Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts in men, can have a strong negative effect on a man’s self-esteem and body image. Although Gynecomastia may not present a serious medical risk, that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult for the men affected by it. There are a number of potential causes for men developing enlarged breasts including hormone changes, heredity and reactions to certain medications, though the most common is increased weight or obesity.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how a man’s diet can contribute to his chances of experiencing gynecomastia. Eating too much of certain foods can negatively affect your weight or alter your hormone levels. By limiting your intake of these foods, you may be able to reduce your likelihood of developing enlarged breasts and improve your overall health. And don’t worry; limiting doesn’t have to mean eliminating these foods from your diet entirely. These are just foods that I recommend enjoying in moderation if you are concerned about enlarged breasts.
Enjoying a diet that is low in calories and rich in nutrients is definitely recommended. Being overweight or obese can lead to enlarged breasts and carrying excess fat can actually increase a man’s estrogen levels and potentially cause gynecomastia. Basing your diet around low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help promote weight loss and improve your overall physique. Other foods that fit into this category include whole grains, nonfat dairy foods and lean proteins like chicken, lean red meat, seafood and beans.
Anti-inflammatory foods can also help ease swelling, pain and tenderness in your breasts associated with gynecomastia. These foods may include fish that are high in fat like salmon and tuna, as well as foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, berries, citrus fruits and beans.
For certain men, a healthy diet and regular exercise are not enough to eliminate their enlarged breasts. That is why I commonly recommend male breast reduction for men suffering from gynecomastia. During male breast reduction surgery, I surgically remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin to create a smooth, masculine chest. If you are interested in male breast reduction and would like to set up a complimentary consultation, contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today at (770) 622-9100.