Many studies have demonstrated that there is a direct association between moderate alcohol consumption and the occurrence of breast cancer. This is largely due to alcohol’s effect on plasma oestrogens: alcohol consumption is linked with higher circulating oestrogens and elevated oestrogens are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer.
The Women’s health study (United States, 1992-2004) showed that 10g or 0.75-1 drink of alcohol per day was significantly associated with a 9 percent increase in risk of developing invasive breast cancer. The risk increased with an increase in alcohol consumption.
A protein made in the liver called sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) binds to hormones to regulate levels in circulation. Nutritionist Amanda Michie talks about how diet can help the body produce these binding proteins.
“Reasons for developing breast cancer are not clear-cut; however, diet and lifestyle play a large part in prevention of the disease. SHBG is manufactured in the liver and regulates circulating hormones in the body. Studies have shown that by increasing certain types of foods in the diet, such as soya, chickpeas and lentils, can help the body produce more of these important binding hormones and therefore help to reduce excess oestrogens in circulation."
Nutritionist, Amanda Michie, sees clients in the City and Canary Wharf.
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