​It’s cold outside but have you had your “SUNSHINE” vitamin levels checked? It has been reported that 75 percent of American teens and adults are Vitamin D deficient. The “sunshine” vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it is stored in fatty tissue. It affects your brain, body, and overall health.

Besides being essential in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous for healthy bone formation, Vitamin D is also crucial in regulating the immune and neuromuscular systems. It also plays a role in regulating blood sugar, cancer prevention, and lung, heart, and kidney health. Low levels of Vitamin D can cause the “blues”, constant feelings of hunger, and cognitive impairment.

The natural source of Vitamin D is sunshine. The human body is designed to get the Vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to ultraviolet B rays (UVB) from sunlight. The more skin that’s exposed, the more Vitamin D is produced. The ideal amount of sun exposure that it takes for Vitamin D to be produced depends on skin type, what area of the country you live in, and the time of day you get sun exposure.

The other two ways for the body to get Vitamin D are through food and supplementation. Foods high in Vitamin D include tuna, salmon, liver, cheese, and eggs. It’s interesting to note that most of the foods that are high in Vitamin D are also high in cholesterol. Since vitamin D is synthesized from cholesterol, there are studies to show that Vitamin D deficiencies are common in those taking cholesterol lowering drugs and those on low cholesterol diets. In addition, Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and absorption may be compromised if healthy fat intake is too low.
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There have been many studies looking at the correlation between low Vitamin D levels and breast cancer. According to an article written by Dr. John Cannell at vitamindcouncil.org, these are some of the results from combined studies, called meta-analysis, about the Vitamin D/Breast Cancer connection:

• Women who have had breast cancer and are vitamin D deficient are > two times more likely to experience a breast cancer recurrence.
• Studies that looked at breast cancer deaths found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of death.
• When pooled together, study results showed that a woman with breast cancer was twice as likely to die if she was vitamin D deficient.

 
Knowing that Vitamin D plays such an important role in health, people might decide to take a supplement without having their levels checked. Even though you’re safe from getting too much Vitamin D from the sun, vitamin toxicity could happen with supplementation. Even though it’s rare, it can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood and cause severe side effects such as kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms. So having your Vitamin D levels checked before taking a supplement is a smart idea.
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The lymphatic system is a network of organs and tissues that help rid the body of waste and toxins. As an important part of the immune system, it is comprised of the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus gland, lymph vessels, and hundreds of lymph nodes.

Unlike the circulatory system that has the heart to pump blood and nutrients throughout the body, the lymphatic system has no pump to distribute its clear/yellowish fluid. The movement of the lymphatic fluid is dependent on the movement of the muscles and joints.

The role of the 600-700 lymph nodes in the body is to filter the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the circulatory system. As the fluid passes through the lymph nodes, it filters out toxins and debris. Once these nodes have been damaged, they cannot be regenerated.

Exercise and movement, such as walking, yoga, and rebounding, play an important role in the flow of lymphatic fluid and allows nutrients to reach the cells. Lemon water – try sipping warm throughout the day, massage, and dry brushing also enhance lymphatic flow.

Lymphatic breast massage, either self-taught or through a specially trained licensed massage therapist, can improve circulation of the lymphatic fluid in the breast/chest area. Keeping the lymph fluid free-flowing in the axillary (underarm) area is crucial in maintaining good breast health. Breast thermography provides evaluation of the axillary lymph system in addition to the breast and upper chest.

Thermography measures the heat being emitted from the body’s surface, showing a change in temperature when there is congestion or inflammation. These temperature differentials provide a glance into the body’s physiology, suggesting that lymphatic activity needs to be increased or that, hopefully, it is functioning as it should.

Monitoring lymphatic system functioning with this radiation-free health screening provides important information that can help your body function at maximum ability.

​Our three previous blogs have addressed the different types of breast cancer.  The health of our bodies and its ability to fight off disease relies heavily on building a strong immune system. Strengthening the immune system lowers inflammation throughout the body and gives us the fighting power to remain disease free.

You’ve probably heard by now that “gut” health is responsible for overall health. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a practicing family physician, New York Times #1 bestselling author, and internationally recognized leader, speaker, and educator, “your gut wall houses 70 percent of the cells that make up your immune system”. It is often recommended to begin building your health by building up your good “gut” flora. Starting on a good probiotic and digestive enzymes and adding fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, help to start the process.

Dr. Mark Hyman refers to the following as the main reasons our bodies are so out of balance:

A nutrient-poor diet – Enhancing the immune system can start with changes in diet. Adding “live” foods instead of processed foods provides the body with what it is really “craving” and eventually decreases “junk-food” cravings.

Medication overuse – anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, acid-blocking drugs, steroids – Antibiotics destroy the good “gut” bacteria as they kill off the bacteria that are making us sick. Probiotics and eating fermented or cultured foods help to re- build good bacteria.

Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), yeast overgrowth, parasites – Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestines that causes malabsorption of nutrients. According to Dr. Axe, the most common symptoms of SIBO and IBS include: nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, rashes, acne, asthma, eczema, and depression.

Toxic overload – mercury and mold – Toxic metals harm the cells of the body but invading microbes, such as mold; thrive in a heavy metal environment. (Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, Ph.D.) According to the DAMS (Dental Amalgam Support Group), chronic fatigue, depression, and joint pains are at the top of the list of mercury toxicity illnesses.

Inadequate digestive enzymes – acid-blocking drugs and zinc deficiencies – Proton Pump Inhibitors (used to treat heartburn/acid reflux) have been linked to an increased risk of developing kidney disease, heart disease, digestive disorders, dementia, and  death (inhibits healthy cell metabolism).

Stress - Several studies have shown that chronic stress suppresses the body’s ability to initiate a prompt and efficient immune reaction. Meditation or guided visualizations, eating a nutrient dense diet, yoga practice, and acupuncture are a few ways to alleviate stress from your life.

The journey to good health is attainable if we reach within ourselves and learn to recognize what our body is telling us. While we are so busy taking care of everyone and everything around us, we forget to take care of ourselves. If we could schedule a little “me” time into our busy calendar each day, it could have a major impact on our health.
 

There are several types of Breast Cancer that don’t normally present as a palpable lump or as a tumor detected on a mammogram. These are the types of cancers that are usually detected in advanced stages and may have already become metastatic. The signs and symptoms are not definitive. Because of this, they are not always obvious or are mistaken for something other than what they are. Two such cancers are Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) and Paget’s disease of the Breast.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare type of cancer that is usually aggressive and fast growing. There is no distinct tumor or lump and occurs when abnormal cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels. When the lymph vessels become blocked by the cancer cells, the fluid is unable to flow and do its job. This is when symptoms begin to appear. The following are common symptoms of IBC (breastcancer.org):

• Redness of the breast: Redness involving all or part of the breast is a hallmark of inflammatory breast cancer. Sometimes the redness comes and goes.
• Swelling of the breast: Part of or all of the breast may be swollen, enlarged, and hard.
• Warmth: The breast may feel warm.
• Orange-peel appearance: Your breast may swell and start to look like the peel of a navel orange.
• Other skin changes: The skin of the breast might look pink or bruised, or you may have what looks like ridges, welts, or hives on your breast.
• Swelling of lymph nodes: The lymph nodes under your arm or above the collarbone may be swollen.
• Flattening or inversion of the nipple: The nipple may go flat or turn inward.
• Aching or burning: Your breast may ache or feel tender.

 
“Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer in which cancer cells collect in or around the nipple. The cancer usually affects the ducts of the nipple first (small milk-carrying tubes), then spreads to the nipple surface and the areola (the dark circle of skin around the nipple). The nipple and areola often become scaly, red, itchy, and irritated”. (breastcancer.org)

Symptoms of Paget’s disease often come and go, commonly occur in only one breast, and are frequently mistaken for mastitis, infection, or skin irritation. Topical treatment of the nipple and areola can often make it appear as if the skin is healing. Paget’s disease is almost always associated with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). A palpable breast lump is only detectable in 50% of cases and only 50% of these will show up on a mammogram. Possible signs and symptoms include (mayoclinic.org): 
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• Flaky or scaly skin on your nipple
• Crusty, oozing or hardened skin resembling eczema on the nipple, areola or both
• Itching
• Redness
• A tingling or burning sensation
• Straw-colored or bloody nipple discharge
• A flattened or turned-in (inverted) nipple
• A lump in the breast
• Thickening skin on the breast

 
Because the symptoms of these two types of breast cancer seem to mimic other diseases or infections, delaying diagnosis can lead to a life threatening condition. Persistence is important in finding the cause and ruling out breast cancer. A breast thermogram, which can detect inflammation throughout the body, is an invaluable test to check for IBC and other forms of breast cancers.

​A tumor grows in the breast for at least 5 years before it can be palpated. That’s about 30 doublings and approximately ½ inch in size. According to the National Cancer Institute, tumor angiogenesis is defined as “the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This growth is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor and by host cells near the tumor”. There are many different types of breast cancer – some easy to diagnose and some more difficult. We will discuss several of the more prevalent forms.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), meaning “cancer in the original place”, is the presence of abnormal cells confined to the milk duct in the breast. This type of breast cancer is considered non-invasive, meaning that it hasn’t spread outside of the duct into the surrounding breast tissue. DCIS is considered the earliest form of breast cancer – Stage 0.

Once the abnormal cells begin to spread outside of the milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue, it becomes Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. This is the most common type and accounts for 70% - 80% of all breast cancers. IDC is also the type of breast cancer usually found in men.

With Metastatic Breast Cancer – classified as Stage 4, the cancer has started spreading to other parts of the body. How does cancer spread or metastasize? According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Cancer spreads through one of the following ways:
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• Cancer cells invade nearby healthy cells
• Cancer cells penetrate into the circulatory or lymph system
• Migration through circulation
• Cancer cells lodge in capillaries
• New small tumors grow (micro-metastases)

The thermal changes generated by the formation of new blood vessels, occurring at the beginning of a tumor's growth, can be detected on a breast thermogram. Adding thermal imaging to monitor breast health has guided many women to early detection and intervention.

The prevalence of breast cancer is taking its toll on women of all ages - creating high levels of fear and
​stress. It is thought that stressful events can alter hormone levels in the body and affect the immune system. Some health experts feel that this promotes the growth and spread of some forms of cancer. “Stress has a profound impact on how your body’s systems function, and stress makes your body more hospitable to cancer,” says Lorenzo Cohen, PH.D., professor of General Oncology and Behavioral Science, and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson.

By understanding the different types of breast cancer, at least the stress and fear of the unknown can be alleviated. Although there are many types of breast cancer, our series of articles will begin learning about triple negative and triple positive breast cancer.

The three most common types of receptors that fuel breast cancer growth are estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), HER-2/neu (Hormone Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). Receptors are proteins found in and on the surface of certain cells and act like an on/off switch for a particular activity in the cell. When the right substance comes along and fits into the cell, it turns on the switch. Knowing if breast cancer cells have the above hormone receptors is important in making treatment decisions. (Info found at breastcancer.org)

In triple negative breast cancer, the 3 common types of receptors – ER, PR, and HER-2 – are not present in the cancerous tumor. Triple negative breast cancer is more common in younger women, African Americans, Hispanics, and those with a BRCA1 mutation and account for 10-20% of all breast cancer cases. Since hormones are not supporting its growth, hormone therapy is not an option to treat this type of cancer. (facts from National Breast Cancer foundation, Inc.)

With triple positive breast cancer, the tumor cells are positive for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. 80% of all breast tumors grow in response to the hormone estrogen (ER+). In addition, 65% of these are also progesterone positive (PR+). This is referred to as hormone receptor positive breast cancer. In 20% of these cases, the cells make too much of the HER2 protein – making the tumor HER2 positive. The HER2 positive tumors tend to be more aggressive and fast growing. Treatment options include Herceptin and other HER2 blockers as well as therapies that block cancer fueling hormones.
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Many are now adding natural cancer treatments to conventional medical treatment. The first step might include becoming more aware of the foods we eat. The ingredients in processed foods are being blamed for many of the worse diseases prevalent today. Until manufacturers begin to make products with healthier ingredients, it’s up to us to closely monitor what foods we choose and to include healthy, cancer fighting options into our daily diets.

For more details on adding natural breast cancer treatment to your regimen, go to
https://breastcancerconqueror.com
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​Please call us TODAY (901) 249-8642 to schedule your breast health screening

​​2017 has been a year of education! This year has been filled with many informative docu-series, focused on how our health and the health of our families are greatly impacted by our world today. These series have one goal in common: to inform us of the steps we can take to improve our health and thereby our lives. The impact that this information can have on our lives won’t change the fact that we will all die. But it can definitely guarantee an improved quality of life for us and our children.

Ty Bollinger hosted “The Truth about Cancer” series- letting people know that it’s difficult to treat cancer effectively without a strong immune system and introduces us to non-traditional cures for cancer that focus on the root of the illness.

Summer Bock details how our “gut” has a great impact on our health in “Better Belly Project”.  Understanding the relationship between the microbes that inhabit our bodies and the role they play in human health and disease is fascinating. A connection has even been made between poor gut microbiomes and several diseases, including autism.

 “GMO’s Revealed” discusses our food supply in a way we’ve never heard before and strongly links the use of glyphosate, found inside the genetically modified plant and used as a pesticide sprayed on the outside of the plants, to an increase in illness today. This docu-series features “Moms Across America” and how they were successful in healing their children from ailments that seem too common these days (rashes, ADD, allergies, stomach problems, asthma, etc.) by eliminating GMO products from their diets.
 
“Vaccines Revealed” delves into whether the vaccines we are giving our children are safe. They uncover how vaccines may be unsafe due to many additives such a mercury, MSG (neurotoxin), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), GMO’s, aluminum (increases toxicity of mercury), and many more (https://www.naturalnews.com/035431_vaccine_ingredients_side_effects_msg.html). The goal is to increase awareness and make all vaccines safe for us, our children, those pregnant, and our elderly.

In the series “Live Longer”, three main factors that play a large role in health, longevity, and quality of life are the focus. These factors include the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the foods we eat. Being a part of a community, giving to others, and realizing our life purpose appear to be key factors in adding happy and healthy years to our life as well as decreasing depression as we age.

John Malanca guides us through the amazing healing benefits of “The Sacred Plant” and its uses in treating Multiple Sclerosis, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic autoimmune diseases like Fibromyalgia, cancer, and many other conditions. In addition to interviewing experts in the field, it also follows several patients through their illness, treatments, and outcome.

I look forward to watching the 7 part series on “Autoimmune Secrets”. Many people might not realize that rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and dementia are considered autoimmune diseases. (https://autoimmunesecrets.com/?orid=8&opid=5).

With knowledge comes frustration! We wonder how to deal with the many things that are out of our control and it can sometimes lead to hopelessness. How do we protect ourselves and our children from all that is being thrown our way? I think the first paragraph of the very well known “Serenity Prayer” can help us come to terms with this issue. “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And Wisdom to know the difference”.
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We at Thermography Center of Memphis want to wish all of you a meaningful holiday season filled with hope for a new year where sharing our unique aspirations enhances our lives and the lives of others. We are thankful that you have included us in your journey to health.

When maintaining your breast health, early detection can save your life.

That’s why, at the Thermography Center of Memphis, we offer a painless, non-invasive screening that requires no radiation.
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Through the use of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, we’ll conduct a quick physiological screening that displays heat patterns emitted from your body allowing areas of inflammation and possible signs of early stage breast disease to be detected.
 
Digital thermography is also great for revealing vascular changes, digestive disorders, myofascial dysfunction, dental inflammation, thyroid disorders and other physiological abnormalities.
 
Cost-effective and safe for all ages, our images are sent to thermology certified doctors for analysis and medical interpretation.
 
At Thermography Center of Memphis, our goal is to provide an early risk assessment for the detection and prevention of disease, improving chances for good health and longevity.
 
Call (901) 249-8642 or e-mail us today to schedule your head/neck, breast/chest, abdominal, or full-body thermogram.

 

In addressing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are  definitely "aware" and want to know how much longer the "race" will last. It's time to concentrate our efforts on prevention! What if the things we eat are the first step in cancer prevention?

When cancer cells begin to divide and multiply, they need a source of energy to support their growth. That process is called neo-angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is defined as “the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels”.

​Angiogenesis occurs normally in embryo development and wound healing. In addition, women in their reproductive years go through normal angiogenesis each month. These new blood vessels are the key to forming the uterine lining that is shed during menstruation. The healthy body maintains its blood vessels in a continued state of balance.

However, in certain diseases, angiogenesis can occur too often or not enough.  In most forms of heart disease there is a decrease in the chemicals that would stimulate new blood vessels to grow. On the other hand, an abnormal and rapid growth of blood vessels has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer.

These new blood vessels grow to feed cancers. If we could stop the formation of these vessels, could we actually cut off a tumor’s blood supply? Could we actually starve a tumor by cutting off its oxygen and nutrients? William Li, head of the nonprofit Angiogenesis Foundation thinks so. He suggests that the first step in anti-angiogenesis is “eating foods that cut off the supply lines and beat cancer at its own game”.
http://www.ted.com/talks/william_li

Eat to Beat Cancer (http://www.eattobeat.org) is studying the potency of certain foods to determine their anti-angiogenesis capabilities in hopes of establishing a new cancer preventative diet. Dr. Li says that “once a food has been established as antiangiogenic, the next step is determining which strain or varietal of that food is the most potent”.

Dr. Li says that "if we can concentrate on eating a diet that is full of foods that have antiangiogenic properties, we will be more likely to “starve” tiny microscopic cancer cells; preventing them from developing into full grown tumors. These foods can actually boost our body’s ability to produce angiogenesis inhibitors naturally.

Some of the foods that Dr. Li recommends are red grapes (red wine), green tea, turmeric, cinnamon, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, apples, pineapples, soybeans, kale, bok choy, garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. Remember to always choose the highest quality of produce - organic if possible - and don't forget the dark chocolate!

Thermography is a test of physiology that has the ability to detect angiogenesis. By “eating to starve cancer” and incorporating Thermography into your yearly wellness evaluation, inhibiting cancer can truly become a reality.
 

There’s a new word “buzzing” around the health world today. INFLAMMATION. The normal inflammatory response is regulated by hormones and is the body’s natural defense against damaged cells and foreign invaders.

Is Inflammation Normal?

Appearing as redness, heat, swelling, and pain at the site of injury, inflammation is crucial to self-healing and the body’s defense system. When an injury occurs, the blood rushes to the site to help it heal, resulting in heat and redness. The movement of fluid and white blood cells into the area result in swelling and the release of chemicals and compression of nerves cause pain.

Chronic Inflammation Can Lead to Degenerative Diseases

The connection between inflammation and injury is well known and most people understand that diseases like arthritis, asthma, and Crohn’s are related to inflammation. What is now becoming apparent is that when inflammation occurs at the cellular level, it can lead to degenerative, chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, depression, and many others. Chronic inflammation can last for years if the root cause is not eliminated.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Some of the present day causes of chronic inflammation are:

• Poor diet – high in sugar, flour, processed foods, processed saturated fats, and trans fat
• Hidden chronic infections – viruses, bacteria, yeasts, parasites
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Hidden allergies – foods, environmental
• Toxins – mold, mercury, pesticides

Researchers believe that as toxins build up in the body, the immune system becomes overactive, leading to an increase in defense cells and hormones. This leads to cellular damage causing inflammation.
 
Is Inflammation Hiding In My Body?

How do we know if inflammation is hiding in our bodies?  Some of the signs might be allergies, gas, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, feeling tired all the time, puffy face, puffy bags under eyes, high blood glucose levels, itchy skin, gum disease, depression, anxiety, brain fog, and erectile dysfunction.

How Do I Get Tested For Inflammation?

Currently, conventional medicine offers a blood test called C-reactive protein. According to www.medicinenet.com, “C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. CRP is produced in the liver and its level is measured by testing the blood. CRP is classified as an acute phase reactant, which means that its levels will rise in response to inflammation.” While C-reactive protein can measure general levels of inflammation, it cannot determine where the inflammation is located or what is causing it.

Thermography Can Locate Inflammation in the Body

Thermography, digital infra-red thermal imaging, is able to detect areas of inflammation throughout the body. By definition, inflammation produces increased heat in the body. The digital infra-red camera takes a picture of the heat being emitted from the body surface and displays it in a color pattern. Each person has their own unique thermal patterns. These heat patterns provide the interpreting doctors, who are certified in thermology, with information that can help in detecting early changes, like inflammation, associated with the disease process. Thermography can also be used in the detection and monitoring of unexplained pain, vascular disease, immune dysfunction, IBS, and more.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

One way to begin clearing chronic inflammation and its effects on the body is through diet. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods are green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collards), nuts (almonds, walnuts), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines), fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges), tomatoes, and olive oil. Many of these foods are also high in antioxidants.

Reducing Chronic Inflammation

While a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods and antioxidants are well known to decrease chronic inflammation, changes in other aspects of life are necessary as well. According to Kellyann Petrucci, ND, who is a leading naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and inflammation expert, the following are important steps to take in preventing and healing chronic inflammation.

• Avoid antibiotics, antacids, and NSAIDs – these alter the gut microbiome, causing changes that can lead to "leaky gut”
• Respect mind/body connection – practicing meditation, yoga, and tai chi have been shown to reduce inflammation
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce exposure to toxins – reduce herbicides and pesticides by choosing organic; switch to more natural self-care and cleaning products
• Sleep longer – at least 7 hours a night
• Get some sunshine – natural Vitamin D from sunlight boosts the immune system
• Get a massage – massage lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Stop Inflammation in its Tracks

Understanding that chronic inflammation can attack the body, causing an escalation in the disease process, makes locating and treating it a priority. Adding thermography as part of an annual health screening can help gauge your inflammatory risk. Identifying areas of inflammation provides a wake-up-call, giving credence to the quote “seeing is believing”. In addition to thermal imaging, routinely adding anti-inflammatory foods to the diet and making the above mentioned lifestyle changes can increase the chances of stopping inflammation in its tracks.