Fibrocystic Breast Disease

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

• Dietary Caffeine

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  To reduce pain and tenderness, avoid coffee, black tea, green tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and over-the-counter drugs containing caffeine for at least six months.

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  Dietary Caffeine

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  Some,^15,16 but not all^17,18 studies have found that women with FBD drink more coffee than women without the disease. Eliminating caffeine for less than six months does not appear to be effective at reducing symptoms of FBD.^19,20 However, long-term and complete avoidance of caffeine does reduce symptoms of FBD.^21,22 Some women are more sensitive to effects of caffeine than others, so benefits of restricting caffeine are likely to vary from woman to woman. Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, green tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and many over-the-counter drugs. A decrease in breast tenderness can take six months or more to occur after caffeine is eliminated. Breast lumpiness may not go away, but the pain often decreases.

• Low-Fat

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  Lower estrogen levels by eating fewer high-fat foods, especially from animal sources.

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  Low-Fat

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  FBD has been linked to excess estrogen. When women with FBD were put on a low-fat diet, their estrogen levels decreased.^23,24 After three to six months, the pain and lumpiness also decreased.^25,26 The link between dietary fat and symptoms appears to be most strongly related to saturated fat.²⁷ Foods high in saturated fat include meat and dairy products. Fish, nonfat dairy, and tofu are possible replacements.