Gynecomastia is a swelling of the breast tissue in men. What is the main reason behind this? This is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance during puberty when the female hormone, estrogen is in excess than the male hormone. There might be other causes as well, such as side effects of numerous medications and abuse of drugs. This swelled tissue is not cancerous and doesn’t pose any serious threat to the individual’s health, but for obvious reasons, it may be a cause for embarrassment and there might be a slight pain. Gynecomastia may affect one or both the breasts, sometimes unevenly. Not only young boys going through puberty, but older men may also develop this disorder.
What causes Gynecomastia?
Here is a list of reasons why an individual might suffer from Gynecomastia:
- Hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of Gynecomastia when the female hormone is in excess than the male hormone.
- Excess of alcohol can also be cited as one of the reasons.
- A number of medications like antibiotics, heart medicines etc.
- Street drugs like Heroin and Marijuana may bring along with them a case of man boobs.
- Herbal products containing lavender oil and tea tree oil is sometimes considered as one of the causes of Gynecomastia.
What are the symptoms of Gynecomastia?
The following symptoms often accompany Gynecomastia:
- The primary symptom of Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue in males. The enlargement may be in one or both the breasts.
- Sensitive nipple which might pain or feel tender when touched.
- Nipple discharge in one of both breasts can be seen one of the symptoms of this disorder.
- There might be an occurrence of a bud in one or both the breasts. This commonly occurs in boys when they hit puberty.
Effective home remedies to help you get rid of Gynecomastia:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a famous home remedy to lose man boobs naturally. Turmeric contains curcumin which is known to increase the male hormone level. When the testosterone level rises, large breasts reduce in size naturally. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric, mix it with water and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Drink this turmeric water 2-3 times daily for some weeks and you will start noticing the change. Turmeric is also known to reduce fat and promote liver health.
2. Fish Oil
Fish oil comprises of omega-3 fatty acid which is famously known to increase testosterone levels in men and reduce estrogen level. Low Estrogen count will help you get rid of man breasts. You can take fish oil and omega-3 supplements to help you. But you will need to consult a doctor regarding the dosage. You can also consume cold-water fishes like salmon, mackerel, and tuna which are full of omega-3 fatty acids to get back your shape.
3. Zinc
Zinc deficiency is known to result in low testosterone levels which in turn is a main reason for enlarged breasts in men. Consuming zinc-based foods such as cashews, yogurt, raisins, and chickpeas can help in getting rid of man boobs. You can also take Zinc supplements after consulting your doctor regarding the dosage.
4. Seafood
Seafood is rich in Zinc which in turn helps in increasing testosterone levels and is an essential mineral for men suffering from this disorder. It helps stimulate the production of testosterone and to do away with large boobs. Among seafood, oysters and lobsters are good options.
5. Milk Thistle
Addiction of drugs and alcohol is one of the causes of Gynecomastia as they result in liver ailment. Silymarin is an active constituent in Milk Thistle which apparently can cure a liver ailment. Take 1 tablespoon of grounded milk thistle seeds and add to 2-3 cups of water. Heat till boiling point and let it soak for 20 minutes. Strain the water and add honey for taste. Drink this tea 2 to 3 times a day and continue for a few weeks till the symptoms vanish. This herb can also be taken in supplement form after consulting with your doctor regarding the dosage.
6. Flaxseed
Lignan is an active constituent of flaxseed which is known to balance estrogen activities and has antiestrogenic qualities. Take 1 tablespoon of grounded flaxseed and add it to a glass of water and consume it daily till you see some improvement. You can also intake 1 to 2 tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily for a few weeks. Or you can also add crushed flaxseed to smoothies and other baked items like bread and muffins. Flaxseed also helps in removing harmful toxins from your body.
7. Fruits and veggies
Fruits and veggies are good for your health when included in your diet. They are rich in minerals, fibre, and vitamins. They keep your body healthy by burning excess fat. Include banana, avocado, carrot, tomato, apple, spinach, papaya etc. in your diet to reduce the size of your breasts.
8. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce man breasts naturally and without surgery. Exercise helps in balancing the hormone levels and reducing chest fat by building chest and torso muscles. Engage yourself in chest workout. Hit the gym regularly and keep the body under rigorous workout sessions to lose fat as quickly as possible. Along with gym, you can also try swimming. Swimming is a great way to bring your body back to shape. The breast stroke can work wonders. Rowing also helps in keeping the upper portion of the body engaged in exercise thereby reducing body fat.
9. Dandelion
Dandelion is another herb which helps in taking care of Gynecomastia. Its diuretic nature helps in excess urine discharge which in turn removes harmful toxins from the body and helps take care of excess estrogen. Also, it helps break down carbohydrates which result in low fat accumulation in the body. Brew some tea up by adding 1 tablespoon of dried dandelion to a cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 10 min. Strain and drink this tea 2 to 3 times a day for a few weeks. You can also take dandelion supplements after consulting with your doctor.
10. Epsom salt bath
Detoxification can help you get rid of man boobs. Epsom salt can help you get rid of water retention. It contains magnesium sulfate that aids the detoxification process and balances hormones. Simply add 2 cups of Epsom bath salt in the bathtub and soak yourself in it. A 15-minute bath thrice a week would be sufficient.
11. Cold compress
Gynecomastia can sometimes result in swelling and can cause pain. A cold compress can give you a bit of relief from this discomfort. A cold compress is used to contract the swollen nerves. Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and gently press it onto the swelled area. Repeat the same on both the breasts turn by turn. Keep repeating this process till you start seeing results.
12. Sports
Sports like football, basketball, tennis will keep the whole body active and engaged and will help in fat reduction. They involve the movement of all the major body parts where fat accumulates. Gynecomastia, when caused by excess fat in the body, can be cured through sports.
13. Passion flower
Chrysin is a major constituent of passion flower. It helps in increasing the testosterone level in your body, the deficiency of which is one of the main reasons of Gynecomastia. Add 1 tablespoon of dried passion flower in a cup of hot water and make an herbal tea. Drink it several times a day for a few weeks till you start seeing improvement. Passion flower also helps in keeping you away from drugs and alcohol.
14. Tribulus Terrestris
Rather than helping in the production of testosterone, this herb helps in increasing the luteinizing hormone that triggers the synthesis of androgens in males. You can use the roots of this herb to prepare the tea. It is said to be one of the most effective ways to lose man boobs.
15. Ginger root tea
Boil a cup of water and add freshly grated ginger to it. Cover the cup and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the mix and drink this tea. It helps in increasing your metabolism and burns the fat tissues. If the cause of Gynecomastia is an excess of fat for you, then this remedy will help you get rid of it.
16. Red Clover
Red clover can be taken in the form of a tea. This is an excellent remedy to reduce estrogen levels and balance the hormones. Genistein, a major component of this herb helps in reducing estrogen, the excess of which results in this disorder.
17. Sarsaparilla
Athletes use sterol for bodybuilding. This plant contains sterol and will help you by enhancing your body muscles and bringing your breasts back to shape. All you need to do is take 1 tablespoon of chopped sarsaparilla roots, mix it in a cup of hot water, strain for a few minutes and drink it.
18. Devil’s claw
This is a recommended herbal remedy to reduce man boobs. Devil’s claw herb was used in ancient times to arouse the sexual desire in men. This boosts the T-cell count and helps in curing Gynecomastia. Simmer the roots and consume it regularly.
19. Commiphora Wightii
This herb helps in balancing the hormones in males. It helps in increasing the testosterone level and reduces the estrogen level. Hormonal imbalance is one of the major reasons for Gynecomastia. This herb helps in burning the excess fat tissue which will result in bringing your breasts back to their original shape. You should consume the extract of commiphora Wighti herb regularly for best results.
20. Green Tea
Green tea is an amazing fat burner. It helps in detoxification of harmful toxins and flushes them out. It is a natural antioxidant. You can either consume its extract, or consume it as a tea to help you get rid of the excess fat from your body.
21. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is believed to enhance the creation of the male hormone, testosterone. Cordyceps is from the mushroom family. By increasing the testosterone level, it helps in balancing the hormones and getting rid of man breasts. This herb is also great for blood flow and believed to be powerful in the management of asthma.
22. High intake of water
Water is one of the best antioxidants. Consumption of water helps in getting rid of harmful toxins through urine. Water, taken in abundance helps in reducing the fat. The high amount of liquid intake helps in increasing the metabolism. This helps your digestive system work at a faster rate.
These are a few home remedies that you can try to get rid of man boobs naturally and fast. These are one of the most effective methods for Gynecomastia treatment. When used in the correct way, you can get rid of this ailment in a natural way and without having to go under the knife.