What do doctors say about fibrocystic breast disease and bra wearing?
In Western countries such as the USA, a large percentage of women
experience benign (non-cancerous) but often quite painful cysts and lumps
in their breasts. Many women, and unfortunately many doctors, think that fibrocystic breast disease is a "normal" condition for
women. Some even say that it is not a "disease." However, some doctors feel that fibrocystic is a real disease
that needs to be dealt with. Below are listed some quotes
from doctors who do believe that going brafree can
greatly reduce or even totally eliminate breast pain and
fibrocystic cysts.
"After repeated bouts of inflammation, the breasts develop scar tissue in many places, and some of
the milk ducts become plugged, forming cysts. Fibrocystic breast disease,
not surprisingly, is associated with a higher risk of breast
cancer."
Dr. John McDougall, M.D., in his book titled The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart, p.246.
"Any activity which will help to remove accumulated toxins in the breasts
will help to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer." "It is the
job of the lymphatic system of the body to help drain toxic substances
from tissues and poor lymphatic drainage may play a role in breast cancer
formation." "(Lymph flow) is very sensitive to constricting external
pressure which can impede its flow. Bras and other external tight
clothing can impede flow." "So, the take home message to women is to wear
bras as little as possible and when wearing them try to choose one that is
least constricting."
Michael Schacter, M.D.
The Prevention and Complementary Treatment of Breast Cancer
Researchers at the University of Texas S.W. Medical Center have found that bra straps can "cause headaches and lead to serious nerve damage." "Tight bra straps are especially hazardous for full-busted
women, but all women are susceptible."
The full article is available in the archive of UT Southwestern Medical Center Library (ask the librarian).
"I suggest that you switch to a looser fitting bra, and the (breast) pain might even disappear."
Nevada physician, Dr. Theodore Potruch, M.D.
"Stop wearing an underwire bra. Too often this kind of bra cuts off circulation of both
blood and lymph fluid around the breast, chest wall, and surrounding
tissue."
Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., Univ. of Vermont College of Medicine author of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"
"Dr. Hanley encourages her patients not to wear underwire bras or even tight bras, except for special occasions because they block the lymph glands
underneath the breast. Lymph glands play an important role in draining
toxins from the breast."
Dr. Jesse Hanley, M.D., ("What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause," Warner Books,
1999)
"...toxic agents can affect the lymphatic system as
well as many other bodily functions. Such irritants do not automatically
disappear in the lymphatics. However, the more cleanly flowing your
lymphatic system the more likely it is that they will be carried to the
liver where they can be metabolized or excreted through the
urine."
"For example, women who wear bras don't have normal movement in their breast tissue. As a result, their lymphatics slow, and toxins stay
in the tissue. This can cause changes in the DNA, which may cause cancer.
A Swedish study showed not only a strong correlation between cancer of the
breast and the wearing of brassieres but also a twenty-nine-fold decrease
in the breast cancer rates when women went without this
undergarment."
Dr. Gerald Lemole, a famous heart surgeon who studied under Dr.
Michael DeBakey and has performed or directed over 20,000 heart surgeries, in his book "The Healing Diet": A Total Health Program to Purify Your Lymph system and Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease (HarperCollins Publishers, New York 2001
Medical anthropologists Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, in a study of over 4000
women, found that women who do not wear bras have a much lower risk of
breast cancer ("Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras"
Avery Press, 1995). Singer and Grismaijer, and also Dr. Gregory Heigh, have found that around 90% of fibrocystic patients improve when they quit wearing bras.
No one is saying that bra abstinence will eradicate breast cancer,
or even all cases of fibrocystic. However, the evidence for a connection
is certainly sufficient for further study by the medical community.
Meanwhile, if you have breast pain or cysts, there is now a promising
healing alternative that you can try for yourself! Many women have found that by wearing less restrictive undergarments than bras (camisoles, tank tops, etc.) they can
dramatically reduce or eliminate fibrocystic cysts and pain.
Read here some case histories of how women who got help from
fibrocystic
cysts and pain by taking bra off.
|
