Other Names:
Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Cystic Mastitis

Symptoms:
Discomfort, soreness, tenderness, lumpiness, and possible felt lumps and cysts in the breast. These will be round lumps which move freely and are either firm or soft.

The symptoms are the most prominent before the monthly, and almost entirely absent during pregnancy.

Cause:
This is the most common breast problem that women have; over 50% of adult females have it. This is most frequent in women of child-bearing age, and primarily occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

When there is too much fluid in the breast, instead of moving it out of the breast, the lymph system stores it in small spaces, here and there. Eventually, fibrous tissue surrounds them and thickens, forming cysts. These cysts frequently swell just before the monthly, causing pain.

These cysts may change in size; but, although tender, they move freely. In contrast, a cancerous growth generally does not move freely, is usually not tender, and does not leave.

It is important to regularly examine each breast for lumps, and determine what kind they are. It is best to do this weekly.

It is known that the risk of breast cancer is three times as great in women with cysts.

Breast cysts rarely appear after the age of 50, when estrogen levels are less.

Hormonal imbalance, abnormal production of breast milk (caused by high levels of estrogen), and an underactive thyroid can induce cysts.

Other causative agents are listed below.

Treatment:
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet, including more raw foods. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Do not eat nuts which have been heated.

• The trace element, germanium, is important. It is found in garlic and onions.

• Research shows that milk and dairy products have high estrogen levels. It is best to avoid them, for the cyst problem can always lead to a cancerous condition.

• Avoid a diet high in meat, eggs, butter, and cheese.

• White-flour products should be avoided.

• Do not eat chocolate, animal products, cooked oils, fried foods, sugar, salt or drink beverages with alcohol or caffeine.

• Do not use nicotine products. They stimulate the growth of cysts.

• Not using caffeine and applying primrose oil will help reduce the cysts.

• Methylxanthines (which include caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine), found in caffeine and chocolate foods have, been found to induce breast disease.

• Keep the weight low. It is more difficult to locate tumors in larger breasts.

• If you have an underactive thyroid, do what is needed to strengthen it, since hypothyroidism (which see) has been linked to fibrocystic disease.

• Breast congestion can be caused by padded bras. Do not overheat the breasts; this can lead to breast cancer.

• Excess clothing on the trunk, and not enough on the extremities, is a significant cause of female problems of various types.

• Drink enough water, so it is easier for the blood and lymphatic system to care for the milk glands.