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Breast cancer develops a long time like 20 to 30 years. Research, on the other hand, had discovered that a high level of estrogen in the blood is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This is a crucial step to understand how hormones and breast cancer are related. What can be done to lower estrogen in our body? This would be a key in our fight against breast cancer.

Gene and cancer

Cancer research has identified a gene implicated in breast cancer. The gene known as CYP3A is responsible in the catalysis of many reactions involved in drug metabolism and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. Mutation of this gene reduces our risk of developing breast cancer. Mutation somehow slows the activity of the enzyme produced from the CYP3A gene. Consequently, once the gene’s activity slows down our breast cancer risk goes down along with it too. Enlightening, isn’t it? However, the problem is – not all of us have this mutation.

Cancer research

Technically, a drug that would cause that gene to mutate may provide protection against cancer. But we don’t need to wait for that miracle drug. Functional foods can do just that! Grapefruit, black mulberry, wild grape, pomegranate and blackberry inhibit human CYP3A. These functional foods shouldn’t be difficult to eat. They are refreshingly delicious and can easily be favorites. Let’s add them to our daily meal, in salads and snacks and in various ways.

Words of caution

Here’s some caution though. If we’re under chemotherapy, we must be careful since this enzyme may also be responsible in clearing our chemo drugs. We should ask our doctor some advice on the matter.

Food that lower estrogen

Now, here’s another wonderful thing, estrogen level can be controlled with two other functional foods – mushroom and red hot chili pepper. They hinder the conversion of other sexual hormone into estrogen. Subsequently, there would be a lower estrogen level in our blood stream.

Bottom Line

Let’s follow the recommendation of the American Cancer Society and that is consuming 5 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits every single day. Include a serving of mushrooms and wild grapes (yummy!). That’s already two. Plus get up daily and go for that 30 minute exercise.