Fibrocystic Breast Disease (FBD)

Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) is a common condition that affects many women at some time in their lives. The symptoms of FBD vary significantly. Some women experience severe breast tenderness and pain with multiple lumps in both breasts. Other women have only mild tenderness with no detectable lumps. In some women, the symptoms are relatively constant, while in others the symptoms come and go either monthly or over several months. According to the National Cancer Institute (2001a), the chances of developing FBD are greater in women who have never had children, women who have irregular menstrual cycles, or women who have a family history of FBD or breast cancer.

FBD is a condition generally characterized by lumps that move freely in the breast tissue and vary in texture and size. Because FBD is a benign condition, it usually does not lead to breast cancer. Fortunately, only about 5% of FBD cases involve type of changes that would be considered a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Benign conditions may eventually result in calcifications. Calcifications are quite small –sometimes as small as a grain of salt – and cannot be detected during a routine examination however, calcifications may be detected by routine mammography.

The breasts undergo changes each month when a female begins to have menstrual periods. Hormones that are implicated in development of breast mammary glands and worsening premenstrual breast symptoms are estrogen and progesterone, the main female hormones, and prolactin, the milk release hormone secreted from pituitary gland. An increase in prolactin may also be responsible for some FBC changes because higher levels of ‘p’ rolactin seem to be connected with a higher occurrence of FBC. (Prolactin levels of over 100 ng/ml may be a causative factor). Often the painful symptoms of FBD decrease once menstruation begins. In some women, however, the repeated cycles of hormonal stimulation result in chronic inflammation and development of fibrous tissue. When fibrous tissue makes it more difficult for the fluid in breast cysts to escape and be normally absorbed by a woman’s body, the cysts become denser, which can cause pain and pressure on surrounding tissues . This fibrous tissue is similar to the type of tissue in ligaments and scars and feels firm, thick, rubbery and ridge-like. It may also feel like small or large beads scattered throughout the breast.

Role of Noni

Dietary Fat : Beginning as early as 1980, numerous studies examined the relationship between FBD and dietary fat. Obesity tends to increase estrogens, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Some researchers suggest that additional lowering of dietary fat levels (to 15%) stabilizes hormonal imbalances that can lead to FBD.

Noni contains phytosterols : The phytosterols present in Noni prevent the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine to blood. Hence it helps in lowering cholesterol level in our body. Noni helps in reducing body weight of obese patients.

Essential Fatty Acids : Beneficial or essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital nutrients for good health just like other vitamins and minerals. EFAs are polyunsaturated fats (“good” fats) and contribute to healthy functioning of cell membranes, the skin, the immune system and the cardiovascular system. Although fatty acids are essential for overall health, our body does not manufacture them.

Noni contains all essential fatty acids. EFAs also lower the serum cholesterol level. Women with severe mastalgia and FBD have abnormal fatty-acid levels that may lead to endocrinologic hypersensitivity (imbalance of proper hormonal ratios and the resultant effect on other systems). FBD seems to be associated with exaggerated estrogen-progesterone ratios and increased levels of prolactin. Thus, increasing omega-6 fatty acids may reduce FBD symptoms. The correct balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will also help to inhibit inflammatory cascade that may precede onset of fibrous tissue. Noni contains all essential fatty acids including omega-6 fatty acids. Thus it may help in FBD condition.

Noni is a selective COX2 inhibitor

The pain and inflammatory condition of the fibroid breast diseases can be controlled by use of Noni, as Noni is a selective COX2 inhibitor. The scopoletin, one phytochemical present in Noni also acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Noni can be used successfully in reducing pain and inflammation of the FBD.

Noni detoxifies your body : Noni assists the enzymes in the body to detoxify potentially harmful compounds (called carcinogens). In fact, women who maintain a vegetarian diet and with Noni are actually able to excrete two to three times more estrogen than omnivorous women.

Noni act as an endocrine system regulator : Micronutrients present in Noni benefit the function of (switch on) the parasympathetic nervous system, thus minimizing development of tumors and cysts. Increasing fiber consumption appears to be a component in reducing symptoms of FBD in some women. Fiber assists elimination of waste from the system and decreasing levels of circulating estrogens. Noni contains the soluble fiber pectin.

Vitamin E : Vitamin E containing both alpha and gamma tocopherols may produce the most desirable results. It may be necessary to use vitamin E for several months before noticeable improvement is realized. Noni contains Vitamin E and other vitamins too.

Folic Acid : Many physicians also recommend taking folic acid along with vitamin E. In some women, combining the two seems to have a more beneficial effect than either one taken alone. Noni contains rich amount of folic acids.

Recommended Dosage

Divine Noni Concentrate

5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then

10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then

15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.