3 Helpful Tips for Relieving Breast Pain

Breast pain affects many women and can lead to the inability to enjoy everyday activities. In general, breast pain falls under one of two categories, either cyclical or non-cyclical. Cyclical breast pain comes at predictable intervals and is hormone-related. Non-cyclical breast pain, on the other hand, occurs seemingly randomly and can be sudden in nature. Read on to find out what can cause breast pain and helpful tips for relieving it.

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Breast Pain

Breast pain that is not caused by tissue inflammation as a result of hormone imbalance is often a sign of some sort of muscle trauma. A pulled muscle in the ribcage and too much stress or unsupported movement of the breast can result in pain. Keep reading to discover how to treat this pain.

Dietary changes

A low-fat, high-fiber diet can help halt hormonal fluctuations and lead to overall better health. Further changes to your diet should include refined carbohydrates being replaced for whole grain options, which keeps blood sugar at a normal level and helps regulate the production of estrogen; foods like white pasta and white bread will only antagonize hormone shifts and breast pain. Additionally, a low salt and caffeine diet has been shown to reduce tenderness.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps hormonal breast pain because it stabilizes insulin and blood sugar levels, keeping hormonal fluctuations to a minimum. Additionally, the decrease in body fat will help hormone balance, as excess weight can play havoc with estrogen levels. Although physical activity does not work to remove breast pain in the short term, recurrent and consistent exercise should lead to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of pain. It is important to remember, however, that a well-fitting sports bra is essential because too much unsupported movement can put pressure and stress on the chest area, leading to breast pain.

Well-fitting bra

A well-fitting bra should be worn at all times, not just when exercising. It is best to avoid ones with an underwire, as the metal wire can sometimes dig into the breast tissue, causing pain. Getting properly measured is important, as wearing a bra that is too big or too small won't provide the right amount of support. Some women feel that keeping the breasts constantly supported by wearing a bra at night can also prevent long-term pain.

There are many hormonal and non-hormonal reasons for breast pain, but with a few lifestyle changes, the pain can be drastically reduced. This article gives general advice on preventing breast pain, but it is also important to work out exactly what is causing yours specifically so that direct steps can be taken to relieve it. Breast pain alone is usually harmless, albeit uncomfortable, but if it's accompanied by other symptoms - such as nipple discharge - it's important to schedule a visit to the doctor.