The Recipe for Relief: The Fibrocystic Breast Disease Diet
Fibrocystic breast disease is not severe, but it can be a painful experience to go through.
You can take the medicines route, but they may sometimes have more side effects than benefits.
So the easiest way is to treat it naturally. And what better can be than having a simple, nutritious diet?
A healthy diet including rich vitamins and nutrients and omitting junk can be a way to aid in the treatment of this condition.
Moreover, you can also add essential supplements to your diet to expedite the positive results.
Continue reading to know more about the Fibrocystic breast disease diet.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine is suggested to be avoided in many diseases, including Fibrocystic breast conditions.
However, currently, there are no studies that can prove a relationship between caffeine and this disease.
But Fibrocystic breast changes may occur because of fluctuating hormonal levels, especially of Estrogen.
This usually happens during your menstrual cycle. Thus it is also known as cyclic mastalgia.
A study was conducted by the National Institutes of Health and other institutions on reproductive-age women.
This study found that caffeine consumption was linked to changes in the levels of Estrogen in women’s bodies.
Thus, it is best if you avoid caffeine intake.
You should avoid the following items:
- Coffee
- Colas and sodas
- Tea
- Chocolates (dark and milk)
Low-fat diet
A low-fat diet is considered foods with 30% or less calories coming from fats.
This means if you consume a diet of 100 calories, 3 grams or less is coming from fats; then it is a low-fat diet.
The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported a study that said a low-fat diet affected the symptoms of Fibrocystic breast conditions.
You may include the following foods in your low-fat Fibrocystic breast disease diet:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grain cereals
- Egg whites
- Chicken and turkey breast without the skin
- Beans
- Lentils
- Peas
- Seafood
- Low-fat dairy
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the essential vitamins that your body needs.
According to the National Institutes of Health, it can be easily found in the following things:
- Vegetable oils (wheat germ, soybean, and safflower)
- Cereals
- Nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds)
- Sunflower seeds
- Meat
- Eggs
- Fruits
This vitamin is widely used as a supplement for breast fibrocystic mastalgia.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose, also known as Oenothera biennis, is a species of flowering plant.
Its oil is extracted from the seeds.
The oil has beneficial properties like Omega-6 fatty acids, including Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).
Researchers have proposed that a deficiency in Prostaglandin E and its precursor GLA (from which it is formed) increases the sensitivity of breasts.
GLA is subsequently also the active component of evening primrose oil. Thus, it may help in reducing Fibrocystic breast disease.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is one of the essential vitamins that doctors suggest for good health.
It is also advised to incorporate in the diet for Fibrocystic breast tissue disorder.
A study was done on the effects of Vitamin B6 in pain control of cyclic mastalgia associated with Fibrocystic breast changes.
94 participants were divided into three groups who took Vitamin B6, evening primrose oil, and placebo.
The results of this study showed that the mean severity of breast pain significantly reduced in the first, second, and third months after consuming Vitamin B6.
You can also consume this vitamin, which is present in the following items:
- Fish
- Potatoes
- Non-citrus fruits
- Chickpeas
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is a fruit extracted from the Vitex agnus castus, commonly known as a chaste tree.
It is used in the treatment of many female conditions, which have breast pain as a symptom. It includes:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Infertility
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Menopause
- Disrupted lactation
A study was conducted to determine Vitex agnus’s effectiveness on cyclic mastalgia.
159 women were divided into three groups:
- Group I received 25 g daily flaxseed powder and a placebo of Vitex agnus
- Group II received daily 3.2-4.8 mg Vitex agnus tablet and a placebo of flaxseed
- The control group received both placeboes
The breast pain improved significantly in both the first and second groups.
This proved that Vitex agnus is effective in the short term in decreasing cyclical breast pain.
Ground flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are plant-based food high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals called lignans.
Ground flaxseeds are recommended for women who have Mammary dysplasia (fibrocystic breast).
It is better than whole flaxseeds as they are easier to digest.
25 grams of ground flaxseeds daily for two to three months are usually recommended.
This quantity has effectively reduced cyclic mastalgia in benign breast diseases in women like Fibrocystic breasts.
Takeaway
Adopting a Fibrocystic breast disease diet can significantly manage the symptoms and promote breast health.
Cyclic mastalgia might be because of hormonal imbalance, and thus caffeine is restricted as caffeine can cause Estrogen imbalance.
Moreover, incorporating a low-fat diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., can provide essential nutrients and reduce the symptoms of Fibrocystic breast condition.
Supplementing with evening primrose oil, Vitamin B6, chasteberry, and ground flaxseed is also recommended.
They may help alleviate breast pain and discomfort associated with Fibrocystic breast disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does taking caffeine out of your diet cure Fibrocystic breast disease?
Taking out caffeine from your diet can be beneficial in Fibrocystic breast disease. However, there are no studies that prove the link between caffeine and this disease. But women have noticed an improvement in their breast conditions after avoiding caffeine.
What to avoid in your diet if you have Fibrocystic breast tissue disorder?
Caffeine is a primary thing that you need to avoid in your diet if you have Fibrocystic breast tissue disorder. It includes coffee, tea, colas, and chocolates. You should also reduce the intake of a high-fat diet.
What foods are good for fibrocystic breasts?
Many foods are said to be good for fibrocystic breasts. It includes food like peas, lentils, beans, etc. Vitamins-rich foods like potatoes, cereals, nuts, etc., can also be good for Fibrocystic breast disease.
What drinks should be avoided with Fibrocystic breast disease?
Certain drinks should be avoided if you have Fibrocystic breast disease. It primarily includes caffeine-related drinks. You can prevent or restrict the intake of drinks like tea, coffee, colas, and sodas.
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