We all have our insecurities and for some women, the shape of our breasts is one of them. While appearance is a large part of that desire for ‘perfect’ breasts, in reality your concern should be for something much more important – your health.

Sag can occur for natural reasons or lifestyle choices but there are things you can do to combat the sag and promote breast health regardless of the cause.

Why do breasts sag?

Our breasts are not muscle. They are made up of fatty tissues and glands that produce milk. All of this is covered with skin that is naturally elastic due to the presence of the protein elastin.

Things like smoking and dramatic weight gain or loss (such as during pregnancy) are what experts cite as the reason for breast sag.

Smoking destroys the elastin protein and causes skin to lose its elasticity. This causes the skin around and on the breasts to become loose and sag instead of clutching the tissue.

When it comes to weight loss, 50 pounds gained or lost will have an effect on your breasts and can cause them to sag.

So what can you do to keep your breasts firm?

For one, you can aim to maintain your weight. As mentioned earlier, if you keep your weight at a healthy, consistent level your breasts will stay stronger and more firm. Drastic weight gain and weight loss will cause the breasts to sag.

You can also keep your breasts firm by drinking water. You hear over and over again that water is good for your internals. It’s also great for your skin. According to the University of Wisconsin, if you do not drink enough water, your skin will age quicker. This will cause your breasts to sag. Always drink a liter of pure water upon getting up in the morning. Add a pinch of sea salt and lemon for further benefits.

Another way to maintain breast health and prevent sag is to get proper nutrition. According to iDIVA, foods rich in sulfur-bearing protein, hemp seeds, eggs and vitamin C are just a few things you can eat to promote breast health.

Exercise will also keep your breasts firm. If you need to lose some weight, be sure to keep your diet nutritious for not only breast health, but full body health. Avoid fried foods that can age connective tissue, just like you would avoid smoking.

Did you know there are also breast-specific exercises you can do? The routine below is a good one.

Aloe vera is another good way to keep your breasts firm. According to In Life Healthcare, all you have to do is massage your breasts with aloe vera gel, leave it on for ten minutes, and then wash. Do this 4 to 5 times a week and the aloe will naturally strengthen your skin. You can also massage your breasts with coconut oil or cacao butter 2 to 3 times a week.

You can also use a breast mask. PositiveMed has an incredible list of breast masks that you can apply to firm up your breasts. Here is one we adapted.

What you Need:

One tablespoon plain organic yogurt (vegans can use a tablespoon of coconut kefir)
One organic egg (vegans use one teaspoon of spirulina and coconut oil)
One tablespoon vitamin E oil (organic olive oil is also good)
Blend everything together and massage evenly onto your breasts. Cover with an old shirt and leave on for 20 to 25 minutes. Then rinse off.

There are plenty more tips out there for keeping your breasts healthy and firm. Check out the videos below!