Modern medicine explains the wisdom of Donguibogam in a more refined scientific language. In particular, diet is identified as one of the causes of mastalgia. Numerous study results have been published showing that caffeine, high-fat diets, and pro-inflammatory foods that we consume without a second thought can irritate breast tissue, disrupt hormonal balance, and cause or worsen pain.
The very first thing to examine is caffeine. From a morning cup of coffee that wakes us up, to energy drinks consumed when fatigued, and even chocolate, caffeine is deeply rooted in our daily lives. However, this caffeine is known to affect the cells that make up breast tissue, potentially aggravating fibrocystic changes or increasing breast sensitivity. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which constricts blood vessels and increases the tone of breast tissue, potentially causing or deepening pain. Furthermore, some studies have proposed the hypothesis that caffeine may influence specific signaling pathways within breast cells, which could be related to the proliferation of fibrous tissue. Just as the heart flutters and sleep is elusive, breast tissue can also react sensitively to caffeine.
Next are high-fat diets and pro-inflammatory foods. Fried foods, processed meats, and foods high in refined sugars can promote inflammatory reactions in the body and trigger hormonal imbalances. High-fat diets, in particular, tend to increase levels of the female hormone estrogen. Adipose tissue contains aromatase, an enzyme that produces estrogen, so having more body fat can lead to higher estrogen levels. Excessively elevated estrogen levels promote the proliferation of breast epithelial cells and increase fluid retention within the breasts, which can cause breast edema and pain. This is also called estrogen dominance syndrome, and it is something that those who suffer severely from premenstrual mastalgia should examine even more carefully.
Pro-inflammatory foods create a chronic inflammatory state inside the body, making the nerve endings in breast tissue even more sensitive. When an inflammatory reaction occurs, inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins are secreted; these substances can increase vascular permeability and stimulate nociceptors, worsening breast pain. In addition, gut health and breast health are closely connected. When the balance of gut microbiota is disrupted by a diet high in fat and sugar, estrogen can be reabsorbed in the intestine, which may result in higher estrogen levels in the body.
In this way, modern medicine clearly shows that what is on our dining table goes beyond merely filling our stomachs, directly affecting our breast health. Uncomfortable and sensitive mastalgia may be a quiet signal from our body telling us to check our dietary habits.
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