Gynecomastia can be an embarrassing problem to live with. As you work to treat your condition, one important thing you need to be aware of is that certain foods and beverages are “estrogenics.” That means they reduce the testosterone levels in men and boost their estrogen levels. It’s very important to avoid estrogenics to make your treatment effective.

Here are the top foods and beverages you should avoid to help prevent gynecomastia.

1. Canned food

A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that canned chicken soup, ravioli, and tuna had the highest BPA levels. BPA is a plastic softener that mimics estrogen. It was initially developed as an estrogen therapy before it was used for packaged goods. Try to avoid eating canned foods to avoid increasing your levels of estrogen.

2. Shrimp

The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program found that an average person will be exposed to up to 13 different pesticides in a day. Among the most commonly used pesticides are endocrine disruptors. These pesticides can affect the hormone balance in the body. The most estrogenic of these disruptors is the 4-hexyl resorcinol, which is commonly applied to shrimp to prevent discoloration. Along with shrimp, you need to avoid other seafood such as eel, tilapia, and salmon to help prevent gynecomastia.

3. Fruits

While fruits can be very healthy and good for weight loss, a few of them do have a high level of estrogen-like properties in them. Berries have among the highest levels of estrogen-mimicking pesticides. You should avoid this fruit and other fruits such as peaches, cherries, kale, and apple. If you desire to keep eating a fruit you really enjoy with edible skins, choose one that’s organic.

4. Beets

Beets are a food that’s commonly recommended for heart health. Nonetheless, because it’s a root vegetable, it has compounds in it that support building up estrogen levels. These and other root vegetables should be kept out of your diet.

5. Licorice

Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is designed to suppress testosterone production. A study was conducted that involved giving 7 grams a day of licorice to healthy male subjects through candy tablets. The result of the study found that the total testosterone levels of the men had decreased by 35%. Needless to say, it’s important to cut licorice out of your diet to prevent a further imbalance of your hormones. 

6. Beer

Alcohol affects your liver’s ability to get rid of the excess estrogen you have in your body. Additionally, phytoestrogens are found in most beers, which is a plant-based compound that imitates estrogen and can potentially contribute to further development of gynecomastia. Alcohol can also affect your ability to lose weight, so in general, it’s best to limit your drinking of beer, if not avoid it entirely.

The foods and drinks you consume can have a significant impact on the amount of estrogen in your body. It’s essential to avoid these foods and beverages listed to allow your body to have more hormonal balance and prevent excessive breast tissue growth. You can also try wearing compression shirts to treat your gynecomastia. You can learn more about them at this link: https://www.confidencebodywear.com/product/gynecomastia-compression-shirt/.