Breast Health & Fibroids
Updated Jul. 10th, 2023
Breast cysts are fluid filled masses that most commonly occur in women ages 30 to 50. They are benign growths that change in size and tenderness with the monthly cycle and are usually worse right before menstruation. They are not dangerous in themselves but they make it more difficult to assess breast tissue for any other masses.
There are several factors that contribute to the formation of breast cysts.
One of the main contributing factors to breast cysts in women are hormone levels. Low progesterone and high estrogen can play a role in increasing both size and amount of milk producing glands. Sometimes these will form cysts. Another cause of cysts is the consumption of methylxanthines.
Low iodine levels can lead to cyst development and is common in those who have hypothyroidism. Even wearing bras that may restrict circulation in some way offer contribution to the formation of cysts.
There are both conventional and natural therapies for fibrocystic breasts. Conventional therapies use medications that target the thyroid or alter hormone production and natural therapies aim to balance hormones in order to naturally prevent and treat breast cysts.
The liver is the organ that is responsible for processing hormones. The bowels are responsible for excreting processed hormones.
Performing regular liver and bowel cleansing will help to rid the body of excess hormones like estrogen. See the section on detoxification for more information.
Topically, castor oil packs applied to the abdomen every other day help to detoxify the liver. Raw cabbage leaves can be placed in the bra to decrease swelling and tenderness of the cysts. Wear proper fitting bras to promote circulation in the breast
Dietary sources of estrogens should be minimized. These foods are red meat, chicken and dairy products. Coffee, black tea, colas and chocolate contain methylxanthines and must be eliminated because they stimulate cyst formation. Vegetarian women excrete more processed estrogens than women who eat meat.
Therefore a vegetarian diet is recommended to decrease fibrocystic breasts. Foods that should be eaten include soy products. Soy contains plant estrogens that help to balance estrogen levels.
Use essential fatty acids, found in flax, walnut and sunflower seed oil, because they are anti-inflammatory and decrease cyst formation. Eat foods high in vitamin E such as avocado, nuts, seeds and wheat germ because vitamin E softens and reduces breast lumps. Increase iodine consumption by eating sea vegetables, like kelp and nori.
I had been suffering from fibroid since 2011 with so much pain. This article was very informative and helpful, thank you.
Hello Latiesha,
You're welcome, we're glad you enjoyed this article and it was able to help you, that's why we work so hard on them. If you have any future inquiries, please reach out to our team, we're always here to help!
Have a healthy day.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 hormone positive breast cancer in January this year. Before I received this news, I found out I had estrogen dominance. I did a ton of research and saw the best naturopaths along with an endocrinologist and I learned that if I was taking the supplements recommended in this article I might have been able to slow the growth of my tumours or prevented my cancer altogether. I combined western medicine with alternative medicine and I was able to tolerate chemotherapy and radiation better than all of my friends. Thank you for sharing this information, it is reassuring to know that if I can continue with these supplements, a healthy diet and all my alternative treatments, I will remain in remission forever!
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your story, we wish you well!
Have a healthy day!
I want to thank all of my good supplements for helping me shrink/cure multiple FIBROID. It’s been a year since I got free from the problem but I decided to wait to see if they will grow back and luckily no sign of it at all. I normally experience heavy menstrual blood, Pelvic pressure or pain, Backache, Frequent urination ETC. And now, all the symptom or pains are no more. I went to the hospital again to check and was diagnosed fibroid free. All thanks to the supplements like this article recommends
After a thermography scan revealed that one of my breasts showed a tiny temperature abnormality which could be something not good, I started taking Iodine. I took 6 drops daily and had another scan 4 months later. Completely clear.
Hello, Marni,
Thank you for sharing. That is great news, we are glad to hear you found a natural solution that worked for your needs. If you'd like to learn more about Iodine, you can read our article on it here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/iodine/
Stay healthy & well!