October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I’m helping spread the word about Fybrocystic Breast Disease, which shows up as harmless single or multiple lumps that can be scary and confusing. Every woman should perform a self-breast exam each month and visit a doctor if there are any suspicious lumps. You can visit the American Cancer Society site for tips on performing a self-breast exam correctly.

I’m using information from Dr. Gary Null’s The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. I think it’s important for women to work with their doctor and be aware of the latest breast cancer research, which includes information on preventative diets and lifestyle changes. (The side benefits of eating healthy and exercising include weight loss and an increase in energy!)

Dr. Null says:

A diet high in complex carbohydrates can make a difference; fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, and some fish are recommended. Red hot peppers, cayenne pepper, and regular or daikon radishes cut through mucus and help to eliminate breast lumps.

You can read here for Dr. Null’s views on the causes of Fybrocystic Breast Disease, and here for the symptoms.

Other natural recommended treatments include taking antoxidant supplements that contain Vitamins A, C, and E; Magnesium (which cleanses by entering cells and forcing out excess calcium and other minerals), and iodine drops (which speeds up the metabolism of the thyroid gland.)

You may want to consider talking to an expert herbalist; Dr. Null says these plant remedies also help break up congestion in the chest: Xiao Yao Wan and Dandelion Tea. Other external treatments include Castor Oil Packs (which stimulate liver circulation), rubbing peppermint oil on the breast lumps to help stimulate circulation, colon cleansing, and Phytolaca Oil.

And of course drinking plenty of water, cutting down on caffeine, and exercising regularly help toxins move through your system. You can find out more information at the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Center.

Post from: Blisstree

Fybrocystic Breast Disease — Part 3

Since next month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll be seeing a lot of pink ribbons and reading lots of hype about how important it is to do our self exams and get our yearly mammograms if we’re over age 40. Yes, I agree. BUT! We need to be wise and use our own minds and research. Not every lump means you have cancer.

According to the above-mentioned book, Fybrocystic Breast Disease is caused by:

Overcongestion from foods that clog the system, such as wheat, dairy products, refined foods, and fats. Caffeinated products, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks are hard on the body and add to the problem, as does a sluggish thyroid, which makes metabolism more difficult and leads to constipation, causing a buildup of toxins. Toxic accumulations worsen congestion and can manifest as breast lumps (cysts). Stress further accelerates the condition. (quoted from p. 73).

Tomorrow, I’ll tell you more about symptoms of FBC, and the next day I’ll conclude with some natural diet and nutrition steps you can take if you have it. This is not medical advice, by any means. Just from one woman to another — I’m telling you what my natural health book says and letting you make your own decisions. After all, knowledge is power.

Post from: Blisstree

Fybrocystic Breast Disease — Part 1