Breast Cysts Natural Treatment Options!

Several women experience the formation of breast cysts.

These are benign and most common in pre-menopausal women. Some women experience pain with these cysts.

Proper diagnosis can help in treating the breast cysts.

Breast cysts can develop in one or both the breasts.

Various causes can result in the formation of breast cysts, among those fibrocystic breast diseases or cystic mastitis is the most common one.

The formation of breast cyst is also linked to the onset of premenstrual syndrome. The most common period to develop breast cysts is between 30’s and 50’s.

Fluctuations in hormone levels and consequent hormone fluctuations within the body occur one to two weeks before menstruation. This can cause breast glands to fill with fluid and increase or decrease in size based on the hormone levels. As the breast tissues are very sensitive to the hormone changes, all these changes can result in the formation of breast cysts. During this period your breasts become swollen and inflamed and resulting in varying degrees of pain.

Usually, fluids form your breast tissues are collected and transported out of the breasts through the lymphatic system, if the amount of fluid is greater than the lymphatic system can handle then various places of the breast are occupied with this fluid resulting in the formation of breast cysts. If you think that you have breast cysts, then you should get checked with your doctor.

Also, researchers said that an increase in estrogen and decrease in progesterone hormones and also lactating hormones oxytocin or prolactin can trigger the formation of breast cysts.

In order to detect the breast cysts medically, a needle is inserted into the cyst to take out the fluid for evaluation. Most often, doctors recommend draining of the cyst in order to prevent the reoccurrence of the cyst in future. Apart from medical treatments which are very dangerous, you can consider some alternative and natural treatments. They include:

Herbs to treat breast cysts:

• Vitex: This herb can also be called as chaste berry, which helps to increase the levels of progesterone hormone and corrects the balance between estrogen and progesterone. You are not recommended to use this herb during pregnancy or while getting hormone therapy.


• Black Cohosh: Usually this herb is used as general health booster. You can take the herb in capsule form, drops of tincture, or in the form of tea.


• Evening primrose oil: This oil is a great source of essential fatty acids that have natural antiprostaglandin properties, which help to reduce breast cysts. Prostaglandins are chemicals that your body develops and can cause breast inflammation and lead to breast cysts.


• Butcher’s Broom: This herb contains chemicals that are related to diosgenin, which is a hormone like element of wild yam. It helps to reduce the inflammatory process of the breasts, which can cause the formation of cysts.


• Saw Palmetto: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce breast inflammation. It reduces the effect of estrogen on your breasts.


• Gotu Kola: Also known as Centella asiatica acts as a tonic or health booster.
  

Diet tips to treat breast cysts:

• Stop drinking coffee and black tea, which are higher in Methylxanthines. Methylxanthines can lead to the formation of breast cysts. Methylxanthines can also be found in some chocolates and colas. Also, avoid drinking alcohol. Decrease the consumption of animal meats, dairy products.


• Lack of iodine in your diet can also lead to the formation of cysts. Lack of iodine makes your thyroid gland inactive and lead to the formation breast lumps and cysts.


• Wearing brass that can restrict the circulation of lymph in the lymphatic vessels. Tight brass can block or slow the removal of wastes through the lymphatic system. Women who wear constricting types of brassieres such as under wire and throughout the night, are the most susceptible to breast cyst formation in middle age.


• Consume soy based foods, which are having higher isoflavones. These helps to reduce the effect of excess estrogen. Vegetables like Brussels, broccoli and cabbage contain chemicals called indoles, which help to protect your breasts from excess estrogen.
  

Supplements to treat breast cysts:

• Vitamin A: Helps your breast ducts functioning properly.


• Indoles: Indoles are chemicals that fight against cysts and tumors. They found in cabbage-family vegetables. You can also find these chemicals in capsule form.


• Vitamin E: This is a skin boosting vitamin, which helps to protect your breast tissues. This vitamin has good antioxidant properties and maintains hormonal balance. Regular intake of vitamin E helps to reduce breast tenderness and cysts formation.


• Isoflavones: These compounds are found in soy and tofu. They reduce the formation of breast tumors.
  

Before taking any of these herbs and supplements, you should consult your doctor about the specific dosage.

7 Self-care Tips For Bad Vaginal Odor!

An imbalance in the types of bacteria that are naturally found in a woman’s vagina leads to the foul smelling vaginal discharge.

During normal conditions, there are different types of bacteria present in your vagina.

The main symptom of this condition is abnormal vaginal discharge that tends to have an unpleasant odor.

Foul smelling vaginal odor can also be due to a sexually transmitted disease such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.

Here are few self-care tips that help to reduce abnormal vaginal odor:

1. The fabric you use:

You should wear cotton panties. Cotton panties help to keep your vaginal area dry and allow air to pass through. When the vaginal area is dry, then there is a less chance for occurring the foul odor.

If you wear synthetic fabrics, they can trap the moisture in and promote odor by allowing the bacteria to develop that can lead to foul odor and infections.

2. Douche or not to douche:

Usually, douching affects the natural pH balance within your vagina. Frequent douching kills the healthy bacteria that can help in fighting against unhealthy bacteria, which cause infections. So, it is better to wash your vagina by using unscented, gentle soap and water.

3. Use panty liners:

Panty liners can help to absorb the moisture at your vaginal area. You will find them in scented and unscented forms and they greatly help you to stay dry and also odor free. As they are smaller in size, they do not cause any discomfort.

These small, discrete pads fit snugly right inside your panties. You can wear them anytime of the month and they simply help absorb any excess moisture. If you have fishy vaginal odor, you can use scented pads.

4. Holy hygiene:

Bad hygiene is the great cause of vaginal odors. So, daily bathing and washing your vagina twice a day can prevent the vaginal odor. Even you skip these for one day; it can lead to bad odor. Most of the women can get sweat in their groin area. It is also a major cause of vaginal odor. So, you should wipe this sweat daily to prevent vaginal odor.

5. Period perils:

Period is the most discomfortable time for every woman. The odor that comes along with the period can make the existing vaginal odor even worse. So, to prevent this from occurring, you should wash the vaginal area twice a day and change the pads or tampons regularly.

6. Chemical hygiene products:

Actually, using chemical sprays and scented hygiene products can lead to bad vaginal odors. Some chemical products cause itching or irritation around the vaginal area and also to the mucus membranes. Using these products can kill the healthy bacteria in your vagina and make it more prone to infections.

7. Check for bad vaginal smells:

You should know that bad vaginal smells can also be due to a condition like bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms of this condition include: a gray or white thin vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor, itching or burning sensation. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

Vaginal odor is a problem that plagues countless women and can reoccur every few months. There are effective treatments for the condition that don't just mask the odor, they actually treat the problem and eliminate it.


10 Endometriosis Natural Treatment Options!

Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition, in which the tissue that lines the uterus, also called as endometrium starts growing outside of the uterus.

Most often, these tissues grow on ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining or in some rare cases outside of the pelvic area.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain or painful periods, it is essential to consult your doctor and get proper diagnosis.

Here are few endometriosis natural treatment options:

1. Endometriosis natural treatment – Foods to avoid

Women who want to avoid surgery or using hormones can try various endometriosis natural treatment options.

Still it is not certain that which hormones can cause endometriosis.

But, researchers found that woman’s reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a major role in developing endometriosis.

So, it is essential to avoid some foods to maintain proper balance between these two hormones. In place of them, it is best to add organic foods. You need to consume foods such as: all dairy products, red meat, processed or prepared foods, excessive salt, wheat, coffee, soy, tea, farmed fish or shellfish and sodas.

2. Endometriosis natural treatment – Reduce chemical intake

Studies showed that chronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental toxins are associated with increased risk of endometriosis. Reducing high fat diet is one of the ways to reduce the chemical intake. Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Follow a whole food diet, being mindful of carbohydrates, to support healthy insulin metabolism and thereby support overall hormonal balance. This includes limiting alcohol intake.

3. Endometriosis natural treatment – Fruits, vegetables and flaxseeds

Studies proved that a set of plant chemicals such as flavones can reduce aromatase, which is the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens. Some good sources of flavones include: celery and parsley.

Cauliflower, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and bok choy are high sources of indoles that help to improve estrogen metabolism. Onions and pineapple help reduce inflammation; garlic lessens inflammation and fights fatigue, as well.

Flaxseeds are good sources of fiber and lignans that are very helpful for estrogen related conditions.

4. Endometriosis natural treatment – Omega-3 fatty acids

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: sardines, salmon, anchovies, and mackerel. You can also get them in the form of fish oil capsules. Studies proved that omega-3 fatty acids are very helpful for women with endometriosis.

Compounds such as EPA and DHA in fish oil can greatly help to reduce the pain by decreasing levels of inflammatory chemical called as prostaglandin E2. Also, fish oils slow down the growth of endometrial tissue.

5. Endometriosis natural treatment – Vitamins

Most of the patients with endometriosis are suggested to take multivitamins with mineral supplements every day. Consume fiber rich foods along with:

• 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C each day, divided into three doses


• 400 to 800 I.U. of vitamin E daily


• At least 50 mg per day of the B vitamins


• Supplement with phytotherapy to gently normalize hormone levels
  

6. Endometriosis natural treatment – Juice therapy

Try juice therapy. Dark grape, mango, papaya and pineapple juices are recommended. These are helpful to reduce the discomfort associated with endometriosis.

7. Endometriosis natural treatment – Ice pack

Apply an ice pack or a heating pad on your lower abdomen area to reduce the pelvic pain and various other discomforts of endometriosis.

8. Endometriosis natural treatment – Green tea

Drink green tea to reduce nausea that occurs with endometriosis

9. Endometriosis natural treatment – Reduce stress

Increased stress levels can increase a hormone called as cortisone, which decreases the levels of progesterone thus leading to hormone imbalance. Take vitamin B, C, zinc and magnesium to balance cortisone. You can also practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, relaxation techniques and deep breathing.

10. Endometriosis natural treatment – Progesterone cream

It helps to slow down the growth of endometrial tissue. It helps to reduce pelvic pain and period pain. Consult your doctor to know about the recommended dosage of progesterone cream.

8 Diet Tips To Prevent Irregular Periods!

Irregular period or oligomenorrhea is a most common problem in many women. It may be either late period or early period. Also it may be bleeding between two periods.

The major cause of irregular periods is estrogen, but it may also be due to poor diet, hormonal imbalances, stress, too much weight loss or gain, usage of birth control pills or any other medical condition.

There are four types of irregular periods:

• Shorter periods


• Very light periods


• Very heavy periods


• Skipped or less frequent periods
  

Here are 10 diet tips that may help to prevent irregular period:

1. Try some juices:

• If you are suffering from the problem of irregular periods, then try carrot juice for about 3-4 months. This is a natural way to regularize your periods.


• Grape juice can also be beneficial.


• Also, drinking 75 ml of parsley juice daily can prevent irregular periods.


• Take juice of holy basil leaf with honey and black pepper powder twice a day for 4-6 weeks.


• Grind dried almond peel, then mix with water and honey and drink for several days.
  

2. Omega-3 fatty acids:

This is the most preferred food for irregular periods. Food rich in Omega-3 fatty acid can help in promoting menstrual flow. It restores your irregular menstrual cycle. Various sources of omega-3 acids include: salmon, flax seed oil, herrings, mackerel, fish, etc.

3. Aloe vera:

Experts believe that aloe vera is a female tonic. The emmanagouge property of aloe vera can help to regulate your menstrual flow. Take Aloe Vera juice daily to help with your irregular periods.

4. Have some fenugreek seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are very helpful for menstruation related problems. You can also consider funnel seeds to relieve from menstrual problems.

5. Bamboo leaves:

Emmanagouge property of bamboo leaves can improve and promote menstrual flow. Not only these leaves can restore your normal menstrual cycle, but also they can relieve pain or discomfort during the periods. Made decoction with these leaves and take 2-3 times a day.

6. Drink more and more water:

Everyday drinking 8 glasses of water is essential. Water removes the wastages from your body thus keeping the whole system healthy and clean. It can put a positive effect on your menstrual cycle.

7. Don’t take foods that cause constipation

During the last week of your menstrual cycle, don’t take the foods that cause constipation such as sour foods, fried foods, spicy foods, protein rich pulses, etc. Also, avoid excess of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and other sweetened products.

8. Include these foods in your diet

Your diet should include foods like cucumber, drumsticks, pumpkin, papaya in liberal amount, dates, bitter gourd. Eating green unripe papaya can help you with delayed periods.



10 Steps To Do Self Breast Exam!

Every woman should know about the benefits and limitations of breast self-examination.

It is essential to know how your breasts normally look and feel.

Don’t forget to report to your health care professions, if you observe any new breast changes.

Identifying a breast changes doesn’t necessarily mean there is a cancer.

You can easily recognize changes of your breasts:

• If you know how your breasts normally look and feel


• If you have proper breast awareness


• If you make a step-by-step approach for breast self-exam


• If you use a specific schedule for examining your breasts
  

It is best to exam your breasts if they are not tender or swollen. Women who want to do breast self-examination should know the technique during the periodic health exams by your health care provider.

Women who had breast implantation can also do breast self examination. With the help of your practitioner, identify the edges of implants so that you can easily identify what you are feeling. Pregnant or breast-feeding women can also choose self examination of breasts.
Step-by-step approach for breast self-examination:

1. Breast examination can be performed while you are lying down. Lie down on your back by placing your right arm behind the head. While lying down, your breast tissues spread evenly across the chest area and is very thin thus making it easy to feel all the breast tissues.


2. Use left hand to test your right breast. With the helps of finger pads of your three middle fingers, feel for any lumps in your breast. Moving the fingers in circular motion can make it easy to fell all the breast tissues.


3. You need to apply pressure of three different levels. Apply light pressure in order to feel the tissues closer to your skin. Use medium pressure to feel the tissues little deeper and rigid pressure to feel the tissues very closer to ribs and chest.


4. At the lower curve of each breast, you may feel a firm ridge. But, no need to worry, it is normal. Apart from this, if you find anything else, make sure that you tell your doctor.


5. If you can not apply the pressure properly and unable to check your breast, ask your doctor or nurse for suggestions. Make sure that you apply each pressure level properly.


6. Move the hand around your breast in an up and down pattern starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone. Make sure that you check total breast region until you identify only ribs and up to the neck or collarbone.


7. Research proved that up-and-down pattern can be the most popular choice to test your entire breast and to not to miss any tissue.


8. Use the same procedure to test your left breast with right hand finger pads and keeping left hand behind your head.


9. You can also test your breast while standing. Stand in front of the mirror by pressing your hands hardly down on the hips. Then observe the shape, size, dimpling or contour, scaliness, or redness of the nipples or breast skin.


10. Also, you can exam your underarms when you are sitting up or standing. Raise the arm slightly so that you can easily feel the area. If you raise your arm straight, the tissues of the region become tight and it is harder to examine.
    

These steps can greatly help you for breast self examination. Applying the properly and regularly can increase your ability to detect the abnormal areas of the breast. Early detection breast abnormalities can reduce the risk of breast cancer.