Gynecomastia is medically described as enlarged breasts among male individuals. This may be related to the effects of unbalanced hormones where estrogen levels are elevated and in comparison, testosterone supply becomes low. The problem occurs either bilaterally or unilaterally among male children, adolescents, and older adults. In unilateral conditions, both breasts are affected, but one has more apparent physical symptoms than the other breast.
Even if this health condition is evident in the mammary glands, it is not considered a life threatening condition; it may cause severe embarrassment. This problem may also be caused by certain ailments as well as nutrition or type of diet. In the same way it is recommended to patients with other medical problems, it is essential to consult a physician before trying to make changes in one’s dietary routine.
Foods that contain estrogen-like substances
There are food items identified to be estrogenic. These are referred to as phytoestrogens like soy products, legumes, cowpeas, and chickpeas. There are meats, particularly red meats, being sold in the market which have been taken from animals raised by giving synthetic hormones. Too much intake of food products laden with estrogenic substances may disrupt the balance of hormones and function like estrogen inside the body system. This in turn causes growth of glandular tissues on the chest. According to nutritionists, having a balanced diet during meals can help prevent the emergence of health problems associated with hormones like this condition.
Estrogen-laden herbs
A lot of herbs have more concentrations of phytoestrogens than foods containing estrogen. Herbs used for health problems like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and prostate conditions may be laden with elevated amounts of phystoestrogens that can result to gynecomastia. Herbal supplements are identified to incorporate increased levels of these substances such as dong quai. This is taken for management of atherosclerosis and to lower blood pressure.
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement taken for prostate enlargement and ginseng as a stimulant for sexual purposes. There are cases oil products for the body like lavender and tea tree oil have been related to growth of the breasts. Some drugs for prostate enlargement may also lead to the development of breasts. It is imperative to speak to a physician about any health problem, medication, as well as herbal supplements that are being taken.
Malnutrition
As the body becomes depleted of sufficient nutrition, levels of hormones may diminish. It is necessary to have balanced diet in order to produce the necessary hormones in the body like testosterone. With no fats and proteins, reserved cholesterols may also be insufficient. Severe malnourished condition may result to damaging the organs such as the liver and kidneys. Failure of these organs to function leads to enlarged breasts. Usually, as the nutrition of the body becomes adequate, the affected breasts will be resolved.
Alcohol in excess
Consuming too much alcohol and use of illicit drug substances like heroin, methamphetamine, or marijuana can eventually result to damage on the liver and enlarged breasts. Moreover, individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs alter their nutritional intake that can cause malnutrition. This leads to gynecomastia associated with malnutrition.
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