Cysts in the breasts – also known as fibrocystic breasts – are a non-cancerous condition that may also be called benign breast disease. About 30 percent of all women have fibrocystic breasts, according to Dr. Susan Lark, author of “The Women’s Health Companion.” Fibrocystic breasts may improve if you increase your intake of foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as flax seeds, according to Lark. Don’t take a supplement such as flax seed without the approval of your doctor.
Fibrocystic Breasts
Breast cysts are small sacs that contain fluid. The cyst is movable, may feel round or oval and can literally occur overnight, according to Dr. Dixie Mills. Fibrocystic breasts are sensitive to hormonal changes and may become painful as your hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Once you reach menopause, the pain from fibrocystic breasts usually disappears. Mills says other factors that can contribute to fibrocystic breasts include iodine deficiency, diets low in fiber and high in saturated fat and excess intake of caffeine, chocolate, alcohol or salt.
Flax Seeds and EPA
Flax seeds are the seeds of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum, which is used to make linen fabric. Flax seeds are rich sources of an essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Your body uses ALA to make an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. A study published in the January 2009 issue of “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found that women with higher levels of EPA were less likely to have fibrocystic breast disease than those with low levels.
Flax Seeds and Estrogen
Estrogen levels rise prior to menstruation, and Lark notes that breast tenderness may increase as well. Once menstruation begins and estrogen levels drop, Lark says most women experience significant relief of breast pain. Flax seed is high in fiber, which Mills notes improves estrogen metabolism and aids in the excretion of excess estrogen from the body. Adding flax seed to your diet might improve problems with excess estrogen and decrease fibrocystic breast symptoms such as pain, although there is no evidence to support this theory.
Dosage and Considerations
Whole or ground flax seed is taken by mouth. It can be mixed with water or sprinkled onto food. MayoClinic.com recommends a dose of 1 tablespoon of flax seed mixed with six to 12 ounces of water up to three times a day. Pediatrician William Sears recommends that flax seed be ground or crushed. Although flax seeds tend to have a laxative effect, taking a large amount of flax seeds at one time can cause an intestinal obstruction, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult a doctor before you use flax seed to treat fibrocystic breasts.
References
- WomenToWomen.com: The Beautiful, Lumpy Breast — How Fibrocystic Breast Condition Responds to Changing Hormones
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibrocystic Breast Disease - Symptom
- CIDPUSA.org: Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Erythrocyte Fatty Acids and Risk of Proliferative and Nonproliferative Fibrocystic Disease in Women in Shanghai, China
- MayoClinic.com: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil (Linum Usitatissimum)
- Ask Dr. Sears: Flax Seeds and Flax Oil
