Alcohol and Its Effects on Breast Cancer

As studies have shown, estrogen is the hormone that fuels 80% of breast cancer cases.
Any type of alcohol, be it beer, wine, spirits or something else can change hormonal levels. It is important to note that it is not the alcohol (in say wine) that protects you, but the flavonoids and antioxidants. What determines risk the the alcohol itself and the quantity in which it is consumed.

As a general rule a safe guideline for alcohol consumption is five ounces of wine, twelve ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor. That breaks down to around one drink per day. If you have two your risk for developing breast cancer increases by 10%, and having three drinks will increase that risk to 30%.

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In fact this equals smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Regular drinking raises your estrogen level, thereby exposing your breast tissue and can activate the cells to become cancerous.

As a rule, alcohol should be avoided if you are addicted, are or could become pregnant, have a medical condition that is affected by alcohol or re taking any medication that could have side effects when mixed with alcohol.

Studies have shown that women who do not drink alcohol are at a much lower risk for developing breast cancer than those that start. Similarly, those that drink alcohol heavily or to excess ("falling down drunk") consistently (more than two or three times per day) are at a much greater risk.

To minimize the effect of alcohol as a risk factor, the strategy is simple. Drink moderately and not in great quantities, never drink when pregnant. You may even choose to not drink alcohol altogether, instead drinking sparkling juice or alcohol free wine and beer. Ultimately, as we have seen, in very moderate quantities, alcohol can help you decrease your risk, but overindulgence can have the opposite effect.

Alcohol and Its Effects on Breast Cancer

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Why You Should Avoid Cheap Electric Breast Pumps

When you are first considering breastfeeding your baby, you may decide to search for cheap electric breast pumps in order to find one that will let you get a break from your baby, but not cost you very much.

Don't make this mistake. I realize that there are so many breast pumps out there that it is easy to get overwhelmed and many women just look at price, but experienced mothers will tell you...all breast pumps are not created equal!

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Therefore, it is important to figure out what is the best breast pump for you and your situation. A good breast pump can have a big impact by helping nursing mothers continue to breastfeed longer than many of them otherwise would.

In fact, some nursing mothers actually consider their breast pumps to be as important as car seats, baby wipes, and diapers! It doesn't matter whether you are going back to work or just need a breast pump occasionally to relieve engorgement, quality does matter.

If your breast pump is cheap, it will not be as efficient as a better pump. In fact, while a good pump may be able to express 10 ounces in 10 minutes, a lesser pump may take 45 minutes to get only six ounces. (What new mother has time for that?)

Many cheap electric breast pumps also are not as effective. Some women cannot get a letdown with a cheap pump so it doesn't work for them at all.

Search reviews. Ask your friends for recommendations. Just don't waste your money on a cheap breast pump. You will be much happier with a good quality pump. It will keep you breastfeeding happily longer...which in the end, saves even more on formula and makes for a happy mommy and a happy baby.

Why You Should Avoid Cheap Electric Breast Pumps

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