Mastitis :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Mastitis

Symptoms

Mastitis is an infection of the breast glands that may develop during *breast-feeding. The inflammation causes heat, swelling, redness and great tenderness of the affected breast. Usually *flu-like symptoms will also develop, with a *fever and notable *fatigue. The lymph glands near the armpit often swell. Mastitis can be terribly painful and make moving about difficult. The breast often becomes hard and lumpy as well. *Abscesses will form if the infection does not heal within a few days. Sometimes, a blocked milk-duct can cause *pain and swelling similar to, but not as severe as, mastitis.

Causes

A mastitis infection is caused by bacteria which enter the breast through small *wounds in the *nipples. Whenever there is a build-up of milk in the breast, the likelihood of problems increases. Nursing regularly is the best preventive against infection. If the infection already exists, retaining milk in the breast continually will worsen the inflammation and increase the pain. The child is not at risk for infection from nursing. Breast infections usually occur in times of *stress, when the body is *fatigued and overworked. Cracked, wounded nipples make it easier for bacteria to enter. For this reason, poor nipple hygiene also increases the probability of infection. In women who have not recently given birth, mastitis can be a sign of *cancer and should be checked by a professional.

Nutrition

Drink plenty of fluids to help drainage. Do not stop breast-feeding, otherwise milk-ducts could become plugged, aggravating the condition. Use unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil daily as a dressing on salads, on a baked potato, mixed into quark or incorporated into any dish which does not require heating to a high temperature. Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids omega-6 linoleic acid and the more rare omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These two fatty acids, which the body cannot manufacture itself, are needed to prevent hormone imbalances, thus lowering the risk of mastitis. Garlic works as a natural antibiotic and can be added to all kinds of dishes.

Nutritional Supplements

While continuing to breast-feed, the mother should take nutritional supplements to strengthen the *immune system and fight the infection which has caused the mastitis. To improve the body’s resistance and increase the body’s production of white blood cells, vitamin C can be supplemented. The white blood cells are the body’s defense against infection, and also impede the growth of viruses and bacteria. Take bioflavonoids with vitamin C, as they enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, as well as improve the body’s absorption of this vitamin.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps destroy free radicals. By protecting the cells, vitamin E promotes immune system efficiency.

Another potent, natural antibiotic is colloidal silver which can be taken both internally or used topically without significant side-effects.

Daily Dosages

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 800 IU

Colloidal silver, 1 tsp.

Herbal Remedies

To increase circulation, reduce inflammation and relieve pain due to mastitis, herbs provide excellent treatment.

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Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona

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