It is not black and white.

Depending on what book you read, who you talk to, or what websites you explore you could be told to avoid quite a bit of things in your life to reduce your risk of cancer. This concept frustrates me and scares me at the same time. For one, I feel like at this point “everything gives you cancer”. For instance, I decided to implement flax seeds into my diet as they are a great source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and fiber. So, one would assume these would be a great healthy choice. Wrong. Depending on the site you read or who you talk to, some BRCA previvors avoid this due to the content of estrogen (along with avoiding all soy products). This is exactly what I mean, something that is good for your whole body perhaps isn’t good for one particular type of cancer. WHen you ask your Dr. though they often tell you not to worry about that kind of stuff because it isn't scientifically proven, but yet so many do. The same goes for birth control pills. They are not recommended for BRCA carriers as it is increases your risk of breast cancer, due to the fact that estrogen is linked to breast cancer, but decreases your risk of ovarian. I mean, really?!?!

I guess I am just frustrated as I want it to be black and white. Eat this and you won’t get cancer, take this pill and you won’t get cancer. Wouldn’t life much simpler if that was the case?

Here is what I am changing:

1.    For breakfast everyday I switched from instant oatmeal to steel cut organic oatmeal (and will continue to encourage Sean to eat it though his first encounter was not pleasant)

2.    I am adding flax seed to my daily diet (in the oatmeal). I choose the overall benefits rather than worrying about the estrogen levels. I will speak to my Dr. about this though.

3.   Organic milk all the way. For years we did buy it for Sean but recently due to “budget cuts” in our house we went back to regular. We will use organic only from now on.

4.   I am attempting to buy most fresh fruits and vegetables that are organic.

5.   Switching from plastic storage containers to glass. At least that is an easy one!

Like I’ve posted before I am very active so I do not feel a need to increase my activity level. I am still working on my weight. I’m losing it very slowly this time (post pregnancy), which is ok. 

I’m still struggling with the soda. I’ve switched to diet due to the caloric intake but I really like regular better. (and regular has no artificial sweeteners which is good). Once my weight is more under control then I will stop drinking soda all together, and when I do, have a regular soda in stead of diet. 

If anyone reading this has any suggestions, please share and post a comment. At this point, I feel like the best plan is to provide myself and my family with a healthy lifestyle. That in itself has many benefits besides the reduction of our risks to cancer.