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Today I am wise. So I am changing myself.”
Apr 30, 2009
Apr 18, 2009
Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition of breast tissue affecting an estimated 30-60% of women. It is characterized by noncancerous lumps in the breast which can sometimes cause discomfort, often periodically related to hormonal influences from the menstrual cycle.
These lumps are smooth with defined edges, and are usually free-moving in regard to adjacent structures. Women with fibrocystic changes may experience a persistent or intermittent aching in their breasts related to periodic swelling, esp. close to the menstrual cycle. If a lump is new, persistent, growing, hard, immobile, or causing skin deformities, you should see a health care professional.
The causes of the condition are not fully understood, though it is known that they are tied to hormone levels ( estrogen and prolactin), as the condition usually subsides after menopause. It is also related to the menstrual cycle and to dietary conditions, also to family history. Dietary factors include caffeine intake from coffee, black teas, colas, and chocolate, as well as excessive saturated fat and salt.
This condition is often easily diagnosed by a doctor, though it may require a biopsy of the affected area. Mammography does not often work as the breast tissue is often too dense to allow for thorough examination. Aspiration with a very fine needle is used to drain fluid from larger cysts.
There is no cure for the condition, but symptoms may be reduced by monitoring caffeine and fat intake and wearing a well fitting bra. In severe cases a synthetic androgen may be prescribed.
There are usually no adverse side effects to this condition. In almost all cases it subsides after menopause. A possible complication arises through the fact that cancerous tumors may be more difficult to detect in women with fibrocystic changes. This condition does not seem to lead to increased breast cancer risk.
Besides eliminating certain foods from the diet (caffeine, saturated fats, and salt), a high-fiber diet, including many plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, beans and peas, raw seeds and nuts, Sea vegetables (such as nori, kelp, and dulse) and whole grains may help prevent cyclical fluctuations in cyst size and tenderness. The addition of seafood to the diet, particularly fish, may be useful in preventing breast cysts due to the iodine content and healthy oils contained in certain fish. The best fish for female health include those high in the Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, trout, and mackerel.
Essential fatty acids sources (rich in linoleic acid: Evening primrose oil, Borage oil and black currant oil)
Vitamin A, Vitamin E supplements
Iodine supplements (Iodoral and IoGen) It is a good idea to do a thyroid workup before and after these supplements to make sure the thyroid function stays normal.
Di-indolyl methane (DIM), a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables that produces strong and favorable shifts in the ratio between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory subtypes of estrogen.
Ayurvedic recommendations:
Avoid:
Excessively hot and spicy foods: Aggravates inflammation
Alcohol: Aggravates inflammation, taxes kidneys
Regular Salt: Aggravates inflammation
Poor quality fats and oils: Causes inflammation and increases stagnation
Inorganic food: pesticides are renowned for increasing DHT (causing breast inflammation)
There are special Ayurvedic herbs and spices available in the market.
These are Kachnar Guggul, Mineral Pitch (Shilajit), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa),etc.
Turmeric is anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory.
Guggul is an effective anti-inflammatory herb.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:
Drink lots of warm water to purify the whole system.
Regular mild exercise, Yoga and Pranayama.
A diet of warm, cooked, easily digestible, light yet nourishing foods are best. Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices, whole grains, light proteins such as mung dhal soups, and sweet, juicy fruits will nourish the body and pacify all three doshas. Non-GMO Organic Soya products help reduce the amount of circulating estrogens in the blood. Eat whole brans because they contain zinc.
It's important to cook with mild spices that improve digestion, burn away ama, and pacify Vata dosha, but don't create heat in the blood tissue. Include a mixture of coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and small amounts of turmeric. Small amounts of black pepper and small amounts of fresh ginger also are healthy for maintaining breast health and balance.
These lumps are smooth with defined edges, and are usually free-moving in regard to adjacent structures. Women with fibrocystic changes may experience a persistent or intermittent aching in their breasts related to periodic swelling, esp. close to the menstrual cycle. If a lump is new, persistent, growing, hard, immobile, or causing skin deformities, you should see a health care professional.
The causes of the condition are not fully understood, though it is known that they are tied to hormone levels ( estrogen and prolactin), as the condition usually subsides after menopause. It is also related to the menstrual cycle and to dietary conditions, also to family history. Dietary factors include caffeine intake from coffee, black teas, colas, and chocolate, as well as excessive saturated fat and salt.
This condition is often easily diagnosed by a doctor, though it may require a biopsy of the affected area. Mammography does not often work as the breast tissue is often too dense to allow for thorough examination. Aspiration with a very fine needle is used to drain fluid from larger cysts.
There is no cure for the condition, but symptoms may be reduced by monitoring caffeine and fat intake and wearing a well fitting bra. In severe cases a synthetic androgen may be prescribed.
There are usually no adverse side effects to this condition. In almost all cases it subsides after menopause. A possible complication arises through the fact that cancerous tumors may be more difficult to detect in women with fibrocystic changes. This condition does not seem to lead to increased breast cancer risk.
Besides eliminating certain foods from the diet (caffeine, saturated fats, and salt), a high-fiber diet, including many plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, beans and peas, raw seeds and nuts, Sea vegetables (such as nori, kelp, and dulse) and whole grains may help prevent cyclical fluctuations in cyst size and tenderness. The addition of seafood to the diet, particularly fish, may be useful in preventing breast cysts due to the iodine content and healthy oils contained in certain fish. The best fish for female health include those high in the Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, trout, and mackerel.
Essential fatty acids sources (rich in linoleic acid: Evening primrose oil, Borage oil and black currant oil)
Vitamin A, Vitamin E supplements
Iodine supplements (Iodoral and IoGen) It is a good idea to do a thyroid workup before and after these supplements to make sure the thyroid function stays normal.
Di-indolyl methane (DIM), a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables that produces strong and favorable shifts in the ratio between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory subtypes of estrogen.
Ayurvedic recommendations:
Avoid:
Excessively hot and spicy foods: Aggravates inflammation
Alcohol: Aggravates inflammation, taxes kidneys
Regular Salt: Aggravates inflammation
Poor quality fats and oils: Causes inflammation and increases stagnation
Inorganic food: pesticides are renowned for increasing DHT (causing breast inflammation)
There are special Ayurvedic herbs and spices available in the market.
These are Kachnar Guggul, Mineral Pitch (Shilajit), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa),etc.
Turmeric is anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory.
Guggul is an effective anti-inflammatory herb.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:
Drink lots of warm water to purify the whole system.
Regular mild exercise, Yoga and Pranayama.
A diet of warm, cooked, easily digestible, light yet nourishing foods are best. Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices, whole grains, light proteins such as mung dhal soups, and sweet, juicy fruits will nourish the body and pacify all three doshas. Non-GMO Organic Soya products help reduce the amount of circulating estrogens in the blood. Eat whole brans because they contain zinc.
It's important to cook with mild spices that improve digestion, burn away ama, and pacify Vata dosha, but don't create heat in the blood tissue. Include a mixture of coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and small amounts of turmeric. Small amounts of black pepper and small amounts of fresh ginger also are healthy for maintaining breast health and balance.
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