Although estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, not all estrogen is bad for you. Healthy forms of estrogen can help strengthen our bones and help us feel energized, young and vital. Our bodies normally detoxify and get rid of any extra estrogen. Multiple genes control how our bodies process estrogen. Changes can occur in these genes called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that make it harder for us to get rid of excess estrogen and lead to a build up of toxic forms of the hormone that can increase breast cancer risk.

Certain foods like broccoli, cauliflower and kale have been shown to help our bodies metabolize estrogen and get rid of any bad forms of it, even if we have these gene SNPs. But can a lifestyle habit also help?

The answer is YES! And that one lifestyle habit is.........

Exercise!

That's right. Research shows that exercising regularly helps our bodies get rid of unhealthy forms of estrogen and as a result can help lower our risk for breast cancer.

So, as long as you have your doctor's ok, be sure that you make time to exercise most days of the week. Pick activities that you like to do.
It can be anything from brisk walking, to hiking, to swimming, to bike riding... Just make sure to do it consistently.