Is it OK To Exercise When I have a Cold?

January 13, 2023January 23, 2023 Kayla Goldwag

(Also appeared in LA Jewish Home 1/12/2022 p.34)

Before the ink dried on my own new year’s fitness resolutions, the universe conspired to give me a one-two punch right back into bed with a cold. That got me thinking about the time back in college when I saw others “push through” a cold with exercise. My try at the same routine, back then, landed me in the infirmary with a case of mono. So, is it a good idea to work out when you’re sick or not?

The answer is clear – yes and no! Now that fitness is my career, I see a lot of objective differences between “working out” and physically moving the body, and it’s not just because “your workout is my warm-up.” [I don’t actually say that.] Seriously though, intensity is subjective and relative to the individual and also plays a role in the decision of whether you should work out with a cold and at what intensity if you do. Whether or not it’s advisable to work out also depends on your cold symptoms.

A workout that makes you breathe heavily, sweat, and work hard to the point of some discomfort, awakens a stress response in the body. When we’re healthy, it is precisely the adaptation to that stress in a progressive way that makes us stronger. Healthy bodies can adapt to that stress. However, the stress of this intense workout can overwhelm the immune system. This isn’t generally recommended when you’re sick. When you train hard, your body needs to repair the muscles that have been worked and this can further weaken your immune system.

Some find that lower intensity movement including things like:

Walking (preferably outdoors)
Leisurely biking or swimming
Some types of Yoga or T’ai Chi

…can boost immunity and help you recover faster (unless you are out of shape and/or have other stressors). Let your own perceived level of exertion be your guide in determining what is low intensity.

What shapes this recommendation is the scientific research which shows that when a healthy person exercises consistently and moderately, it strengthens immunity over time. Unusual, infrequent, sudden high intensity, or long-duration sessions can hamper immunity. Even more so, you should take it easy when sick.

Besides your current fitness level and consistency, consider what other stressors you may be facing on a given day. Anxiety, relationship stress, financial, career, environmental (hot/cold temperature outside), diet, sleep quantity and quality, age, obesity, and many emotional and physical health issues all play a part in your immunity and resilience.

I typically tell clients: Don’t exercise if you have a fever, widespread muscle aches, or fatigue; if your symptoms are “below the neck”—like diarrhea, upset stomach, chest congestion, or hacking cough.

However, it may be ok to exercise if your signs and symptoms are all “above the neck” — symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, or minor sore throat. If you choose to exercise when you have a mild cold, I recommend that you reduce the intensity and length of your workout so as not to risk more serious injury or illness. Also, be considerate and don’t contaminate others. Avoid the gym or other public places.

Listen to what your body is telling you! If you feel miserable, take a day off or even a week off. The few days won’t really affect performance.

Be sure to resume your normal routine gradually as you start to feel better. For instance, if you were sick for 3 days, consider taking 3 days to ease back in. Check with your doctor if you’re still unsure if it’s OK to work out.

If you’re healthy and want to prevent getting sick, the good news is that consistent, moderate exercise most days of the week is preventive for illness. Manage your stress and recovery, especially if you exercise with intensity. Wash your hands.

References:

Laskowski, Edward R. M.D. Exercise and illness: Work out with a cold?

(June 18, 2011) Retrieved from:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/AN01097

Body Image, Fitness Goals, General Health, Motivation

How Do You Measure Success?

January 9, 2023January 23, 2023 Kayla Goldwag

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Long before the scale validates our hard work, physiological changes are actually happening. How do I know this? I suffer from Varicose veins- heavy tired feeling legs and unsightly blue veins in my legs. I had been exercising but the scale hadn’t changed much. Sometimes, it even went up, not down. Prior to getting some surgery to relieve the discomfort, I was required to get an ultrasound of my legs. Some of the valves in my leg veins weren’t functioning -which caused the blood to pool in the veins and thus the discomfort. The ultrasound tech asked if I’m an athlete. I said no. She asked how often I worked out. I said 4 days a week. She explained that she knew I was a regular exerciser because of the plentiful capillaries in my legs that come from working out over time. These capillaries are so important and can even save one’s life in case of a DVT or cardiac event. Wow. That’s something we can’t see. There are other measures that we can see and feel and its important that we track those non-scale victories because they help us stay motivated. But how do we track and measure them if we don’t have an ultrasound machine?

1. We can measure girth with Myotape.

Measuring gains or losses in muscle size are hard to take on yourself. Every time you move or breathe, the tape measure changes placement. Also where you place the tape might be off by a few cm and completely change the numbers. Myotape is a retractable circular tape measure that leaves one of your hands free and allows you to stand straight to take your measurements. (I put some links on where you can purchase). I recommend taking measurements 3 times at each site and taking an average. This can also help you track your progress over time more accurately. You can use this CHART to keep track.

2. You can measure how much more weight you can lift or how many more reps you can lift for or how far you can walk without being out of breath. You can measure and track your resting heart rate. When your resting heart rate is lower, that means your heart is getting stronger. One way is to take your heart rate first thing in the morning. Before you get out of bed, just sit up and take your pulse for a minute. Track that measure over time.

3. We can chart and track how often we got to the gym, or lifted or took a walk. Consistency is success. It shows you have established healthy habits- the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

4. We can track our sleep- with a notepad or a tracking device like the Sleep Number Smart Bed Smart IQ App or Oura ring or apple device.

5. What have you ADDED not subtracted? Are you eating more proteins and lean veggies? Track how many fruits and veggies you ate today, all week, all month?

6. Do you feel more confident? Have your friendships changed? Do you go places and try new things or new equipment?

As a trainer, I also know some ladies look better, shrink in size while the scale itself goes up or stay the same! Some people grow in size and look and feel better when the scale goes up or stays the same. It may matter but its only 1 of many ways to measure the success of your fitness program.

Most of my clients don’t care what the scale says. They just want to feel and move better. (I’m not opposed to physique goals). By shifting our focus off the scale, we’re not just moving the target! We are celebrating all the small victories that lead to our success. We are staying motivated and helping delay gratification and reminding ourselves that our intrinsic worth as a human (remember, created in “H image) has nothing at all to do with that square piece of plastic on our bathroom floor. We are also staying present in the Now, enjoying life today as we are.

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Diet, General Health

Supplements

January 7, 2023January 19, 2023 Kayla Goldwag

Supplements are controversial. Some say even with a perfect diet, due to soil depletion we need them for a healthy energetic life. Others ague that nutritional supplements have little to no value, can even be harmful and simply make supplement companies rich while you pee them out. These polarizing views each likely offer some element of truth but the simplicity and polarization often are masking complexity which the average consumer doesn’t have the headspace or qualifications to adequately explore.

While many of us believe that if a product is on the market, it must be ok to use, that isn’t always true. Countries differ in how they control these substances. The US FDA doesn’t test effectiveness, safety, or purity of nutritional supplements- including vitamins or protein powders and more. Aside from a kosher label, we don’t know if a supplement contains what the labels claims it does.

So I encourage you to ask yourself some questions before investing in and consuming a supplement;

How do I know I will benefit from this ie. have I looked at my current food intake, have I done nutritional testing?
What objective peer reviewed research demonstrates this supplement does what the manufacturer claims it will– without causing harm?
Why do I trust this manufacturer?

Reasons clients sometimes choose various supplements include needs for increased strength and endurance performance and recovery, prevention of deficiencies of micronutrients, convenience, enhance food absorption, reduce digestive issues, enhance fat utilization, reduce inflammation , improve insulin sensitivity, improve sleep, support bone and connective tissue.

Sometimes even if a supplement does what it says and is not harmful it needs to be taken in conjunction with other nutrients to be effective. Athletes need to know if supplements are on a banned substance list. Some supplements interact with other foods or drugs you may be taking. That’s why I’m often skeptical when non healthcare providers recommend specific supplements to everyone.

It is true that there’s largely little to no organization or accountability to make sure that the amounts reported on a label are consistent in a supplement, and that food is the best source of nutrients. There are some ways to research it yourself.

For years now, I have consulted with a couple of different Registered Dietitians as well as Joe Cannon who owns the consumer site https://supplementclarity.com
Consumerlabs.com isn’t free (but they offer a free 5 day trial) They do brand testing and reviews.
Labdoor.com reviews purity and label claims
Examine.com is a site for reviewing evidence supporting specific supplements.
The NSF does comprehensive third-party certification and testing of nutritional supplement for sport. and HFL Sport Science is a drug surveillance lab providing doping control and banned substances.

For many people, supplements are unnecessary. Many cannot be processed by the body, even can be harmful.

Even vitamin D has a variety of forms and might be more effective taken along with certain other minerals or vitamins and harmful taken other ways or in certain amounts. Ask your doc to explain or direct you to resources to help you optimize your supplementation if prescribed.

One client who replied to my question last week points out:
“When I stopped taking vitamins I started being more careful about food.”- Alexandra Blaker

Do you research, and get to know yourself. It also doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You could supplement on some days and not others. Check with your healthcare provider. Nothing beats the nutrient power of a good diet.

Jan 4-10 Sprouts Market is offering 20% off supplements and bodycare
Some say that Whole Foods offers sales on Fridays.

Some of my personal favorites are below.Check with your Doctor to see if they are right for you before consuming

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Pareve Protein Powder- Pea Protein

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Pareve Protein Powder- Hemp Protein

Dairy Protein Powder

This one is famous for its smooth blending ability and good taste. It contains Stevia as the sweetner. It is a Whey protein.

Blender Bottle

This product is great for on the go blending of your protein powder with water, juice, nut milks or other liquids without a need for electricity. I even froth milk in it for a latte.

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<a href=”http://<iframe sandbox=”allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin” style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=getfitwithkay-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B094W2N87W&asins=B094W2N87W&linkId=e980a87c809b0af25cc39fd08904ba05&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”>Dairy Vanilla Protein Powder- Pea Protein Based

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Greens Supplement

Multivitamin for Women

I liked that this one digests well. They do make a women age 40+ which contains Cohosh that probably gave me hot flashes…even though I’m in midlife I still prefer the regular women’s once daily.

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Prenatal Multivitamin

These have been around forever.

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Collagen Supplement

Check with your LOR about kashrus since it has questionable certification but some/not all Rabbonim feel supplements may not require the same level of certification under certain circumstances. I use this on occasion with disposables. It adds to my feeling of satiety with coffee and I have noticed a smoother more plump texture to my cheeks.

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You may have noticed a lack of soy protein recommended. Soy is often genetically modified. It is unclear if soy is right for everyone- particularly cancer survivors. It is also not in a fermented natural state but rather highly processed when in powder and there are plentiful alternatives recommended above.

Exercise, Fitness Goals, General Health, Motivation

Let’s Get Moving: 5 Tips for Getting Back into Fitness

October 21, 2022 Kayla Goldwag

_{Help, I’ve Fallen off the Exercise Wagon}

Screen Shot 2019-10-28 at 11.23.11 PM — How to Ease Back Into Fitness

If you just spent the last month like I did: (a) With a piece of honey cake in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, (b) Doing an exercise routine exclusively made up of balancing hot dishes on one arm while walking laps in and out of the house, (c) where regeneration activity included multiple hours seated in meaningful contemplation or reading, or… (d) All of the above, plus sullen concerns about your lack of energy and expanding waistline…Then you will want to read on about how to bounce back into working out.

First: Let’s get real about expectations. You will want to pick up where you left off. This generally means you will want to return to the couch (Remember a body at rest tends to stay at rest from physics class in High School?!?) or, You will want to become the quintessential weekend warrior and jump headlong into intense cardio and double sessions in the gym. I want to take this moment to help you pause and do neither of those instinctive but completely unproductive impulses.

Instead, follow my

5 tips for getting back into exercise and fitness in a sustainable way:

1. Prepare for success. Lay your workout clothes and sneakers out before you go to bed. Schedule the workout in your planner and block out interruptions. Do that workout before you have time to think about it…because thinking during the next two weeks (your break back in period) will only get in your way. We want this on auto-pilot because deciding to work out and actually getting there is the hardest part. Short-circuiting the decision part is key. So stack that workout habit on top of some other firmly established habit (like waking up in the morning) and do it in a way that keeps it front of mind- i.e. having the sneakers in your visual space or the phone appointment alarm.

2. Begin the way you mean to go on. Plan on ONE thing you can stick with consistently FOREVER. Maybe that’s a 10 minute walk. Maybe that’s a 10 minute walk three times a week. Maybe that’s a 10 minute walk plus 20 situps and 10 modified pushups and a stretch. Pick that one thing you could reasonably, easily stick with for the rest of your life… and do it consistently for the next two weeks.

Resist the urge to give 110% these first two weeks. You want to work out to a point where you notice there was something happening but not so sore you can’t move (and sometimes you can’t tell because soreness doesn’t kick in until 24-48 hours after, so it’s ok to do a little less than you think you can that first time.) This is NOT the time to push your limits. You do not want to miss a workout these first two weeks. Consistency IS success. Soreness is not the indicator of success. I’m fairly certain you didn’t plan to go on needing to hold onto the walls easing yourself onto the toilet because …leg day.

3.Figure out your WHY and write that down. Why do you want to get fit? Want to not die so soon? Write it down. Want to look awesome for your niece’s wedding. Write it down. Need to get up the stairs without passing out? Whatever that “WHY” is, figure it out now, and write it down. Read what you wrote down often. Put it in your phone. Make a collage about it. When you have a meaningful reason, you can withstand the discomfort of making space in your life to commit to it.

4. Have Fun. The more fun you have while doing the workout the more you will stick with it. Maybe you fell off the wagon because you were bored. Then try something new- a new class, a new sport, something which used to make you smile but you gave up years ago like dancing in your bedroom like Madonna to show tunes.

5. Get support. Need a sports bra, get it. New sneakers? Need to dial a friend, a counselor, a coach, a trainer? You can’t do this alone. You need support so plan that out. Register for a class or take that walk Wednesday with a friend. Call a trainer or a sports med doc or a physical therapist if needed, so you can move better.

Periods of time off can break a plateau and even help reinvigorate your excitement and desire to exercise. Observing the Jewish holidays practically enforces a degree of moderation, and even regeneration (a key component of fitness), so don’t sweat it. It’s an overall sedentary lifestyle that becomes detrimental for our wellbeing but following these tips will allow you to ease back into sustainable exercise.

—–

Another version of this article appeared in LA Jewish Home October 20, 2022 (a newspaper serving the Greater Los Angeles Jewish Community)

Fitness Goals, General Health, Motivation

End of Summer thoughts

September 5, 2022December 2, 2022 Kayla Goldwag

The end of summer/beginning of the school year brings such mixed emotions.

This time happens to be the Jewish month of Ellul/the pre-High Holiday preparation time. We start to reflect on all of the things we have done and all we wish to accomplish in the coming year. We sometimes create grand goals like this year I will be able to fit into my (spectacularly smaller) outfit. This year I will become more fit (amorphous goal). Or this year I’ll eat healthy (whatever that’s supposed to mean..and often its overly restrictive and not sustainable long-term and will later boomerang back on your body and diminish your self-worth).

There’s a reason we’re not already there in that best bod ever right now. There are habits and skills that need to be established that maybe never have been or the pandemic blew to pieces as we simply coped. I am writing to caution you that as tempting as it is to do an accounting and draft big expectations with the thought maybe you will fall short of those huge goals but still progress will be achieved, you’re likely to be more successful with a different approach.

Let me challenge you to think first about which habits and skills need to be up to snuff in order to accomplish those grand goals and instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on the process- on becoming that version of you who does and thinks and eats like the person who has the outcome you desire.

Consider what baby step could be taken this week that is so small that its barely noticeable but takes you in the direction you want to go. Can you do that just for this month to show the universe this is who you are so the universe (insert your higher power here) can then assist? Would incorporating one vegetable into lunch or drinking a glass of water or simply slowing down to notice the taste of your food (but not all 3) be that thing? Would walking for 5 minutes be that thing? What 1 thing could you do right now and stick with forever? Think small and start..now! Need help? Go to the tab above that says contact me and we’ll make a workable plan.

Body Image, Fitness Goals, General Health, Motivation

Unlimited

December 24, 2021January 23, 2023 Kayla Goldwag

Even if right now you are living with pain, obesity, gut disorders, sleep issues, low energy, or simply not feeling strong confident and energized much of the time, that doesn’t have to be how you feel forever. Everyone deserves to feel good in their body.

However, sometimes its FEAR that is holding us back. That F.E.A.R. serves a purpose …that is, until it no longer serves us. F.E.A.R. is an acronym which stands for false evidence appearing real. I’ve also seen it listed as F.A.T. False info Appearing True… What are some of these false beliefs?

Aches and pains are a normal part of aging.
I can’t afford the time or money to work out regularly
I’ve tried EVERYTHING when it comes to exercise but nothing works for me
I don’t have good genes for working out so I’ll never be good at it
I’m likely to get hurt if I work out and I don’t like feeling pain

Just look at some of these… are they real or have other DECISIONS been made which makes these appear like facts when in reality they are temporary.

For instance, can you really not afford the time or money it takes for an enjoyable workout? Or do you plan and save for other things and not prioritize your health? Could you reframe and exercise in 5-10 minute segments while baby is sleeping if you can’t get in a whole hour at once? Is midlife spread inevitable or a result of unwitting choices made from a lack of information about metabolism in midlife? Have you tried everything? Do you think that genes are destiny or that you can make choices which influence the expression of those genes-choices which can be mirrored by the next generation and become their inheritance?

In what way do beliefs such as these actually serve you? What are your F.E.A.R.S protecting you from? How do they constrain your potential? Do they do both?

I don’t think all limitations or limiting beliefs are necessarily detrimental! Sometimes they protect us from having to face deeper emotions we don’t necessarily want to feel or they allow for comfort. They serve us until they don’t serve us.

Consider unlocking your potential by trying this 7 day Unlimited Challenge. Its 7 days of access to unlimited on-demand classes.

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Diet, Exercise, General Health, Motivation, Q&A

Q & A: Can people who exercise “get away” with poor food choices?

November 28, 2021 Kayla Goldwag

My short answer is Yes and No…

In a small study of two groups of 7 participants, one group exercised for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity or higher at least 3 times a week. The other group worked out less often and less intense than the first group.

All 14 participants were fed the same high fat 960 calorie breakfast meal. (2220 mg sodium, 48 g of fat, including 16 g saturated fat and 4.5 g trans fat..280mg. cholesterol)

After the high fat meal, they measured obstruction of blood flow in the brachial artery (-the one just above your elbow crease on your arm)..The less active group showed a greater obstruction of blood flow through the artery- it was narrowed, while the more active exercisers had no change.

Both groups experienced an increase in triglycerides (triglycerides are an ester of glycerol and 3 fatty acid groups. High levels of triglycerides indicate an increased risk of stroke.) The more highly active group’s triglycerides rose by 47% but the less active group increased triglycerides by a whopping 184%

While exercise is protective against disease, and people who exercise may be more able to get away with poor food choices, but not on a regular basis.

Johnson, B.D. et al. “Vascular consequences of a High-Fat Meal in physically active and Inactive adults.’ Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism, 36, no3. (2011) 368-375

Diet, General Health

Which DIET is BEST?

November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 Kayla Goldwag

While I’m reasonably certain of what will work best to keep me mentally sharp, performing well in the gym and emotionally even in terms of my nutrition, I’m an agnositc when it comes to my belief about whether that method is the right one or the best one for YOU.

First, let’s be sure we are on the same page. When I say DIET, most people hear the word restriction. When I say the word diet, I just mean the habitual pattern of what you eat on a day to day basis.

I know there are people who are devoutly Vegan or Low-Carb or Paleo or eat within a specific time window or High Fat or High Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto, Kosher, Hallal, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or any variety of nutritional lifestyle and many of them think their way is the BEST way. However, I know from working with real clients over many years that different things work for different people. I actually think any of these could probably work depending on one’s situation.

If you like to cook, or don’t like to cook, have food allergies, have a big or small food budget, have a lot or a little nutrition knowledge, have GENES or diseases that predispose you to gain or lose weight on certain diets or require certain foods be added or omitted from your diet all coalesce into what your perfect diet is for YOU.

You may be wondering how it is that someone like myself who has studied nutrition and fitness could endorse such wildly different and sometimes conflicting diets depending on the person, and how I could even coach nutrition under such circumstances. The answer is that most nutrition programs accomplish certain cornerstone habits which are necessary in a healthy lifestyle.

In other words, when I coach clients in nutrition I don’t prescribe a diet or a particular menu though I may make some suggestions in the way that fits their lifestyle.. taking into consideration things like:

~ Cooking Experience and Knowledge

~ Stage of life (big family, small family, living alone)

~ Time

~ Budget

~ Allergies

~ Genetic variables (For clients interested in high fat or high protein diets I often suggest a DNA test to see if they are good candidates for such a diet in the long-term since some plans can require intense commitments. If a diet could feel overly restrictive given their social and entertaining calendars or those of other family members or their genetics indicate it would yield poor results at the outset they will have the information to make a more well informed decision as a result of the DNA test.)

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Fitness Goals, General Health, Motivation

Decide, Commit, Succeed

October 30, 2021October 30, 2021 Kayla Goldwag

If you just think about something, if you merely try, it doesn’t usually happen. However, when you decide and commit and have a plan of action, that’s when you succeed.

It is when you don’t leave room for doubt that you’re most likely to succeed.

Once you DECIDE, cement it as a priority in your daily, weekly and long-term goals so you can visualize it and realistically achieve it.

Work BACKWARDS:

The Fantasy: If anything were possible, what would that look like?

The Long-Term: In 5 years what would that outcome look like?

In A Year: What would the achievement look like a year from now?

Weekly: What is a realistic goal for this week

Daily: What can I do right now to get me toward my weekly goal.

Once you make that commitment, whatever it is; to create a happier life, to work out more, to take the weight off, to invest in clothes that are more flattering, to surround myself with emotionally healthy people…Put It In Writing.

So often, potential clients have their priorities out of whack. They are waiting for motivation to work out yet they want results NOW. I tell them, perspiration before inspiration.

Nothing is more motivating than success!

Think about this.. the Psychiatrist who sends her client to the gym before prescribing antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication doesn’t wait until her patient feels Motivated to work out. She sends them to me, a trainer, or to the gym FIRST. The prescription to work out comes FIRST and then the motivation will follow. (There are many studies that show exercise is sometimes more effective than medication….and still sometimes medication is necessary so speak with your own doc).

Think about it, in starting a new habbit, we understand intellectually what changes we want to make and why but if we wait until we’re inspired every single time we will likely never change. It is taking that step that causes the next one to be easier and more rewarding.

Another thing a lot of clients miss is to focus simply on the outcome on that fantasy goal and forget the daily and weekly goal that will get them there.. and a lot of the time, the focus is on an unrealistic outcome. Sometimes this is influenced by influencers on social media who are using filters on their photos and really painting an unrealistic picture that they themselves aren’t even living up to.

Once you have mede a intellectual decision, a mental commitment, you will need to protect that sacred space by drawing a fence and a gate and a protective wall around it so you can nurture it to fruition. Want to know my BIGGEST tip last week to my 1:1 clients who are starting to see some doubts creep in?

To Get out of your own way.
Cleanse and purge …your social media!!!

Surround yourself with supportive people and if you don’t have people in your life to support you, nurture yourself with podcasts, books, classes, and images which do support you – things that make you feel valued, energized, happy, supported…and be very wary of the FB and instagram algorithm. If you have not yet heard, the social media giant is purposely manipulating what you see in ways that are sabotaging your mental and physical health and that of your daughters. An inside whistleblower showed that if you’re already feeling crappy about yourself and look there for inspiration you’re likely to be fed more that makes you feel worse.. (see this article among others if you need proof) so guard your health and your heart please and stay the course -focus on the small daily goals and prune your social media accordingly.

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Diet, General Health

Probiotics to Prevent Breast Cancer

October 22, 2021November 5, 2021 Kayla Goldwag

Breast Cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in women. One in eight women who live to age 85 years will develop breast Cancer over the course of their lifetime.²

The reality is that Breast Cancer Awareness strategies have done little if nothing to decrease the incidence of diagnosis. The mammogram can be a useful tool for detecting a breast tumor, however, the cancer cells may have have already spread. Wouldn’t it be great if we could prevent and/or reverse unhealthy breast tissue before it becomes cancerous?

Um, Yeah! That’s why I’m on the lookout for the latest and greatest in research to arm us with just that sort of tool. While researching information on foods and health and weightloss, I stumbled across this mind-blowing info:

A 2019 review of the studies from Oncology Review indicates some promising research about the efficacy of probiotics to alter the but bacteria to prevent the growth and development of breast cancer by modulating the gi bacteria and systemic immune system.

Probiotics (bacteria or yeasts) are live microorganisms which when given in the right amounts in food or as a supplement provide health benefits. The most commonly used bacterial strains for probiotic purposes are the lactic acid bacteria, which are mainly consumed as fermented dairy like Kefir and yogurt. There are others as well including Kimchi, fermented saurkraut, Kombocha, and there are also tablets. Each type of probiotic is somewhat different and it may take some research and experimentation to find out which one(s) are right for you. Gastrointestinal bacteria is affected by diet, alcohol, and cholesterol metabolism, and vice versa… and these all have an effect of the amount of estrogens in the body. In short, several small-scale studies reported lowered cholesterol on using probiotics, which may support their benefit in blocking the hypercholesterolemiaestrogen cancer mechanism.^44,45In summary, in addition to regular exercise, stress reduction such as including mindfulness meditation, adding fruits and veggies to your diet (specifically the cruciferous ones like broccoli and cabbage) it seems probiotics can be another tool to improve your odds preventing and beating disease including Breast Cancer (-specifically, estrogen positive cancers).

I’m trying to incorporate probiotics like this fermented cabbage into my daily diet. Its ok to start with a small amount even a tablespoon to see how you tolerate different kinds. Do your research and consult with your doc to see which might be right for you.

Read the latest research that got my attention: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6775487/