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| Reduced or impaired liver function. The liver is the primary site for estrogen clearance, and factors that interfere With proper liver function can lead to estrogen excess. From an herbalist's perspective, in order to understand the progression from PMS, swollen breasts, and fibrocystic breast disease to breast cancer, one must address the possibility of liver stagnation. There is a strong association between the detoxifying mechanisms that take place in the liver and protection against breast cancer. |
| Colon function. Constipation, bowel dysfunction, and a poor diet can cause an imbalance of bacterial flora in the large intestine. This can be improved by proper diet and by acidophilus supplementation. Women who have fewer than three bowel movements per week have a risk of fibrocystic breast disease that is four-and-a-half times greater than women who have at least one bowel movement a day. |
| Treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease |
| Dietary Changes |
| It is best to eat a primarily organic vegetarian diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Eliminate red meat and chicken and completely avoid caffeine and the trans fatty acids found in commercially processed foods. Eat plenty of complex carbohydrates and fiber-rich foods, particularly flaxseeds, which are rich in lignans. Consume fish and soy products, such as tofu and tempeh, for protein. Add bitter greens, such as arugula and chicory, to salads to help the liver excrete excess hormones. |
| Herbal Strategies |
| Consult with an herbalist for specific protocols. The following classes of herbs are extremely helpful in treating fibrocystic breast disease. |
| 1. Liver-detoxifying herbs, such as dandelion, fringe tree, agrimony, and bupleurum, improve liver function and increase bile flow. |
| 2. Alterative and lymphatic herbs, such as red root, poke, tiger lily, and blue flag, improve the function of the lymph system and can actually help absorb and dissolve cysts. |
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