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Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Evening Primrose Oil
Several European studies support using evening primrose oil to treat breast pain and cysts (Pye et al. 1985; Gateley 1990; Mansel et al. 1990b; Gateley et al. 1991; McFayden et al. 1992; Cheung 1999; Norlock 2002). Evening primrose oil is a good source of beneficial gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. In a 1990 survey, as many as 13% of surgeons and 30% of breast surgeons in Great Britain recommended evening primrose oil, particularly for cyclic mastalgia (Pain et al. 1990; BeLieu 1994). Evening primrose oil significantly improved the fatty-acid profiles of women with FBD (Gateley et al. 1992) and improved pain symptoms.
Borage and Flax Seed Oils
These two oils modulate inflammatory prostaglandins (Mancuso et al. 1997; Belch et al. 2000), often giving considerable relief to FBD symptoms. It may take 4-6 weeks before there is noticeable improvement. Nonetheless, treatment should be continued for 4-8 months.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Dietary Fiber
A diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables also includes benefits for women with FBD. Natural, beneficial chemicals present in fruits and vegetables assist enzymes in the body to detoxify potentially harmful compounds (called carcinogens) (BCERF 1998). In fact, women who maintain a vegetarian diet are actually able to excrete two to three times more estrogen than omnivorous women. This could be part of the explanation for why vegetarian women have a lower incidence of breast cancer (Goldin 1981, 1982).
In addition, some of the chemical components of fruits and vegetables benefit the function of (switch on) the parasympathetic nervous system, thus minimizing development of tumors and cysts. Increasing fiber consumption appears to be a component in reducing the symptoms of FBD in some women. Fiber assists elimination of waste from the system, decreasing levels of circulating estrogens (BCERF 1998). Obtain plenty of fiber from your diet. Good sources of dietary fiber are legumes (kidney and pinto beans, peas, and lentils), vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots), raw fruits (apples, oranges, and bananas), and grains (particularly bran and oats) (Anderson et al. 1988; Van Horn 1997). Additional fiber may be obtained from dietary supplements in the form of powders or capsules. (Life Extension recommends Fiber Food Caps, Fiber Food Powder, and Apple Pectin Powder.)
Indole-3-Carbinol
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring dietary compound (a phytochemical) that is found in some fruits and the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, kohlrabi, bok choy, and radishes. Phytochemicals are also natural anti-cancer compounds. Indole-3-carbinol appears to work in several ways: partially inactivating estrogen (Michnovicz 1997; Bradlow et al. 1994; Wong et al. 1997); fighting free radicals (Arnao et al. 1996); and directly interfering with tumor cell reproduction (Bradlow et al. 1999a). Indole-3-carbinol triggers the release of enzymes that help break down estrogen precursors into a harmless form rather than the form that is linked to breast cancer (Michnovicz et al. 1997; Bradlow et al. 1999b; Meng et al. 2000; Terry et al. 2001). Cabbage and broccoli also contain sulforaphane, another phytonutrient that has been shown to stimulate the release of enzymes that attach to cancer-causing substances and transport them from the body (Mowatt 1998).
The National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have said that by eating five servings of vegetables and fruit a day, a person can cut the risk of cancer by more than 50%. Most people do not come close to meeting this guideline, particularly the recommendation for vegetables, because they do not like cruciferous vegetables, the vegetables are not readily available, or they cannot eat the quantity required each day to meet recommended dietary guidelines for phytonutrients. Sometimes raw vegetables are not easy for the system to digest. Storage and processing by the supplier or overcooking in the home contributes to loss of phytonutrients. Often, only half the phytonutrients in any serving of raw vegetables ultimately becomes available for absorption--the other half is quickly eliminated from the body. Concentrated vegetables (particularly those with the water content removed and which are ground to the consistency of powdered sugar) are more digestible. In this form, it is estimated that 90 to 100% of phytonutrients, and all of their cancer-fighting properties, become available for absorption into the body (Mowatt 1998). (Indole-3-carbinol is available from Life Extension in capsule form.)
Studies in animals indicate that I3C is safe at recommended doses (NIEHS 2000). Trials in humans have also found no significant side effects (Wong et al. 1997). A study by Cover et al. (1999) found that the naturally occurring chemical I3C found in vegetables of the Brassica genus, is "a promising anticancer agent that we have shown previously to induce a G1 cycle arrest of human breast cancer cell lines, independent of estrogen receptor signaling." According to Cover et al. (1999), a combination of I3C and anti-estrogen tamoxifen cooperated to inhibit growth of the estrogen-dependent human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line more effectively than either agent used alone. They suggested that "I3C works through a mechanism distinct from tamoxifen." Cover et al. (1999) concluded that "these results demonstrate that I3C and tamoxifen work through different signal pathways to suppress the growth of human breast cancer cells and may represent a potential combinatorial therapy for estrogen-responsive breast cancer."
Caution: Some recommend that pregnant women should not take indole-3-carbinol. Research is continuing on indole-3-carbinol and at this time there are no well-known drug interactions. Do not attempt to treat breast nodules with indole-3-carbinol without first consulting with your physician.
Note: The Life Extension Foundation suggests indole-3-carbinol to persons seeking an alternative to tamoxifen. See the protocol on Breast Cancer for more information.
Soy
Soy has been the subject of research for overall breast health. Some studies indicate that soy foods containing phytoestrogens (natural estrogens from plants) may offer some protective benefit. Researchers also believe that soy may play a role in balancing hormone levels in premenopausal women and perhaps in relieving premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms (Imaginis 2001). Good dietary sources of soy are canned soybeans, tofu, soy protein bars, and tempeh. Life Extension suggests a supplement called Natural Estrogen (containing phytoestrogens from soy extract and other phyto extracts).
Researchers speculate that some of the anti-tumor activity of soy compounds may result from production of enzymes that attack free radicals (Molteni et al. 1995). However, as with other nutrients, agreement is impossible and many authorities are reluctant to give soy universal endorsement. Others suggest that soy can modulate hormonal activity and even act as an antioxidant. If using soy, carefully monitor your breasts to assess the response of breast tissue to soy products.
Caution: Soy extract or soy products should not be used by persons with estrogen-receptor-positive cancer.
Simple and Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, might be an even greater concern in FBD than fat. Italian researchers found that heavy consumption of starchy foods, including pasta and white bread, increased breast cancer risk (Franceschi et al. 1996; Augustin et al. 2001). Carbohydrates are of two types: simple and complex. Both types are composed of sugar units. Simple carbohydrates are composed of one or two sugar units. Simple carbohydrates are found in fruit and vegetable juices, candy, soft drinks, and foods with added sugar. The problem with simple carbohydrates is that they induce an insulin spike upon ingestion. Insulin can promote cancer cell division which is why consumption of starchy foods might increase cancer risk. Complex carbohydrates are made from many sugar units that would structurally look like beads in a bracelet. Foods such as whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, and legumes (dried beans and peas) are good sources of complex carbohydrates that do not induce a sharp insulin spike because they release sugar more slowly into the bloodstream. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are converted to blood sugar by the body to use as energy or fat storage. However, complex carbohydrates are a much better nutritional value because they include vitamins, minerals, and fiber (Quagliani 1997).
Vitamins
Vitamin E
Since 1965, using vitamin E has been recommended by some researchers for treatment of FBD (Abrams 1965). However, researchers are not unified concerning the use of vitamin E to successfully treat or manage FBD and evidence has been inconclusive. Vitamin E in the form of alpha tocopherol has corrected abnormal estrogen-progesterone ratios in some patients with mammary dysplasia (London et al. 1981). Results of that study, however, were not replicated in 1985 (London et al. 1985). Another study of 105 women with FBD found that 600 mg of vitamin E for 3 months had no effect on symptoms (Meyer et al. 1990).
Vitamin E should be taken in doses of 600-800 IU daily. However, women with hypertension should start with about 400 IU. If you take a blood-thinning medication, consult your physician before taking vitamin E and monitor your usage carefully since vitamin E is known to enhance blood thinning. Vitamin E containing both alpha and gamma tocopherols may produce the most desirable results. It may be necessary to use vitamin E for several months before noticeable improvement is realized.
Folic Acid
Many physicians also recommend taking folic acid along with vitamin E. In some women, combining the two seems to have a more beneficial effect than either one taken alone. Folic acid is abundant in green, leafy vegetables, but is often deficient in the standard American diet. Women of child-bearing age are particularly encouraged to include folic acid in their diet. (Life Extension recommends at least 800 mcg of folic acid along with at least 300 mcg of vitamin B12 daily.)
Vitamin A
Studies have shown that vitamin A has been able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells (Fontana et al. 1992; Wu et al. 1997; Yang et al. 1999; Widschwendter et al. 2001). Therefore, there is some justification for women with FBD to take vitamin A. In one of only a few studies (Band et al. 1984), 12 women with FBD were given 150,000 IUs of vitamin A daily for 3 months. Nine of the women reported marked pain reduction.
However, large doses of vitamin A can also be toxic. Therefore, beta-carotene may be a more practical treatment. In one study, 25 women who had moderate to severe pain before their menstrual periods were given daily supplements of beta-carotene and retinol. After 6 months, most of the women reported marked reduction in breast pain with no side effects (Santamaria et al. 1989). A diet high in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables will raise beta-carotene levels. You may also wish to use a beta-carotene supplement.
Vitamin C
The immune system requires vitamin C for proper function, tissue repair, diuretic action, anti-inflammatory responses, and adrenal hormone balance. Try 2.5-6 grams daily. If using buffered ascorbate, take it with magnesium or potassium.
Detoxifying Herbs
The liver supports many mechanisms including providing a detoxifying and filtering system for all body wastes as well as binding and eliminating extra hormones (including estrogen clearance). If the liver does not adequately perform its detoxifying and binding functions, estrogen stores may increase. As noted earlier, increased fiber in the diet improves removal of toxins and waste from the system. Nutrients that support the liver include choline, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), green tea, and N-acetyl-cysteine. If you have FBD, consider using these supplements daily. Detoxifying your system by aiding cleansing of the liver may also improve symptoms of FBD.
Herbs that support detoxification include echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). These herbs should be started about a week before menstruation begins, used for 7-10 days, and then discontinued for 4-7 days. Goldenseal should be followed by a probiotic that contains acidoph-ilus and Bifido bacteria to replace good bacteria in the gut. Life Flora provides beneficial intestinal bacteria (flora) to recolonize the gastrointestinal (GI) tract when normal GI bacteria have been destroyed by disease, digestive conditions, poor absorption of nutrients, infections, and toxins. (Life Flora contains Bifidobacterium longum and bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus casei.)
Supplements and Herbs to Relieve Cyclical Pain and Reduce Inflammation
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) and Milk Thistle (Silibinin Marianum)
Dandelion and milk thistle will help to detoxify your system (Maliakal et al. 2001; Saller et al. 2001; Cho et al. 2002; Hagymasi et al. 2002; Kosina et al. 2002). Dandelion has also been used to treat painful breasts and relieve impacted milk glands. Drink up to two cups of dandelion tea daily (or take a 500-mg capsule two to three times daily). In large doses, dandelion can provoke hypoglycemia in some people. High potency silibinin extract from milk thistle may also be taken at a dosage of about 500 mg daily.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used to treat prostate problems, but its anti-estrogenic characteristics also make it useful as a treatment for hormonal disturbances. Saw palmetto should be standardized to contain 85-95% fatty acids and sterols. (One capsule containing saw palmetto extract at a dosage of 320 mg daily is recommended.)
Violet Leaf
Poultices made from violet leaf may be used for pain and inflammation. Two or more cups made of 500 mL daily may bring dramatic relief for cyclical swelling and tenderness.
Castor Oil Packs
Warm castor oil packs may help dissolve lumps and relieve pain. Sometimes lumps will shrink after only a few applications. Warm castor oil packs over the liver not only invigorate, but also reduce inflammation. Some herbalists recommend alternating castor oil packs with ginger packs.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used to relieve FBD. Chasteberry may decrease prolactin, leading to increased progesterone production during the menstrual cycle, and it seems to result in a shift in the estrogen-progesterone balance, regulating hormones and inhibiting release of FSH and LH. This results in less estrogen to stimulate breast tissue. Eat the equivalent of 20-40 mg of fresh chasteberry berries daily or take 175-225 mg daily of a preparation that is standardized to contain 0.5% agnuside.
Caution: Avoid chasteberry if you take oral contraceptives or are pregnant. |