New research conducted in the United States at the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reveals a startling finding: Exposure to light during the hours of sleep appears to aggressively promote breast cancer.
This effect is achieved due to light's ability to shut off production of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland. This hormone, which is naturally produced by the body during the hours of darkness, is known to be a strong immune system booster. Its presence also impedes the growth of cancer tumors by as much as 80 percent, according to research findings.
To determine the effect of light-moderated hormones on cancer tumors, scientists grafted human breast cancer tumors onto rats and infused the tumors with blood drawn from adult women. Blood taken from women exposed to artificial light sources at night actually accelerated the growth of the breast cancer tumors, but blood from women who slept in the dark was found to halt the growth of the tumors by 80 percent.
Lead researcher Dr. David Blask characterized it as, "...the first proof that light is indeed a risk factor for cancer." The research may also help explain why night shift workers (such as nurses and flight attendants) are up to 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Breast tumors are awake during the day, and melatonin puts them to sleep at night," adds Dr. Blask.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2010, Adams created TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural living video sharing site featuring thousands of user videos on foods, fitness, green living and more. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and pursues hobbies such as martial arts, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org
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Monday, June 19, 2006
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