Fibrocystic breast disease caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affects as many as 60 percent of women, MedlinePlus reports. Fibrocystic breasts do not increase your risk of developing cancer later in life and generally improve after menopause. Fibrocystic changes occur when milk ducts swell and form cysts. Tissue around the milk ducts also swells, which causes pain and tenderness. There are many theories about the benefits of dietary changes to decrease fibrocystic, but few are proven to help. No two people are the same and will likely respond differently to dietary changes.
Timing
Dietary changes may or may not help fibrocystic breasts, Dr. Dixie Mills states on Women to Women. The only way to tell if certain changes help is to try them and decide if there's any improvement. Brown University suggests changing your diet for four to six months and then assessing to see if there have been any improvements.
Foods to Eat
A diet high in fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables may or may not help with fibrocystic breast changes, but it will improve your overall health, Brown University reports.
Foods to Avoid
The dietary change most universally agree will improve fibrocystic breasts is to reduce the amount of fats, particularly trans fats, in your diet. Trans fats, the semi-solid synthetic fats found in many processed foods like cakes, cookies and other desserts, are the worst fats for your health and also the worst for fibrocystic breasts. Refined sugars may increase inflammation and discomfort, Dr. Mills says. Alcohol may also worsen symptoms.
Methlyxanthine Sensitivity
Other changes that may help include eliminating chocolate, cola and caffeine, Dr. Mills suggests. A small group of women sensitive to methylxanthine, which includes caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, may benefit from eliminating these substances. Tea contains theophylline and caffeine; theobromine is found in chocolate and colas. Methylxanthine dilates blood vessels and may increase discomfort if you have fibrocystic breasts.
Considerations
Despite general beliefs, there are no foods proven to help decrease the symptoms and cyst formation in women with fibrocystic breasts. The condition will improve after menopause, however, no matter what dietary measures you take.
