Fibrocystic breast
is disease or condition
indicated by the presence of lumps in the woman's breast, these lumps are normally firm,
rubbery, round shaped, and they can be moved around underneath the skin. One
or both breasts will become lumpy and tender, even painful, in the week or so before
the menstruation begins. The symptoms are caused by: poor dietary choices, hormonal changes, and
intestinal health. The condition often progresses through three
phases. In phase one, which occurs when a woman is
between 15 and 27 years old, there may be a few lumps in the breasts. Typically, the breasts are tender during
the week just before menstruation cycle starts. In phase two, during the ages
between 30 and 40 the tenderness intensifies and pain may occur. The breasts become more nodular and the lumps are more noticeable
during the week or so before the menstrual period begins. And in phase
3 when a woman is in her late
40's and 50's, her periods become irregular as
menopause approaches, and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts
become correspondingly erratic. The discomfort may come and go, pain may appear quite suddenly, and the breasts may become
very very sensitive.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin E, vitamin A ,
vitamin C, iodine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, potassium, and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of
Fibrocystic
breast disease as well as promoting good general health. |
Borage
seed oil |
10 |
Borage
seed oil and other essential fatty acids help to regulate hormone production. A combination
supplement may include borage seed, flax seed, and fish oils. |
Pyridoxine |
9 |
vitamin B6 is needed
for hormone regulation and good fluid balance |
Iodine |
9 |
For reasons that are
not known supplemental iodine appears to help with cyclic mastalgia
also known as cyclic mastitis or fibrocystic breast disease |
Selenium |
9 |
This
mineral is a great anti-oxidant to help prevent free radical damage works well with vitamin E, zinc, and
bioflavonoids. |
Red
Clover |
9 |
good for the immune system |
Ginger |
9 |
good for pain and aids in stopping
the production of hormomes that causes swelling. |
Chaste
tree |
10 |
the herb contains vitex which
helps to balance estrogen and progesterone production |
Mullein |
10 |
herbs that supports the immune
system and works well with echinacea and red clover |
Echinacea |
10 |
herb that strengthens a woman's
immune system |
vitamin
A |
9 |
has both anti-oxidant
and anti-inflammation properties. It is required by the
woman's body for the ductal system of the breast. |
vitamin
C |
9 |
fights infection and
helps with inflammation works well with bioflavonoids |
Carotenoids |
9 |
work with vitamin A for healing |
vitamin
E |
9 |
strengthens the immune
system, helps healing process, and is needed for repair of body tissues. |
Zinc |
8 |
mineral needed for repair of
tissues and immune function |
Fibrocystic breast disease is very common and over 50% of all American women have it to some
degree. It is associated with a increased risk of
breast
cancer. Although at least 80% of all breast lumps are non-cancerous, any
cyst, mass, or swelling that can be felt in the woman's breast tissue
should have a medical
evaluation. An experienced doctor can make a good guess by examining the breasts
manually, but physical examination will not always indicate if a growth is cancerous or benign. A mammogram and/or a biopsy may be required for an
exact diagnosis.
Normally, fluids in breast tissues are collected and moved out of the breasts by the lymphatic
system. But, if there is more fluid than the system can deal with,
then small areas in the breast may fill with fluid.
Fibrous tissue the surrounds these areas and thickens like a scar,
forming cysts. Many breast cysts swell before and during
menstruation, and the resulting pressure will cause pain. Cysts
may even cause more cysts to grow. Also a breast lump pressing against a
milk gland can cause production of the pituitary hormone
prolactin, which in turn results in milk secretion. These
milk producing glands may multiply and carry milk into the
supporting fibrous tissue, causing even more cyst growth.
Breast cysts may change in size, but they are normally benign. A cyst
is tender and moves freely it feels like an eyeball behind the
lid. In contrast, a cancerous growth usually does not move
freely, is most often not tender, and does not go away.
Normally, the cysts are not harmful. And the normal
structure of the woman's breasts has a lumpy texture. But, this
does not mean that lumps should be ignored. Every woman
should be familiar with the normal feel of and cyclical
changes in her own breasts so that she can easily find any new
lumps. She should check both of her breasts every week, and if
any new lumps become apparent between menstrual cycles, she
should consult her health care practitioner as soon as
possible. A doctor can diagnose fibrocystic disease with a simple office
procedure. By using a very fine needle, they try to remove
fluid from the lump. If fluid is found, then the lump is a cyst.
Normally, a mammogram is also recommended as well to rule out
possible cancer.
NOTE: thyroid problems are often present with women with
fibrocystic breast disease
and should check for
hypothyroidism
which is an under-active thyroid.
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
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