3 Tips to Treat Breast Pain

Breast pain affects about 65% of women at some point in the lives and, in more severe cases, it can lead to an inability to enjoy everyday activities. Breast pain can either be cyclical or non-cyclical, although the cyclical type is far more common. Cyclical breast is characterized as pain that arises from hormonal fluctuations, whereas the non-cyclical type occurs seemingly randomly as a response to tissue trauma. Read on to find out what can cause breast pain and the best treatments for it.

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About Breast Pain

Because the causes of breast pain are numerous, so are the treatments. In order to alleviate pain, it is best to begin by working out what has caused it. If results from hormones, then certain dietary and exercise habits can reduce the intensity and frequency. However, non-cyclical breast pain can often be solved by other means. Read on to discover the best treatments that most people find effective in relieving breast pain.

Dietary changes

Estrogen is one of the hormones responsible for breast pain, and a diet low in fat and high in fiber reduces this secretion and leaves it less likely to affect the tissue. Refined carbohydrates should be replaced for whole grain options, as processed carbohydrates have little in the way of fiber, and the fast digestion can affect blood sugar levels, which can also cause breast pain. In addition, it is helpful to reduce salt and caffeine, as many studies have shown that women who consume less of these substances have reduced breast tenderness.

Exercise

Regular exercise stabilizes insulin and blood sugar levels, and this keeps hormonal fluctuations to a minimum. Also, routine exercise will lead to a natural decrease in body fat, helping alleviate breast pain, as excess weight can play havoc with estrogen levels. Although exercise will not get rid of existing pain, it is helpful long-term measure to reduce the intensity and frequency of pain in the future. However, a well-fitting sports bra is essential when exercising, as too much movement can case soreness in the breast area.

Well-fitting bra

As well as during physical activity, a well-fitting bra should be worn throughout the day. This is especially important with a larger chest size, as breasts that are large can pull at the muscles in the surrounding area. Many lingerie stores offer a bra-fitting service, and so it is worth asking to be fitted before purchasing a bra. Some women also feel that their breast pain is helped by wearing a bra at night as well.

There are many causes of breast pain, but there are also many ways to manage it. The list above are a few tips that many women find useful, but it is also important to try work out your personal causes in order to make treatment more effective.