More than half of women experience fibrocystic breast disease at some part of their lives. Depending on the severity, a woman with fibrocystic breast disease may or may not notice or experience pain.
While FCBD doesn’t pose any severe health risks, it can still cause discomfort, itching, and swelling in the breast. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to the specific foods that shouldn’t be consumed while living with this condition.
So, how do you know “what foods should I avoid with fibrocystic breast disease”? Read on to learn how to care for yourself through the food you eat.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Fibrocystic Breast Disease
There are many types of fibrocystic breast disease, and each person may react differently to different food. Here is a fibrocystic breast disease guide for the triggers you should know about:
Minimize Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. If you are struggling with the illness, it is best to avoid caffeine, or at least try to limit your intake to less than 200 milligrams per day. Many decaffeinated options are also available.
Lower Saturated Fats
Many doctors and dietitians recommend limiting saturated fats, as they can worsen fibrocystic symptoms such as breast pain, tenderness, and swelling. Opt for leaner protein sources like fish and chicken, and cook with heart-healthy oils like olive oil instead of butter.
Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet is also beneficial, as these foods are lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber, which can help reduce symptoms. There are also fibrocystic breast disease natural remedies you can use to avoid taking medications too much.
Avoid or Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can cause the breasts to feel tender and painful, making the lymph nodes in the area swell. If you’re trying to avoid triggering your symptoms, staying away from alcohol altogether is best.
While moderate drinking might not be a problem for some people, it can worsen fibrocystic breast disease symptoms. If you’re going to drink, stick to lighter drinks like wine or beer, and avoid anything too strong or sugary.
You should also limit your drinking since alcohol can contribute to weight gain. Gaining weight can also worsen fibrocystic breast disease symptoms.
Limit Sodium Intake
Too much sodium can lead to fluid retention, making your breasts feel enlarged, tender, and lumpy. Foods high in sodium include processed foods, such as lunch meats, pizzas, and soups. You may also want to avoid salt-water fish, such as tuna and salmon, and canned foods.
The Symptoms and How to Treat Discomfort
Many symptoms are associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but breast pain is the most common. The pain is often described as achy, sharp, and throbbing. It can be mild to severe and is often worse before your period. Other symptoms include breast tenderness, lumpiness, and changes in breast size or shape.
If you are experiencing breast pain, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers, wearing a supportive bra, or applying a warm compress to the affected area. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, consult your doctor for fibrocystic breast disease dietary advice immediately.
Deal With Fibrocystic Breast Disease the Right Way
Some foods may worsen symptoms in people with fibrocystic breast disease. If you are still wondering “what foods should I avoid with fibrocystic breast disease,” then it is best to talk to your doctor to check if there are specific foods that trigger your condition.
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