Breast health is an important part of women's well-being. 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.
What Causes Breast Cysts?
There are several factors that contribute to the formation of breast cysts.
One of the main contributing factors to breast cysts in women is hormone levels. Low progesterone and high estrogen can play a role in increasing both the 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 are common in those who have hypothyroidism. Even wearing bras that may restrict circulation in some way offers a contribution to the formation of cysts.
Whar Are Conventional & Natural Support Options For Fibrocystic Breasts?
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.
Detoxification For Hormone Balance
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 properly fitting bras to promote circulation in the breasts.
Dietary Considerations For Breast Health
When looking to support your breast health naturally, 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.
