NOTE: Blog posts are on M-W-F.
In a study released August, 2007, involving 11,699 postmenopausal women aged 50 years or more, demonstrated an inverse association between folate intake and breast cancer risk. Those with the highest dietary folate intake, including supplements, had a 44 percent reduced risk of invasive breast cancer. Similarly, those with the highest intake had a 64 percent reduced risk of invasive breast cancer compared to those with the lowest quintile of intake.
COMMENT: Many medications can deplete folate from the body; Here are a few: birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs like methotrexate and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); metformin (Glucophage) used in the treatment of diabetes; antibiotics like trimethoprim (Bactrim) and the anti-convulsant drug phenytoin (Dilantin).
Researchers have reported an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer in women who drink one alcoholic beverage a day. Drinking more two to five drinks per day may be associated with a rate of breast cancer that is about 40 percent higher than the rate for non-drinkers. Perhaps the link is that alcohol depletes folate.
Fortified foods such as breads and cereals are dietary sources of folic acid. Other good sources are dark green leafy vegetables (such as asparagus and broccoli), green peas, green beans, pinto beans, and brewer’s yeast. Orange juice, beets, dates and avocado are also good sources. Poor sources meats, chicken, milk, and most fruits. In addition, daily supplementation with B-complex can add more energy and health benefits overall, including support to your adrenal.
