Gynecomastia, commonly known as Man Boobs, is the abnormal growth of large mammary glands, or breast tissue, in men. The condition, which is primarily associated with disease or metabolic disorder, results in abnormal growths or enlarged breasts. Men of any age can be affected by this condition, especially pre-pubescent and pubescent boys because their hormones are fluctuating.  Gynecomastia is not a serious problem and is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance.  It often will go away on its own. 

Symptoms of Gynecomastia may occur in one or both breasts.  The breast gland typically swells, which makes it visibly larger than the standard male breast.  You should consult a medical professional if you see nipple discharge or persisten swelling and tenderness.  Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Swollen breast gland tissue
• Breast tenderness
• The diameter of the areola increases or chest tissue becomes asymetrical

Gynecomastia has many possible causes, with hormones, genetics, and diet all coming into play.  The most common cause is a hormonal imbalance.  The man typically has a decreased amount of testosterone compared to his estrogen levels.  The decreased testosterone can be caused by foods or conditions that block testosterone production.  Certain foods like soy, meat, dairy, processed foods, and saturated fats can also cause this condition.  Other causes are listed below. 

• Diet consisting of processed foods, meat, soy, dairy, and saturated fats
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Drug use (marijuana, heroin, or methodone)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Aging
• Kidney failure
• Cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure
• Malnutrition or starvation
• Taking certain medications (antibiotics, chemotherapy, or some heart medications)
• Steroid use

• Men with Gynecomastia should make a dietary change, even if the condition isn't diet-related.  A healthy diet is one of the best ways to make positive changes to your health.  By eliminating meat, dairy, refined sugars, processed foods, junk foods, and genetically modified foods from your diet, you can lower your exposure to high levels of unneeded female hormones.  Switching to more of a plant-based diet, which consists of fruit, veggies, legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds, provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs.  Lowering your intake of soy-based foods (tofu, soy milk, soy beans, or miso) is beneficial as well.  
• It may be beneficial to consume different foods and herbs that can help increase your testosterone count.  Sarsaparilla, licorice root, yohimbe bark, garlic, cabbage, pomegranate, raw honey, and grapes are all foods that can help increase testosterone. 
• Turmeric is a great herb to help increase testosterone levels.  The more testosterone there is in the body, the more you will notice the breasts reducing in size.  Add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder to a glass of warm water and drink this a couple times a day, especially before bed, for a couple weeks to see positive results. 
• Breast tenderness can be a symptom for males with Gynecomastia.  One of the best things you can do for relief is to apply a cold compress on the tender areas.  The cold temperature causes the tissues to contract, which can reduce the swelling and pain.  Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a couple paper towels and apply it to the tender areas. 
• Flaxseed is one of the best things you can consume to combat Gynecomastia because it helps reduce estrogen levels and raise testosterone levels.  Flaxseeds also act as a detoxifying agen to rid the body of harmful chemicals.  Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to a glass of warm water and drink this daily until symptoms subside. You can also add flaxseed to daily smoothies. 
• Exercise can be beneficial for males with Gynecomastia because it helps to balance hormone levels.  Additionally, certain exercises that target the chest area can help build chest and torso muscles.  
• Sometimes water retention can make symptoms of Gynecomastia worse.  Taking an Epsom salt baths can help you get rid of water, aid detoxification, and balance hormone levels.  Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a bath of warm water and stir until it is dissolved.  Soak in the water for at least 15 minutes.  Repeat this treatment 3 times a week. 

• Cabbage
• Pomegranate
• Garlic
• Raw Honey
• Grapes
• Sesame Seeds
• Chia Seeds
• Licorice Root
• Yohimbe Bark
• Sarsaparilla
• Chickpeas
• Black beans
• Turmeric
• Cashews
• Flaxseed