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Breast Cancer & Diet: Why “Everything in Moderation” Doesn’t Work

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In this deeply informative episode, Ali Essig dives into the connection between breast cancer and nutrition through the lens of science—and the Word of Wisdom. Whether you or someone you love has faced a breast cancer diagnosis or you simply want to lower your risk, this episode is full of powerful, practical guidance.

Ali explores:

  • Why 85–90% of breast cancer cases aren't genetic—and what that means for prevention

  • The real risks behind keto diets and cancer metastasis

  • The surprising truth about soy and why it’s your “breast friend”

  • How meat—especially grilled and processed—impacts hormone-sensitive cancers

  • Foods that actively fight cancer: berries, flaxseed, cruciferous veggies, turmeric, and more

  • Why IGF-1 matters—and how to lower it with diet

  • What Dr. Kristi Funk, breast cancer surgeon to the stars, discovered when writing her book

  • Practical steps to build a cancer-fighting body through food, sleep, exercise, and faith

Ali also weaves in spiritual insights from the Word of Wisdom, reminding us that modern science is finally catching up to the divine wisdom we've had access to all along.

🧬 Studies & Resources Mentioned:

  • Fung, T. T., et al. (2014). High animal protein intake is associated with increased cancer mortality. Cell Metabolism, 19(3), 407–417.

  • Tantamango-Bartley, Y., Jaceldo-Siegl, K., Fan, J., & Fraser, G. (2013). Vegetarian dietary patterns and the risk of breast cancer in a low-risk population. British Journal of Nutrition, 109(9), S1–S7.

  • Funk, K. (2018). Breasts: The Owner’s Manual: Every Woman’s Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes. Thomas Nelson.

  • Lee, S. A., Shu, X. O., Li, H., et al. (2009). Adolescent and adult soy food intake and breast cancer risk: results from the Shanghai Women’s Health Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(6), 1920–1926.

  • Guevara-Aguirre, J., Balasubramanian, P., Guevara-Aguirre, M., et al. (2023). Congenital IGF-1 deficiency protects from cancer: lessons from Laron syndrome. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 30(9), R1–R13.

  • Basu, A., Izuora, K., Betts, N. M., Ebersole, J. L., & Scofield, R. H. (2021). Dietary strawberries improve biomarkers of antioxidant status and endothelial function in adults with cardiometabolic risks in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Antioxidants, 10(11), 1730.

  • Thompson, L. U., Boucher, B. A., Liu, Z., Cotterchio, M., & Kreiger, N. (2006). Phytoestrogen content of foods consumed in Canada, including isoflavones, lignans, and coumestan. Nutrition and Cancer, 54(2), 184–201.

  • Boggs, D. A., Palmer, J. R., Wise, L. A., et al. (2010). Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of breast cancer in the Black Women’s Health Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 172(11), 1268–1279.

  • Zhang, Y., et al. (2024). An unexpected role for the ketogenic diet in triggering tumor metastasis via BACH1. Science Advances, 10(12), eadm9481. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adm9481

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