Almost 30-50% of pre-menopausal women are plagued with breast cysts. There is a lot of concern on whether these cysts are benign or not. Most cysts appear because of changes in the hormonal cycles of women. The cysts are soft, tender and painful. They vary in size and are felt to be moving inside the breasts.
They are most prominent just a week before the periods because of the surge in hormones. It is essential for all peri-menopuasal and childbearing women to get themselves examined for breast cancer. Routine self-examinations are necessary to rule out any signs of cancerous growths. The physician should examine lumps that are hard and grow in size and painful to the touch immediately.
Natural Ways to Prevent Cysts
1. Treat Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency has been linked to the formation of breast cysts. Iodine treatment has significantly helped women to reduce the size of their cysts. Iodine helps to reverse cyclic cyst disease and restore cystic spaces to their normal size. Iodine can be taken in the form of iodized salt as a best option. This ensures that adequate amount of salt is available to the body at all times.
2. Fibre
High fibre diet not only helps to burn fat but also ensures smoother bowel movements, and effectiveness in elimination of oestrogen from the body. Whole beans and grains are particularly good. Foods that are good for breast health are flaxseed, garlic, rosemary and turmeric and should be consumed in abundant quantities. Eat foods that help to detoxify the body like carrots, leeks, onions, beetroots, lemon, artichokes and cauliflower. Drink plenty of water and take regular exercise for warding off constipation.
3. Eliminate Caffeine
Women who are prone to pre-menstrual syndrome may find their symptoms are exacerbated by consuming caffeine. Caffeine can lead to the formation of breast cysts. Thus, it is prudent to drastically cut down on caffeine consumption. Switch to green tea or herbal tea instead which is loaded in anti-oxidants.
4. Vitamins And Minerals
Make sure that you take a regular dose of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, primrose oil, selenium and flaxseed oil.
5. Breast Massage
Although cysts are often benign, it makes sense to massage your breasts to get relief and prevent them from forming. Regular massages help the breasts to remain firm and also help in blood circulation. Massage also helps to drain out the fluid from the cysts via the lymph glands.
6. Self Examinations
Make sure you conduct routine self-examinations to see the shape and texture of the breast cysts. If you feel that not all is ok and the cysts have grown or become increasingly painful, have this examined by the doctor right away.
7. Salt
Reduce the consumption of salt especially during or before your periods. This leads to bloating and water retention in the body, which may lead to extra fluid formation in the breast tissue and cysts.
8. Bras
Breast cysts make the breast tender and painful and this can be remedies to some extent by wearing supportive bras that do not put pressure on the breasts.
