Bra Garden April Swim Event!

Cup size vs Reality

Cup size does not relate to self worth! 
We are here to guide you through the fitting process, which can be involved and complicated.  Especially
since cup sizes can differ from style to style and no two companies are alike. It is very possible to buy
3 bras and have 3 different sizes. 

Having learned the principals of style, structure and variations in bra design, we can put you in
the right cup size for you.  We promise!

Bust bounce

I not sure where I found this, but the information is mostly straight on. Tissue containment is the key for comfort and support. Most inexpensive sport bras flatten breast tissue. Mashing the tissue into a uni-boob. Without cup size separation the uni-boob moves up and down freely in your bra. Layering only squashes the tissue more. Though it may not move, mashing and squashing is probably not that healthy for your tissues.

The theory then would be to divide and conquer to minimize the bounce for healthy breasts.

If your sports fit does not look like the one below it's time to find a better way.

How to Weigh Your Breasts: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Have you wondered how much your breasts weighed? If so you may have discovered that it's harder to weigh things that are attached to the rest of your body. These steps aren't perfect, but should give a useable estimate.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Fill a bowl to the brim with warm water.
2. 
   2
   Weigh empty baking tray and record the weight (or set the scale to zero when weighing the empty tray).
3. 
   3
   Place full bowl in the tray.
4. 
   4
   Fully submerge one breast in the bowl of water. Allow the displaced water to overflow into the tray below.
5. 
   5
   Compute the weight of the displaced water by taking the difference between the weights of the full tray and the empty tray.
6. 
   6
   Breast tissue is less dense than water. Multiply the weight of the water by 0.9 to compensate for this. This is the weight of your breast.
7. 
   7
   Most women are not completely symmetrical. Repeat all steps with the other breast.
   
   Click here for direct link.
   

10 simple ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer

Recommended site: BodyUnburdened.com for more great information!

Posted October 14, 2013

It’s now about half-way through Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’ve been seeing pink wherever I go. But no sparkly pin, embellished wine glass, or pink sports jersey is going to make us more aware of the fact that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. We’re already aware because we’ve all been effected by it, either directly or indirectly through a woman we know and love.
It’s time to focus on prevention, focus on the fact that there are a number of environmental factors and lifestyle choices that significantly increase our risk of developing breast cancer, and that these risk factors can be avoided.

10 simple ways to prevent breast cancer

1. Go anti-antiperspirants: sweat is natural ladies – own it! Aluminum, the active ingredient is most antiperspirant deodorants, mimics estrogen and can also cause direct damage to DNA. While no direct causal link between breast cancer and aluminum has been clinically demonstrated, breast tissue has been shown to concentrate aluminum, which is troubling given aluminum’s DNA-damaging abilities. Most interestingly, the aluminum is concentrated in the same area where the highest proportion of breast cancers are diagnosed. Hmm… Check out my DIY all-natural detoxifying deodorant which has  an ingredient that actually pulls metals and toxins from the skin, or see #2 for some resources to help you purchase a safer deodorant. 
2. Detox your beauty and personal care routine: the US has one of the shortest lists of chemicals that have been banned for use in cosmetics – 11 compared to over 1,000 banned by the European Union! Worse yet, the industry’s review council has reviewed only 20% of the ingredients used in personal care products (some “review council,” huh?). Some of these chemicals – including parabens, triclosan, and ethylene oxide, just to name a few – have been linked to hormone disruption and/or irregular breast development, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. Luckily, a number of organizations have stepped in to help protect consumers. Use the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to help you learn about the ingredients in your beauty products and find safer options. If you’re an iPhone user, check out the awesome new app Think Dirty (every time you use it during the month of October, they will donate a dollar to the Breast Cancer Fund – how cool is that!?).
3. End your toxic relationship with plastic: this terrible product is just everywhere nowadays! Plasticizers including BPA have been linked to a slew of ailments including hormone-disruption which may increase the risk of breast cancer. Guess what? BPA-free plastic is not necessarily any safer than plastic with BPA! In fact, BPA-free is a load of B(P)S! Literally. Many manufacturers have replaced BPA with its chemical-cousin, BPS, which has the same nasty record. See 10 ways to end your relationship with plastic for ideas and tips. 
4. Loose those extra pounds once and for all: a number of studies have concluded and the Surgeon General warns that gaining more than 20 pounds between age 18 and midlife can double the risk of developing post-menopausal breast cancer (wowza). Anne McTiernan, a researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, has even stated that a quarter of all breast cancer cases could be prevented by women achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This is because estrogen is stored in fat, and elevated estrogen levels increases the risk of breast cancer.
5. Get moving – even if it’s just a stroll: a recent study found that moderate physical activity (walking for an hour a day) reduced breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women by 14%, while vigorous physical activity (running, etc. in addition to walking for an hour) reduced breast cancer risk by 25%. Another recent study found that moderate exercise in pre-menopausal women can benefit the way in which their bodies handle environmental estrogen.
6. Load up on antioxidants: antioxidants benefit our bodies in so many wonderful ways, the greatest of which is their ability to negate the effects of free-radicals, nasty little buggers that damage cells, opening the door for cancer. Antioxidant-rich foods include berries, apples, pomegranates, beans (small red, kidney, pinto), artichokes, prunes, and cacao. Check out this recipe for anti-aging chocolate, named for the high antioxidant content of its yummy ingredients!
7. Quit smoking: researchers have found that the rate of new breast cancer diagnosis was 24% higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, and 13% higher in former smokers than in nonsmokers. Enough said. While quitting smoking may not be a “simple” thing to do for many, it is a “simple” way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. If any smokers are reading this, I hope these statistics are the last push you need to finally quit.
8. Limit alcohol intake: studies have shown that drinking 2+ alcoholic drinks a day can increase your risk of breast cancer by at least 20%. The American Cancer Society recommends that women consume only alcoholic drink or less a day. Alcohol may affect the estrogen levels in the body, which may account for this increased risk.
9. Limit your soy intake: natural plant-based estrogens in soy may provide healthy benefits in low doses, but may be a risk factor for breast cancer in higher doses. This is an issue since soy is ubiquitous in our modern, highly processed food system. The high prevalence of soy is really just another great reason to cut back on processed foods as much as possible. I play by the precautionary principle and so really flat-out avoid soy (to read more, see Why soy is NOT a health food).
10. Prioritize purchasing hormone-free, pasture-raised meat and dairy: modern-day large-scale meat and dairy products unfortunately includes the use of growth hormones. These hormones end up in the meat and dairy products conveniently found at a grocery store near you, and eventually make their way into the consumer. This is a major problem since these hormones can mess with our own hormones, which spells Trouble (note the capital “T”). Choose hormone-free, preferably pasture-raised meat and dairy to avoid this risk.

Sources and further reading: 

• Breast Cancer Fund, Chemicals in Cosmetics 
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, European Laws
• Environmental Working Group, Toxics
• American Cancer Society, Study Links Smoking to Breast Cancer Risk
• American Cancer Society, Alcohol Use and Cancer
• Melanie Haiken for Forbes, 5 Things You Can Do Now To Protect Yourself From Breast Cancer
• Janet Hildebrand et al, Recreational Physical Activity and Leisure-Time Sitting in Relation to Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk
• A. J. Smith et al, The effects of aerobic exercise on estrogen metabolism in healthy premenopausal women

Paid endorsement disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please know that I only recommend or endorse products and services that I personally approve of and appreciate, and feel would be helpful for readers. All ideas and opinions expressed are completely my own. Thank you for supporting Body Unburdened!

Viva La Boobies! 7 Things to Know About Breasts

Breasts are amazing - they are beautiful, they nourish babies, and they have an intelligence of their own. 

Breasts have so many incredible benefits for the health of humanity, the power of women, and the nurturing of the future generations. 

Your breasts deserve a medal of honor - plus nurturing, pampering, and respect. 

Yet, our breasts are suffering from the dangerous effects of rising environmental toxins in our food, water, air, and toiletries, degrading media, restrictive fashion, and lack of empowering health education for women. 

I had a dream a few weeks ago that I was at a conference and the organizers asked me to get up on stage and speak about breast health. They said it was vital that we get more people to understand and value the importance of caring for our healthy breasts and that in order to get people's attention I needed to be topless to speak. While I was still pondering whether or not I felt comfortable with being topless on stage, I woke up.  

A few days later Angelina Jolie announced her decision to have her healthy breasts surgically removed because of her potential cancer risk. This action has inspired me even more to realize how vital it is that we join in this conversation and speak about how to naturally care for our breasts, how our environment, diet, and lifestyle impact our health, and why breast health is more important than every before. 

Thus, my intention is to share positive inspiring information to support women to love their breasts and learn about ways to naturally care for our amazing breasts. 

Let's uplift breasts to the status level they deserve!

7 Amazing Things to Know About Breasts

Breasts want freedom. 

Bras restrict the movement of lymphatic fluid through the breasts, underarm, and shoulders, thus causing toxins to build up in the breast tissue. Underwire bras are the worst culprit, as the metal also can disrupt the energy flow through the breast area. A recent French study has shown that women who don't wear bras actually have perkier breasts even as they age. Exercising, dance, and rebounding without a bra also allows the body's movements to support lymphatic flow and proper drainage of the breasts. The natural movement of the breasts as the body exercises and moves is another essential component to lymphatic health in the breasts. 

Breasts need massage. 

There is no muscle tissue in a women's breasts, so breasts need assistance to enhance circulation through the breast. A woman's breasts are mostly fat tissue along with milk ducts, connective tissue, nerves, and lymph glands. Self breast massage is an important regular practice for women to support their blood and lymph circulation and reduce build-up of toxins and hormones in the fatty tissue of the breasts. Massage your breasts daily with a natural cold-pressed vegetable oil, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. You can also add pure essential oils such as rose, jasmine, or clary sage to your massage oil base. I'm not talking about "man-handling" here, I'm talking about gentle self massage in which you get to know what your breasts feel like, notice any changes, and use gentle lymphatic and circulatory movements to enhance health. 

Breasts are hot.

It has been well-documented that a woman's breasts will synchronize with her newborn baby to become the perfect temperature. When a mother and baby are skin-to-skin postpartum, her breasts will naturally adjust their temperature to regulate the baby's body temperature optimally. A mother of twins will have each of her breasts match the ideal temperature for each one of her twins. A women's breasts are more reliable and efficient than any baby warmer. So breasts are totally hot - just not in the way people usually talk about. 

Breastmilk has a gazillion medicinal uses. 

Breastmilk is pretty much the most amazing food substance available to mankind. Mother's milk is completely unique and not possible to replicate (despite what you may have heard from the formula companies). It actually changes minute by minute, day to day, to provide exactly the right nourishment and immunities that a baby needs as determined by the breast through receiving information from the baby's saliva on the areola. There are over 400+ identified nutrients in human breast milk, including probiotics and an abundant source of stem cells. The first milk that comes out is colostrum, which is rich with immune factors and is considered to be "liquid gold", and extremely important for the life-long health of the baby. Breastmilk is also used by wise mamas for many purposes including putting on diaper rash, earaches, pink eye, sore throats, and many other healing needs. When a women breastfeeds the breastmilk bathes her milk ducts as it passes through to her baby, thus providing increased breast health and preventing breast cancer in direct relation to how long she nurses. 

Breasts are energy centers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health that has been practiced for thousands of years, based upon the movement of energy through the body on the meridians (energy lines) and acupoints (nodes of energy on the meridians). There are six meridians that run through the breast area, and three of them are the Kidney, Liver, and Stomach meridians where most breast lumps and cancer develop. TCM treats breast cancer by addressing the energy stagnation and movement of qi. Acupuncture and TCM are holistic ways to promote breast health and can be used in combination with other health care treatments as well. Massaging the acupressure points along the meridians, or holding these energy points around the breasts, can help with promoting breast and whole body health and vitality. Underwire bras can also interfere with the energy moving through the meridians in the breasts, another reason to let your boobs go free, or invest in a soft supportive natural fiber bra. 

Breasts are a lot like canaries.  

You've heard about the canary in the coal mine? Miners would take canaries down in the mines with them, because the birds were so sensitive that if the environment was toxic the canaries would die, and then the miners would know to get out of there immediately! Breasts are extremely sensitive, they receive information from the environment and their tissues collect toxins and hormones, like jet fuel and flame retardants. When breastfeeding, the saliva from the baby is absorbed into the areola and the breasts then immediately respond by providing the nutrients and immune factors that the baby needs based upon the breast's incredibly sensitive receptors. Breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer for women in the US, and it's not because breasts or our genes are the problem. Our breasts are the canaries letting us know that our environment is toxic and we must make changes in our health, diets, exposure, and detox. Due to the over 70,000 chemicals now used in the US over the last 100 years, we are living in a toxic soup and exposed to chemicals in our air, food, water, homes, cars, clothes, and more. Our breasts are letting us know that we need to create a healthy change for our longevity and the future generations. 

Breasts are beautiful. 

Your breasts are perfect for you. All kinds of breasts are beautiful. Breasts change in shape and size over life, and that's okay. Some men like large breasts, others prefer small breasts, and some like medium sized. Whatever shape or size of your boobs is just right. Love your breasts! They have superpowers, they are intelligent, and they are amazing! In Mongolia, when a baby fusses, everyone lifts up their shirt and shakes their breasts for the baby, and the baby calms down and looks around amazed. Everyone laughs and smiles shaking their boobs, including mom, grandma, and grandpa too! So smile and love your boobs, they are awesome. 

Viva La Boobies!

Be well, Kara
P.S. Like this article? Read the follow-up: Why the Best Thing About a Bra is Taking It Off

 

Printed with permission from: Kara Maria Ananda's Blog

The Full Support Bra (need we say more?)