women's risk of breast cancer Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Research Links Excessive Oxalates to Breast Cancer

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:46:57 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” Information about little-known compounds called oxalates can be confusing and conflicting. They are often equated with the “bad” substances in foods, but, in reality, oxalates are neither good nor bad. They can become problematic, however, when too many of them accumulate in the body. When there are too many oxalates – they can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to kidney stones and immune deficiency. Furthermore, research indicates that high levels of oxalate in the mammary area have been linked to breast cancer tumor growth as well. The body itself forms most oxalates Oxalates (COOH), or oxalic acid, are strongly acidic substances that help plants and animals metabolize. The body’s functions form about 60% to 80% of oxalates. The other 20 to 40% of oxalates come from food. Most fruits and vegetables contain a small amount of oxalic acid, and they are found in the leaves of plants as opposed to the roots, stalks, and stems. The following foods contain a high amount of oxalates overall: Rhubarb Chocolate Spinach Beet greens Swiss chard Some nuts, especially almonds, cashews, and peanuts Some berries, especially gooseberries Lemon and lime peel Some grains and pasta (except brown rice) Some legumes, especially navy beans, black beans, and soybeans Okra Parsley How are oxalates linked to breast cancer? Oxalates are oxidizing substances. As such, they are extremely volatile and can damage tissue in large amounts. Oxalate crystals cause the formation of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine and lead to kidney infection and bladder cancer. These crystals are also razor sharp and can cause direct damage and long-lasting inflammation to whatever internal tissues they come into contact with. Oxalate-iron crystals can lead to iron depletion. When calcium-oxalate crystals form, they can lodge in internal organs and bone. As they grow, they crowd out bone marrow, leading to immune deficiency and anemia. Excess oxalates also can chelate heavy metals. However, oxalates trap metals like mercury and lead in tissues, unlike other chelators. Excess oxalate has been linked to fibromyalgia, vulvodynia (vulvar pain), digestive disorders, and autism. The most startling new connection between excess oxalates and disease has to do with breast cancer, however. A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” The researchers also discovered that oxalic acid caused tumor proliferation and stimulated the expression of pro-tumor genes. Surprisingly, proliferation did not happen when oxalate was injected into the backs of laboratory mice. This indicates that high oxalate levels do not induce cancer tumor growth in all types of tissue. Three ways to reduce your oxalate levels Obtain calcium from natural foods, not calcium supplements. Calcium has an interesting relationship with oxalates. Approximately 5-15% of the world population will develop some form of kidney stone. Of those, 80% will be calcium-oxalate stones. When calcium is combined with foods that are high in oxalates within the intestines, the two together form an oxalate-calcium crystal that the body cannot absorb. When this happens, a “stone” is formed that will make its way to the kidneys to eventually be eliminated in the urine. The presence of oxalate-calcium crystals, which can block urine flow and cause kidney infection, can also lead to a higher risk of renal, pelvis, and bladder cancers. These same kinds of crystals can also form in the lungs, nerves, brain, bones, blood vessels, and joints. Does this mean you should limit calcium intake if you are prone to kidney stones? Not necessarily. Research conducted on vegetarians found that they did not have higher-than-normal rates of calcium deficiency or osteoporosis caused by oxalate interference. In fact, according to a study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, vegetarians had a lower rate of kidney stones than meat eaters did. Those who consumed calcium supplements regularly, however, have shown time and again to have higher rates of kidney stones. Calcium supplementation has also been linked to both prostate and breast cancer. Stick to natural and preferably vegetable and fruit-based calcium sources to avoid kidney stones and cancer. Be aware of your protein intake. Be cautious about protein, especially if it is derived from meat and dairy. Oxalates are produced from amino acids in the liver. Amino acids are the building blocks on which proteins are made so some researchers make the connection between total protein amounts and total oxalates formed. For meat-eating women, the general recommendation is around 5 ounces a day. This is equivalent to a small hamburger patty or four eggs. The USDA states that, on average, Americans eat 30% more meat protein than the recommended allowance. Maintain good intestinal flora. According to research, some individuals have a physiology prone to higher levels of oxalate uptake in the digestive tract (thus, a higher risk of kidney stones). Although there is evidence to suggest that hereditary disposition plays a role for some people, there is also a strong link between kidney stone formation and disorders of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut, and Crohn’s. Could oxalate hyper-absorption have more to do with extreme gut flora imbalance than genetics? The jury is still out on that one. What is known, however, is that it is the job of specific flora, in particular, certain species of Oxalobacter formigenes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacteria, to process oxalic acid and prepare it for absorption. Currently, there are several studies underway which focus on the role of oral probiotics in this process. Let food work for you to keep oxalate levels in balance Remember that problems only emerge when there is an excess of oxalates in the system. The standard American diet contributes to oxalate overload, but you can also keep it in check by being proactive with prevention. Eating antioxidant-rich food, consuming citrate-rich lemon and lime juice (which experts say can help prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones), staying hydrated, and watching your salt intake are other ways to keep kidney stones in check. Also, don’t let the fear of kidney stones prevent you from getting adequate amounts of vitamin C and D. One of the ways that oxalates are formed is through conversion from vitamin C. However, studies thus far have been inclusive as to whether high vitamin C intake actually leads to increased oxalate production. In regards to vitamin D, deficiency of this vital substance has reached pandemic proportions in the developed world, including among those who have experienced kidney stones. Be sure to get your levels checked the next time you get blood work done. Maintaining a healthy balance of all substances in the body, including oxalates, is the only way to achieve and experience true health naturally. Editor’s note: For the finest quality vitamin C and D plus many other supplements, shop LuvByNature today. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov Oxfordjournals.org MDPI.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Sciencedaily.com Scientificamerican.com Nutrition.org To read the original article click here.

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Omega-3s May Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk in Women with Obesity

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:00:47 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Considered to be among the healthiest fats to consume, omega-3s benefits include those related to heart health, mental illnesses, brain decline, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and even cancer. A new study found a link between consumption of omega-3s and breast cancer (BC), specifically that when premenopausal women and obese women consumed more of these healthy fats, they had a lower risk of developing BC. As explained below, omega-3s seem to fight cancer development due to their ability to reduce inflammation and effects of too much estrogen. Study Findings: Omega-3 and Breast Cancer in Obese Women A 2022 study published in the journal Menopause found that when pre- and postmenopausal women consumed more omega-3s from their diets, they benefited from enhanced protection against developing breast cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fats, also called PUFAS, which are known to help fight inflammation and support normal immune function. There are several types, including a-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, with DHA and EPA (the types found in oily fish) the most sought after. This particular study wanted to determine if any association exists between breast cancer risk in adult women and intake of PUFAs, especially omega-3 PUFAs. The study included more than 3,100 participants who completed food frequency questionnaires and health-related surveys. Results showed that higher intake of omega-3s, especially from marine/seafood sources, was associated with lower risk of breast cancer among both pre- and postmenopausal women. Here are more details about the study’s main findings: Associations between BC risk and dietary PUFA intake was most evident among premenopausal women and women who were at increased risk of BC or who already had breast cancer. A decreased risk of breast cancer was significantly associated with increased omega-3 intake in obese/overweight women but not in women of normal weight. What It Means (How to Get More Omega-3 in Diet) Many adults, especially those who eat a modern, processed diet, don’t consume enough omega-3 fats. To make matters worse, it’s very common to consume too many omega-6s, which are found in vegetable oils and many packaged foods. This study, among others conducted in the past, demonstrate the importance of consuming healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, on a regular basis. Higher intake of omega-3s has been shown in many studies to help protect against conditions including: High cholesterol High blood pressure (hypertension) Type 2 diabetes Arthritis Macular degeneration Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia Osteoporosis And others How can you add more omega-3s to your diet? The human body cannot make its own omega-3 fats — therefore there’s a need to consume them from food sources. The best sources include oily fish, nuts and seeds. Supplements are another way to increase your intake. Here’s a list of the best omega-3 foods and sources: Fish, including wild-caught salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, white fish and tuna Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts. Note that plant-based foods are high in the type of omega-3 fatty acid called ALA, so you’ll need to eat more of them to get the same effect as their animal-based counterparts. Egg yolks Natto You may also benefit from taking a high-quality omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil or a capsule. Aim to get between 250 and 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA combined each day. Does omega-3 increase estrogen levels, or does omega-3 block estrogen? Studies have found somewhat mixed and conflicting results when testing the effects of omega-3s on estrogen levels. Overall, these healthy fats seem to benefit estrogen levels in adult women. For example, one study found that supplementation with omega-3s plus vitamin D3 decreased estrogen in premenopausal women, which may help defend against hormone-related cancers. Another study found potential anticancer roles of omega-3s through effects on estrogen signaling. Omega-3 seem to convert pro-proliferative estrogen in a way that blocks breast cancer cells from growing. Research suggests that EPA and DHA may be effective in helping to fight BC due to several other mechanisms, including reducing proinflammatory lipid (fat) derivatives, inhibiting inflammation and cytokine production, and decreasing growth factor receptor signaling. Are omega-3 good for cancer patients? Can cancer patients take omega-3 fish oil? In most cases, yes. Some research shows that fish oil can help improve treatment outcomesamong people battling some types of cancer. However, some patients undergoing chemotherapy may be advised to avoid fish oil. As one study explains, “Accumulating evidence states that n-3 PUFAs may exert an antitumor action by altering lipid composition of the plasma membrane.” In other words, these fats seem to defend cells against becoming damaged and cancerous, and they may also stop them from spreading. That being said, if you’re being treated for cancer you should always discuss any supplements you’re taking with your doctor. Other Ways to Help Combat Breast Cancer and Obesity Aside from eating a healthy diet and avoiding processed foods, other ways you can lower your risk for breast cancer and obesity include: Getting enough exercise on a regular basis. Not consuming too much alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Limiting exposure to chemicals and carcinogens, such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants. Well-known carcinogens include asbestos, nickel, cadmium, radon, vinyl chloride, benzidine and benzene. Managing stress, since chronic stress takes a toll on the immune system and also causes increases production of “stress hormones,” which are linked to weight gain. Avoiding sleep deprivation. Conclusion A new study found a link between consumption of omega-3s and breast cancer, specifically that when obese women and premenopausal women consumed more of these healthy fats they had a lower risk for BC. High intake of n-3 PUFAs seems to be associated with a lower risk of BC because these fats help fight inflammation and cytokine production, and they can normalize effects of estrogen. Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids is also helpful for defending against many other conditions, like heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. The best sources include oily fish, nuts, seeds and fish oil supplements. To read the original article click here.

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