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Breast Thermography: A complimentary approach to prevention and early detection of breast cancer
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Current statistics predict that 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. When detected early, breast cancer is more likely to be treated successfully. This is why regular breast cancer screenings are so important. The mammogram has always been the gold standard in screening for breast cancer. But there is also another type of screening tool that can be complementary to a mammogram called thermography.

Thermography is a technology that measures heat and inflammation in the body.  A mammogram looks for anatomical changes in the breast, like the formation of a lump or tumor whereas thermography looks at temperature and vascular patterns in the breast. Thermography can detect excessive heat and inflammation in the breast tissue, identifying an environment in which cancer can grow. This in turn can give a woman the earliest opportunity to combat inflammation and change that environment helping to prevent and reduce her risk of breast cancer.


This is thermography of a woman with inflammatory breast cancer.

The red coloring indicates excess heat and inflammation where the cancer is and the cool colors, green and blue, indicate normal healthy tissue.

 

 

What causes inflammation in the breast?

According to Dr. Allan Tomson of Neck Back and Beyond Healing Arts Center, the primary causes of inflammation in the breast are:

  • Excessive estrogen in the breast

  • Food allergies or sensitivities

  • Poor diet

  • Stress

All of which can be addressed through dietary changes, nutritional supplements, detoxification, stress reduction, and optimizing gut health.

These are pictures of a woman with a history of breast cancer

The top picture shows significant areas of redness, indicating inflammation.

The bottom picture is of the same woman 1 year later after following lifestyle modifications that included dietary changes, stress-reducing therapies, detoxification, and targeted supplement support.

You can see the changes that she made dramatically decreased the inflammation in her breast tissue.

She continues to practice a healthy living routine and remains cancer-free!

 

Thermography does give vital information that allows a woman the opportunity to reduce risk factors, make lifestyle changes, and monitor her breast health more closely. However, thermography is not a diagnostic tool for detecting breast cancer and should not be used as a stand-alone test. It needs to be combined with diagnostic tests like a mammogram or ultrasound.

Research over the past 20 years has shown that EARLY DETECTION is the key to surviving breast cancer. However, PREVENTION is ultimately the goal and THAT is what will save lives. And can also help to save your bones. Having to undergo breast cancer treatment can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

If you are interested in learning more about thermography, please check out this website BREASTTHERMOGRAPHY.COM

If you are interested in having thermography, contact Dr. Tomson’s office at (703) 865-5690. Dr. Tomson’s office performs thermography twice a year in October and March.

Also, check out my interview with Dr. Tomson and his wife, a cancer survivor, on YouTube.

™Here’s why leafy greens should be at the top of your dietary list for bone health: 

1. Calcium-Rich Goodness

While dairy products are known for their calcium content, green leafy vegetables can be just as potent. Calcium is a fundamental mineral for bone health, and leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and turnip greens provide an excellent plant-based source of this nutrient. One cup of cooked kale can offer as much calcium as a cup of milk, making it an essential addition to your diet.

 

2. Vitamin K: The Bone Protector

Leafy greens are rich in vitamin K, a nutrient vital for bone health. Vitamin K helps in the activation of osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to the bone matrix, strengthening bones. Additionally, vitamin K helps reduce excessive bone demineralization, protecting against bone loss and fractures. Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are particularly high in vitamin K, making them superstars for your skeletal system.

 

3. Magnesium for Bone Metabolism

Magnesium is another crucial nutrient found abundantly in leafy greens. About 50-60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones, where it plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism and mineralization. Magnesium also assists in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids in calcium absorption. Incorporating greens like spinach and kale into your diet ensures you get enough magnesium for optimal bone health.

 

4. Maintaining Alkaline Balance

A diet rich in leafy greens helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance, which is essential for bone health. When the body becomes too acidic, it may leach calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid, leading to weakened bones. Leafy greens, being alkaline, help maintain a balanced pH, preventing calcium loss and keeping your bones strong and healthy.

 

5. Packed with Antioxidants and Other Nutrients

Green leafy vegetables are packed with a range of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Vitamin C, found in greens like kale and spinach, is necessary for collagen formation, which is a critical component of bone structure. Additionally, the antioxidants in leafy greens help protect bone cells from damage and reduce inflammation. The concept of osteoimmunology highlights the connection between the immune system and bone health. Nutrients found in leafy greens help modulate immune responses, reducing inflammation and promoting bone regeneration and repair.

 

6. Fiber for Digestive Health

Leafy greens are high in dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements. Fiber also aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for bone health. A healthy gut microbiome can enhance nutrient absorption, including calcium and magnesium, synthesize essential vitamins such as vitamin K2, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones, all of which further support bone health.

 

 I recommend aiming to get 2-3 cups of leafy greens a day

 

Practical Ways to Add Leafy Greens to Your Diet

1. Smoothies: Add a handful of your favorite greens to your smoothie.

2. Salads: Make leafy greens the base of your salads. Mix varieties like arugula, romaine, kale, and spinach for a nutrient-packed meal.

3. Soups and Stews: Add chopped greens to soups, stews, and broths. They add flavor and a nutritional boost.

4. Stir-Fries: Incorporate greens like bok choy or Swiss chard into your stir-fries for a quick and healthy dinner.

5. Wraps and Sandwiches: Use large leafy greens as wraps or add them to sandwiches for extra crunch and nutrition. 

 

NOTE: While green leafy vegetables are incredibly beneficial for bone health and overall well-being, it is important to be mindful of their oxalate content. Oxalates, are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including leafy greens, nuts, seeds and certain vegetables. They can bind to minerals in the gut which can interfere with their absorption. For this reason, oxalates are considered anti-nutrients. I delve deeper into the topic of oxalates in my BONES Method™ Program where I discuss what foods have the highest oxalate content, the best alternatives, and how to manage oxalate intake effectively. Supporting optimal bone health doesn’t require perfection—it requires balance. In this program you will discover how a well-rounded, nutritious diet can contribute to strong bones and overall wellness.

CLICK HERE to learn more about my program. 

 

Incorporating green leafy vegetables into your daily diet is a simple and effective way to support your bone health. These greens provide a rich source of calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Additionally, their benefits extend to supporting digestive health and boosting immune function, making them a cornerstone of a bone-healthy diet. So next time you plan your meals, make sure to include a generous serving of leafy greens and give your bones the nourishment they need to stay strong for life.

 

 Eat like a horse, and enjoy the benefits of strong, healthy bones for years to come!

 

 

 

 

 

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Susan Brady

Physical Therapist, Nutritional consultant & Doctor of Integrative medicine

Susan is an experienced physical therapist who can assess muscle strength, posture, and balance. She creates personalized exercise programs to improve bone strength. As a nutritionist, she focuses on improving nutrients for bone health and assessing digestion and absorption. Susan also understands the importance of reducing stressors to prevent bone loss. With her holistic approach, Susan effectively addresses all aspects of bone health.

Book a free call

Susan Brady

Physical Therapist, Nutritional consultant & Doctor of Integrative medicine

Susan is an experienced physical therapist who can assess muscle strength, posture, and balance. She creates personalized exercise programs to improve bone strength. As a nutritionist, she focuses on improving nutrients for bone health and assessing digestion and absorption. Susan also understands the importance of reducing stressors to prevent bone loss. With her holistic approach, Susan effectively addresses all aspects of bone health.

Book a free call

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