Soothing sore breasts: some small breast lumps may not be cancer but rather a benign but achy condition called fibrocystic breast disorder. Here's what you can do to ease the discomofort

Better Nutrition, August, 2005 by Mary Bove

If your breasts feel lumpy and you feel discomfort, pain or tenderness increasingly before menstruation, you may suffer from fibrocystic breast disorder--also known as lumpy breasts. This benign condition is an exaggeration of normal breast tissue in response to fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. In fact, you may notice the changes in your breasts more before your cycle than after it.

breast basics

Breasts are complex structures made up of glandular tissue, supporting connective tissue and protective fatty tissue. Breasts develop under the influence of estrogen, and the sensitivity that you feel may be related to estrogen's increased prominence in the breast tissue as you near your menstrual cycle. Breast sensitivity can also be caused by a decrease in progesterone production--known as luteal phase deficiency--during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

healthy breast living

Though lumpy breasts are caused by physiological responses, there are many lifestyle factors that affect the breasts' sensitivity to estrogen. Use these tips to help keep your breasts healthy:

* Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks such as chocolate, coffee, black tea and soda, as well as the hydrogenated fats found in packaged foods and margarine.

* Eat organic--particularly meats, dairy products and eggs--as much as possible.

* Adopt a high-fiber diet to ensure regular bowel habits.

* Consume a diet that's low in animal fats and rich in raw oils, nuts, seeds and fish to allow an adequate intake of essential fatty acids.

* Eat iodine-rich sea vegetables and seafood to maintain thyroid health. * Drink plenty of water.

* Supplement your daily diet with 400-800 IU of vitamin E; 3-4 grams of evening primrose oil; and 100-250 mg of vitamin B6.

* Get regular exercise that moves the arms and upper body, not just the legs, to improve circulation.

* Use natural deodorants and skin care products that don't contain harsh chemicals because environmental toxins such as chlorinated chemicals, plastics and bovine hormones all impact breast health and should be avoided whenever possible.

easing the discomfort

Breast sensitivity can be painful. To help ease any inflammation, consider using these treatments:

* Make a soothing oil to apply to tender breasts: Combine 1 oz. of pokeroot oil, 1 oz. of calendula flower and 1/2 oz. of castor oil. Shake well.

* To make an herbal breast poultice: Mix 2 Tbs. of grated potato and 2 Tbs. of chamomile flowers with 1 tsp. of grated fresh gingerroot. Apply over the area, and cover with a towel for 20 minutes.

* Make a tea that supports the body's natural detoxification and elimination systems and that decreases fluid retention: Mix 1 part each of calendula flowers, red clover flowers, cleavers and nettles with 1/2 part each of burdock root and dandelion root in a large jar. Add 1 Tbs. of this herbal mix to 8 oz. boiling water. Cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink warm one to three times per day as needed.