FibroBlend by Dr.Tori Hudson
Many women suffer monthly from cyclic breast pain, swelling and lumpiness.
Fibrocystic breasts is unrelated to breast cancer but it can cause significant
pain and discomfort in many women. This condition is well suited to natural
therapies not only because they work but also because conventional medicine
has very little to offer. A formula for cyclic breast pain and engorgement
would not be reliable unless it had vitamin E and gamma linolenic acid.
Vitamin E supplementation has been studied to offer both moderate and
complete relief of the premenstrual cyclic symptoms associated with
fibrocystic breast condition as well as a reduction in the size of the cysts.25
Borage oil is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and GLA has
been studied in relation to fibrocystic breasts. Almost half of the women with
cyclic breast pain experienced improvement, either no pain, or easily-bearable
pain.26 Even for women who experience breast pain throughout the
month, GLA can be effective. GLA works by decreasing the abnormal sensitivity
of the breast tissue to normal hormone levels. The proposed mechanism
for the relief of breast pain with GLA is a shift in the balance of membrane
fatty acids towards normal. The steroid receptors in the breast then
have a reduced affinity for estrogen, and the excessive sensitivity of the
breast to estrogen is lost.
Vitamin A is another supplement that has been studied to reduce the pain
and associated cysts.27 Although the exact mechanisms of action on breast
tissue are not known, the breast has an affinity for both thyroid hormone and
iodine. Without iodine, the breast tissue becomes more sensitive to estrogenic
stimulation, which in turn produces microcysts high in potassium. The
potassium is believed to be an irritant that produces fibrosis and eventually
cyst isolation. To provide adequate iodine, we have included kelp as a natural
source.
Dandelion root is included in this formula because of its historical traditional
use as an aid to liver function. It is in the liver where we metabolize and
conjugate estrogens, which is important for maintaining normal circulating
estrogen levels. One of the problems experienced by women with fibrocystic
breasts is engorgement and swelling of the breasts. By using a diuretic such
as the leaf of dandelion, we can help to alleviate this fluid retention.
Naturopathic Principles: A diet high in fiber, fish oils, flax oil. Decrease
saturated fats, sugar and salt. Eliminate all sources of caffeine. |
