There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

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For many people, constipation and digestive troubles are not comfortable topics to discuss in public. We do not believe in talking about such topics in private because they affect millions of people worldwide. Nobody wants to struggle on the toilet, especially when eliminating with ease is very attainable. All you have to do is give the body the right foods, engage in some light physical activity, and make a few other small adjustments.

When you maintain a fiber-rich diet and drink a lot of water, you can help prevent constipation. You can increase your fiber intake and enhance hydration efforts by drinking certain smoothies, such as this recipe for constipation relief. This smoothie is the perfect blend of liquid and fiber. Plus, it is pre-digested, meaning the body does not have to work hard to break down the food to absorb nutrients.

One of the ingredients that benefits digestion is pineapple, which contains the enzyme bromelain, which works to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain works to break down protein in the body, and some studies indicate that it may support weight loss because bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats. Additionally, bromelain exhibits anticancer effects, but this research was limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. More research is still necessary to confirm these results in adults.

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Mike Fremont was diagnosed with colon cancer, but switching to a plant-based diet transformed his life. Join the Going Vegan Challenge today!

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Ruth Heidrick was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer but switching to a plant-based diet changed everything. Today, she’s living proof that the body can heal itself when fueled the right way.

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Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

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Whether you asked for a beet recipe or not, we are here to provide an excellent one! Beets can be quite daunting, from the flavor to their ability to stain anything, including your fingers. How do you get past their earthy flavor? That is the simple part: you pair them with sweeter ingredients. In fact, one of the most classic juice combinations is the ABC, or CAB, depending on how you choose to arrange your letters. That is the combination of apples, beets, and carrots. Together, those three ingredients create a beautifully balanced juice.

This recipe is similar, but it calls for strawberries, which bring a lively, sweetly tart flavor to the party. Plus, strawberries provide lots of vitamin C and beneficial antioxidant compounds. In addition to being low in calories and carbs, they also contain fiber and potassium. Beets are also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, but they are also rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which helps widen blood vessels, a process that could potentially reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to muscles. The latter effect would primarily be beneficial for exercise performance and cardiovascular health.

Don’t worry, we did not forget about the carrots. These powerful orange root veggies provide lots of vitamin A, which has been linked to benefitting eye and skin health. Other studies confirm that vitamin A may aid digestion and offer protection against certain types of cancer. Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s make the smoothie and enjoy some deliciousness and beneficial nutrients!

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With just four ingredients, this seasonal cherry smoothie is about to be your new summer favorite. It is creamy, raw vegan, and filled with more flavor than you can imagine. It is easy to prepare and what is most impressive about it is that it strikes a balance between the right amount of sweetness and texture. Rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other micros and macros, this smoothie is a new favorite.

Depending on where you live and which stores you have access to, cherries may be available throughout the year, or during a few seasons. For the most part, summer is the season of cherries, in addition to other stone fruit, such as nectarines, apricots, peaches, and plums. Cherries exhibit a high antioxidant content, which is beneficial for fighting oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Cherries are especially rich in polyphenols, a group of plant compounds that reduce inflammation, fight cellular damage, and promote overall health. One study found that a diet rich in polyphenols can protect against diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, cherries may also improve symptoms of gout and arthritis. A systematic review from 2019 found that cherries may decrease uric acid levels in the body, making them useful for fighting gout flare-ups. A separate controlled study from 2023 found that a supplement of tart cherry taken for 12 weeks was able to lower inflammation in patients with gout. Due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress, cherries may suppress inflammatory proteins, which may reduce arthritic symptoms.

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Get ready to enjoy a light and refreshing slaw recipe that is made without mayo or heavy dressing. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from the traditional coleslaw and make a lighter variation. This recipe is exactly that, and makes for a perfect side dish, taco topper, or salad substitute if you are cleansing. Plus, the lighter slaw is much lower in calories and fat than a traditional slaw with mayo-based dressing. Cabbage itself is low in calories, but the dressing is where the calories and fat come from. Not in this recipe, though!

You can’t have slaw without cabbage, which offers a rich nutritional profile. Cabbage provides vitamins C & K, fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Some of the antioxidant compounds in cabbage may contribute to DNA protection and offer protection against certain types of cancer. Now, while cabbage is a nutritious ingredient, jalapeños also offer surprising health benefits. Commonly used in Mexican cuisine but popular worldwide, jalapeños are vibrant green hot peppers that are naturally rich in vitamins C, B6, A, & K, in addition to folate, manganese, and beneficial antioxidants.

Several lab studies indicate that capsaicin, an alkaloid compound in jalapeños and other peppers, exhibits strong anti-cancer properties. In fact, it has the potential to kill over 40 types of cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells. Capsaicin works to fight cancer by stopping the growth and division of cancer cells, slowing the formation of new blood cells around tumors, and preventing the spread to other areas in the body. Will eating this cilantro lime slaw reduce your cancer risk? We can’t speak to that, but the ingredients speak for themselves! We hope you enjoy the slaw!

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When you want to avoid some of the toxic chemicals in store bought sunscreens, you can reach for this non-toxic sunscreen to protect your skin. Not only is it waterproof, but it is also safe for babies and marine life. The last thing you want to do is damage your skin (or your child’s skin) while simultaneously destroying reef and ocean life. You can truly avoid sunburn while avoiding toxic chemicals! 

Why Make Homemade Sunscreen?

There are more than enough sunscreen choices at your local supermarket, drugstore, or convenience store. Why are those traditional sunscreens not the best for your skin? Scientists note that commercial sunscreens contain a lot of ingredients that are not safe for your overall health, let alone your skin. Some common problems with conventional sunscreens include:

• Non-biodegradable chemicals typically lurk in commercial sunscreens. Some of these chemicals are known hormone disruptors and carcinogenic. The skin rapidly absorbs whatever you put on it, and you don’t want it to absorb those chemicals into the bloodstream!
• Nano zinc oxide contains particles small enough to penetrate the deep layers of the skin. That ultimately leaves the outer layers unprotected, meaning the sunscreen is ineffective at blocking UV rays. 
• Once you apply conventional sunscreen, the chemicals can seep deep into the body, reaching many of the skin’s layers. These chemicals can react with UV light and cause skin damage. Sunscreens that contain vitamin A or its derivatives, for example, may increase the risk of skin cancer, according to an evaluation of sunscreens from 2011.

Are All Sunscreens Bad?

With certain bans on chemical sunscreens in place, many manufacturers have started to make better, more natural sunscreen options. That said, you should still read the ingredient list, as many “natural” sunscreens still contain harmful ingredients. The same applies to so-called “healthy” foods, which are oftentimes not healthy. Just keep your eyes on the lookout for problematic ingredients. Fortunately, that is not something you have to do for the DIY sunscreen in this article. 

Does Homemade Sunscreen Work?

This recipe uses non-nano zinc oxide, a type of zinc oxide that has particles that are too big to seep deeply into the skin. Instead, it actually creates a physical barrier that protects the top and deeper layers of the skin from harmful UV rays. This DIY recipe also contains skin-nourishing oils, butter, and wax that protect and hydrate the skin. Some of the oils contain natural sun protection factor (SPF), which measures how well a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. It should be known that no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. 

The oils and butter are stable fats on their own, so they don’t go rancid easily. The cocoa butter also gives the sunscreen a beautiful chocolate scent. Beeswax also contributes a lovely scent, but it also makes the sunscreen waterproof. Although it may work well if you go in the pool, lake, or ocean, you may want to reapply not long after exiting the water. That ensures that your skin is optimally protected. 

DIY Sunscreen

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces virgin coconut oil
• 2 ounces olive oil
• 2 ounces cocoa butter
• 2 ounces beeswax
• 2 ounces non-nano zinc oxide

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Create a double boiler by placing this cup on a cloth inside a saucepan with about an inch of water in it. 
• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and keep it there until the ingredients in the cup are fully melted. Stir to combine and then remove the pitcher carefully from the hot water. 
• Let the mixture cool slightly at room temperature and then pour into a glass container or silicone squeeze tube. Allow to cool completely before sealing the jar/tube and storing in a cool, dark place. 

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Although it’s not officially summer, the sun is out and the weather is warming up. That means that your exposure to UVB rays from the sun is inevitable. These rays cause the skin to redden and blister if you don’t take the proper measures to protect your skin. Allowing the sun to damage the outer protective layers of the skin increases the risk of dry skin and skin cancer. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) said that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at one point during their lifetime. 

There’s nothing like a relaxing day in the sun. While it’s important to swim in the lake or ocean, get a tan, throw a football, and enjoy snacks outside, it’s equally as important to protect the skin while outside the water. You may find it shocking that a recent study found that 46% of Americans never wear sunscreen. The same study revealed that 62% of Americans use anti-aging products. This is strange, considering that sun-damaged skin looks older, as too much sun exposure damages the outer layers of the skin. It’s actually better to apply a natural sunscreen daily to keep the skin looking young and healthy. 

Summer is around the corner, which means that sunburns are as well. The sun can burn your skin quickly if you are not prepared. Keep the following tips in mind to help you prevent sunburn this summer. 

Be Selective About Your Outdoor Time

If you want to keep your skin healthy and safe, avoid time in the direct heat, which tends to occur during peak sun hours. Generally speaking, peak sun hours range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but these times may vary upon your location. If you are out on the lake or on the beach, water reflects the sun’s rays, giving you more sun exposure. Not only does spending time in peak heat increase the risk of sunburn, but it also makes you prone to dehydration. If you have to be in the sun during peak hours, wear sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat for extra protection. 

Apply Sunscreen At The Right Time

There are sunscreens that are both gentler on your skin and eco-friendly. They are reef-safe, meaning that they don’t damage the coral, which is dying or already dead in most areas of the ocean. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. This allows the sunscreen time to set on the skin, and you won’t start sweating it off immediately in the sun. You should also choose a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. 

Wear Sunscreen Responsibly

To piggyback on the aforementioned tip, you should wear the right type of sunscreen. If you are going to spend time near or in the water, purchase water-resistant sunscreen, otherwise it will wash away easily. Another thing to consider is that you should apply enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass when you first apply. Additionally, opt for non-spray sunscreens for your children. According to the FDA, spray sunscreens are discouraged for children because the chemicals can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. Many people think that spray sunscreens are easier to apply, but they don’t apply enough and it’s easier to miss spots. 

Don’t Be Shy, Accessorize

Hats and sunglasses are your friends during the warmer summer months. While a regular baseball cap may suit you on a slightly sunny day, a hat with a wide brim that goes around the hat is best for peak heat sun time. Sun hats and farmer/beach hats offer wonderful protection for your ears, neck, and face. While all sunglasses are beneficial, sunglasses that have polarized lenses with 99-100% UV protection better protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.

Seek Shade When Possible

Naturally, an efficient way to avoid sunburn is to seek out shade. Depending on how shady the area is, though, you may still need to apply a layer of sunscreen for protection, especially if you are prone to sunburn. If you have fair skin, 15 minutes of direct sun exposure can lead to sunburn. A good rule of thumb is to spend at least as much time under cover as you do in the sun. 

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