Phytoestrogen – What’s the Big Concern For Breast Cancer?
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Phytoestrogen – What’s the Big Concern For Breast Cancer?
The role of phytoestrogen – which essential means plant-derived estrogen – especially with regard to its interaction with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, is a subject about which I am frequently asked. So frequently, in fact, I decided to shoot a video about it, so that I can save time answering the question!
I don’t mean to sound flippant – it’s an important subject. As breast cancer patients and survivors, we are frequently told to avoid phytoestrogens in the management of ER+ breast cancer, but is that good advice?
Please watch the video and find out what the truth is about phytoestrogens.
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About Marnie Clark
Hi I’m Marnie Clark, breast cancer survivor turned coach. I have 20 years of experience in natural medicine. In 2004/05 I battled breast cancer myself. You can see more about my journey on my page Breast Cancer Diary.
I’ve been healthy and recurrence-free since 2004 and in 2012 I became a Breast Cancer Coach because I became aware of the fact that whilst there is now a wealth of information on the Internet, much of it is confusing, conflicting, and sometimes just wrong!
So it is my duty to help you unconfuse and untangle all that information, and find what works for YOU.
GET MY BEST TIPS on healthy ways to beat breast cancer and prevent recurrences by signing up for my free e-newsletters and eBooks.
You can also “like” me on Facebook (Marnie Clark, Breast Health Coach) to get my inspirational snippets, news and updates. I promise to do my utmost to keep you informed and empowered on your healing journey… and beyond.
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Verry happy
I enjoy everything I get from you. I did not think this article was dry but maybe because I’m an RN and love all the detail.
All good information about soy because we get a lot of differing thoughts on the subject.
Dear Bonee,
Hey, thanks for the feedback – much appreciated. Sending love to you there (in my old stomping grounds, Denver!).
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi thanks for this. I take 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaxseed per day. I was ER 8. They saw a change in my other breast and I wondered if it was the flaxseed. I also take anatrazole.
Are you saying that red clover is safe?
Hi Angela,
You’re welcome. I would not recommend taking red clover if you are on anastrozole – we do not have conclusive studies on that but it is thought that taking herbs like red clover may interfere with the action of aromatase inhibitors. I’m not saying it will, but it is possible. Hence the need for further studies!
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I enjoyed your article
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad to know it helped you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Dear Marnie,
I have triple positive breast cancer, is there anything you can recommend for me as there is very little information online for this type of cancer?.
I have stopped Tamoxifen as I can’t cope with the side effects, the alternative would not be any better because of my poor bone health, so I’m trying to help myself with a heathy diet.
I was taking organic curcumin with black pepper, but my breast nurse said that it wasn’t a good idea with my type of cancer and to drink turmeric tea instead.
I also take organic pomegranate supplements along with organic milk thistle and organic sea-kelp supplements.
I have a 86% survival rate up to 5 years which is pretty good without any treatment other than a mastectomy.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for sharing that with me. Yes, I do indeed have MANY recommendations for you (and may I say you’ve been misled by your breast nurse – she’s given you bad advice about the curcumin!). I see you are receiving my newsletters, full of science-backed recommendations, so pay close attention to them. Also, I have loads of recommendations in my course, Toxic Free Me, about the things you can do that will help most to keep you well. I’m also available for 1:1 coaching sessions should you decide you want a healing plan created for you, which takes into account all that you are struggling with and fine-tunes your regimen for anti-cancer optimization! I hope this response helps, and I look forward to being of service to you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Thank you for your video. Not one of my many doctors for my breast cancer (stage 3b when I could finally get surgery during the pandemic) talked about nutrition, or lifestyle for that matter. I even asked bc I am vegan, exercise every day, never smoked or take drugs (of any kind!), have eliminated plastic and toxic chemicals from my environment (yup…no more toxic makeup on my largest organ…the skin). So…I did tons of research and said NO to chemo and radiation and aromatase inhibitors. I am not a fan of Western Medicine in “healthcare”. It is big Pharma and hospitals are big business. There is a time and place for medical intervention (trauma). So…people need to take control of their life to live!!!
Dear Karen,
That’s the way to be an empowered survivor – good for you. If I can help you with any questions or concerns, just ask. I am here for you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Thank you for this awesome video. It definitely helps me navigate my diet better – will add some flaxseeds. 🙏
Dear Kornelia,
You are welcome! Happy to help.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I learned a lot from the video. I enjoy carrots, apples, oats, lentils, and flaxseed, but not soy products. Do the foods you mentioned provide different levels of protection? Also, I used to enjoy beer, but I rarely imbibe anymore. Is it safe for revert back to the beer lover I was?
Dear Barbara,
Thanks for your patience with my response. We do not have conclusive studies on which foods provide the MOST protection, however, as a coach I would say that flaxseed should be right at the top of your list. So should soy, but if you don’t like it, that can be a challenge. Re the beer, if you are cancer free, no reason why you can’t enjoy the occasional beer, but I’d advise choosing a good organic brand to ensure that you aren’t getting a load of pesticides along with your beloved beverage. Quality over quantity! Just be aware that drinking alcohol frequently (ie several times per week) does increase your risk for breast cancer. Hope that helps!
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Marnie, I came across your video when reading about sugar substitutes. I am trying to find a milk substitute- started with Almond then tried Oat & am currently drinking Soy. But now after watching your video I think I should avoid Soy to be safe because I am Triple +.
Lyndel,
My dear I think soy is awesome for breast cancer survivors, you just need to make sure that it is organic, otherwise it could be GMO, and that has not been proven to be safe. The other factor you need to be aware of when you are drinking milk substitutes is to stay away from an ingredient that is sometimes put into them – carrageenan. That’s a baddie, to be avoided. Hope this helps put things into perspective for you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
For those who are not fans of soy: I’ve been adding frozen soy beans (aka edamame) to my smoothies along with ground flax. When combined with the other frozen ingredients – banana, mixed berries, and mango –the taste of soy and flax is undetectable.
Dear Megan,
Great tip! Thanks for sharing. Please just make sure your frozen soy beans (edamame) are organic, otherwise they can be GMO.
Warmest regards,
Marnie