming Assertive

Purging Anger

Resolving Conflict

Mind-Body Connections

Living with Joy and Purpose

Searching for Meaning

Healing Dreams

The Power of Prayer

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Exploring Your Beliefs Exercise

Letting Go Exercise

Communication Style Worksheet

Assertive Behavior Worksheet

12 Steps for Purging Anger

Visualization Exercise

Guidelines for Creating Healing Imagery

Activating Your Capacity to Heal

Expanding Your Joy

'Why I Am Here' Exercise

7 Steps for Finding Purpose

Meaning Mandala Worksheet

Invoking a Healing Dream

How to Pray

Chapter 10: Breast Disease Treatments

Preface

Assessing Treatment Methods

Preparing for Surgery

Surgery Support

Botanical Surgery

Chemotherapy Support

Radiation Support

What to Use with Tamoxifen

Managing Side Effects of Drug Treatments

Treating Other Breast Ailments

Homeopathic Symptom Pictures and Remedies for Breast Care

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Healing After Surgery

Guidelines for Preventing and Minimizing Lymphedema

Visualization Script for Surgery

Materials Checklist for Dressings and Salve Application

Recommended Supplements for Chemotherapy

Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy

Recommended Supplements Checklist for Radiation Treatments

Phytochemotherapy for Life

Homeopathic Remedies Indicated for Breast Cancer

Chapter 11: Working with Healthcare Professionals

Responsibilities of Patients

Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals

Summary

EXERCIES, CHARTS, CHECKLISTS & WORKSHEETS

Exercise Worksheet Checklist

Breast Health Data Sheet

Resources Directory

References

Further Reading

Acknowledgements

Index