Although the term "mammary glands" is sometimes used to refer to the breast in general, it is actually a more specific term for the gland that produces milk in females. Proper nutrition can play a key role in developing and maintaining healthy mammary glands. Some foods naturally protect the body and promote good health by helping ward off disease, while others may negatively affect breast health and may lead to an increased chance of developing breast cancer.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce contains beneficial antioxidants that are essential to many different systems in your body, including your mammary glands. These antioxidants can help combat free radicals, which increase your risk of cancer and other health conditions. The University of California San Francisco Medical Center recommends consuming two to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables per day for breast health.
Hormones
Many types of commercially produced milk and meat contain added hormones, such as estrogen, and a high level of dietary fat. Added hormones and dairy fat have been linked to the development of breasts at an early age and an increased risk of breast cancer. Consumers should select hormone-free products for optimal health. Healthy foods that can be substituted for meat include beans, nuts, tofu and soy.
Alcohol and Caffeine
For optimal mammary gland health, you should consume no more than one to two cups of coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages per day. You should also limit your alcohol consumption to a maximum of three servings per week. Instead, you should drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Herbal tea can also make a nutritious substitute for coffee and alcohol.
Vitamin D
Consuming too little vitamin D can increase your risk of a variety of health problems -- including breast cancer and related mammary gland disorders. To help reduce your risk of a deficiency in this nutrient, try to include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet. Salmon, sardines and other seafood are good examples. In some cases, you may need to take a vitamin D supplement; your doctor can tell you whether this is necessary for you.
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Mammary Gland
- SIU School of Medicine: Mammary Gland
- Science Daily: Mammary Gland
- MayoClinic.org: Food Sources the Best Choice for Antioxidants
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Basic Facts About Breast Health: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Prevention
- Huffington Post: Hormones In Food: Should You Worry?
- MSNBC: How Hormones Can Affect Breast Cancer Risk
- MSNBC: Smart Nutrition Tips to Help Prevent Breast Cancer
Member Comments