Fibrocystic Breast Disease:

fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) is a benign condition affecting the breasts in women between 30 and 50 years old. It is rare after menopause. Women with FBD complain of multiple and painful lumps in both breasts. A quick change in the sizes of lumps is common. FBD is associated with breast tenderness and pain which increase 1-2 weeks before menstruation.

FBD is a histologic rather than a clinical diagnosis. Whether FBD is a pre-cancerous condition has not been fully understood yet. However, women with FBD might be at greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who do not have FBD.

Possible causes are:

1. Imbalances between estrogen and progesterone.
2. Poor liver function.
3. Nutritional deficiencies such Omega-3, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and Iodine.
4. Oversensitivity to caffeine.
5. Imbalances in normal flora of the intestines.
6. Low function thyroid has been linked to FBD.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Sugar.
2. Chocolate.
3. Saturated fats.
4. Trans-fats.
5. Fried foods.
6. Processed foods.
7. Alcohol.
8. Caffeine.
9. Caffeinated beverages.
10. Foods high in Omega-6 fatty acid: safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil, beef, and egg yolk.

Recommended Foods:

1. Drink plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
2. Whole grains.
3. Foods high in fiber: lentils and beans.
4. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids: fish, flaxseed, hemp seed, chia seed, and walnuts.
5. Green leafy vegetables.
6. Flaxseeds.
7. Foods high in indole-3-carbinol: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and collard greens. Indole-3-carbinol helps the liver detoxify excess estrogen.
8. Foods high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.
9. Garlic and onions.
10. Soy foods (tofu, miso, and tempeh).
11. Ginger.
12. Evening primrose oil.
13. Dandelion greens.
14. Beets.
15. Green tea.
16. Turmeric.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Evening Primrose Oil: 3000 – 6000 mg a day.
2. GLA (gamma linolenic acid): 400 mg a day.
3. Indole – 3 – Carbinol: 300 – 600 mg a day.
4. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams a day.
5. Vitex (Chasteberry): 180 – 240 mg a day. It balances out the ratio between estrogen and progesterone.
6. D – Glucarate: 500 – 1000 mg a day. This product helps the liver detoxify and excrete excess hormones by blocking the enzyme B-glucuronidase.
7. DIM (Di Indole Methane): 100 – 200 mg a day. It assists the liver in estrogen breakdown.
8. Vitamin E: 800 IU a day.
9. Vitamin B6: 25 – 100 mg a day.
10. Iodine: 300 mcg a day.
11. Choline (Vitamin B18): 500 – 1000 mg a day. This lipotropic supplement supports function of the liver in removing fats and detoxifying toxins.
12. Methionine: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. This essential amino acid helps the liver to process and eliminate fats.
13. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
14. Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
15. Probiotics: a product that provides minimum 5 to 10 billion active organisms per serving.
16. Multivitamins-Multiminerals: A high potency product.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Colon cleansing.