Gynecomastia, a condition that produces swelled breast tissue in men due to hormonal imbalances, most often occurs during puberty --the Ohio State University Medical Center notes that 65 percent of 14-year-old boys have gynecomastia. Some cases go away on their own and some warrant surgical corrections, but there are options for a healthy diet to control, prevent or ease this condition.
Eat Foods High in Zinc
Increasing testosterone production may ease gynecomastia. You can do this naturally by consuming foods high in zinc. A study published in the May 1996 issue of the journal "Nutrition" suggests that men with a low zinc level in their blood have a lower level of testosterone. The foods highest in zinc include lamb, pork, beef, dark chicken meat, peanuts and legumes. Males between the ages of 8 and 13 require 8 mg of zinc per day, although males older than 14 need a bit more -- 11 mg.
Reduce Alcohol and Drug Intake
MayoClinic.com reports that enlarged breast tissue in men is sometimes triggered by the consumption of alcohol as well as drugs such as amphetamines, marijuana, methadone and heroin. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that young men, the population most often affected by gynecomastia, abuse alcohol at higher rates than illegal drugs, although drug abuse still presents a problem.
Boost Lean Protein Intake
Consider adding lean protein to your meal plan to reduce the size of male breasts triggered by gynecomastia. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, provide high-quality protein while revving up your metabolism; this action helps burn fat, which may decrease the quantity of fat in your breasts. If you choose to lift weights to bulk up chest muscles and improve the look of your breasts, eat lean protein to promote healthy muscle growth.
Eat Organic Meats
Consuming organic meats may help reduce your risk of gynecomastia. Hormones used to produce larger animals that have more meat on their bones have been blamed for everything from an increased risk of breast cancer to early puberty. These sex hormones may influence the level of testosterone and estrogen in your body, which can trigger male breasts to grow. Eating meats that have not been treated with hormones -- certified organic or from a farm you know does not use these compounds -- may stop gynecomastia from occurring.
References
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Breast Reduction in Men With Gynecomastia
- "Nutrition"; Zinc Status and Serum Testosterone Levels of Healthy Adults; A.S. Prasad, et al.; May 1996
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Zinc in Diet; March 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Gynecomastia (Enlarged Breasts in Men); December 2010
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Alcohol & Drug Use; June 2010
- Gynecomastia Guru: Treatment for Gynecomastia
Member Comments