Man boobs or ‘moobs’ might sound like a joke or a made-up word even, but for many men, it is a real problem that’s far from being a laughing matter. This condition can also be an indication of underlying health problems. So why do men get them? Let’s explore some possible causes.
Obesity – Fat Is An Issue
Obesity as we know it, is the cause of many health problems, gynecomastia included. It lowers testosterone levels, causes havoc to your muscle-to-fat ratio and more estrogen hormones are produced resulting in the appearance of man boobs. So watch what you eat, when you eat and pen in some exercise time into your schedule. Seek help to combat obesity especially if it runs in the family.
Bad Diet – What You Eat And What You Don’t Eat
On the subject of food, a bad dietary habit is also a probable cause. Now the term bad dietary habit not only implies the kind of food you eat but equally important the ones that you don’t. What it means is – do not deprive your body of the essential nutrients it needs because when you do, your testosterone levels plummet resulting as already mentioned in man boobs.
Steroids – Let’s jack up the gains
In the pursuit to achieve that close to perfect physique, a man would at times do just about anything. Pumping iron and sweating it out in the gym is good but illegal steroids are not. The common uses of anabolic steroids are for bulking up and performance enhancement. While side effects such as roid rage seem to take center stage most of the time, other equally pressing side effects such as gynecomastia or man boobs should not be ignored. Note that this can occur with legal steroids as well so always remember that there are no shortcuts to success!
Natural Herbs And Oils – A Natural Disaster Waiting To Happen
With the increasing awareness of the importance of health, natural products are commonplace on the food shelves of supermarkets including the grooming section. While going au naturel when it comes to the latter is commendable – do read the ingredients label. When applied topically in large amounts, products such as lavender and tea tree oils can lead to the appearance of man boobs. These are commonly found in shampoos, lotions and soaps, and while the notion may seem far-fetched to the uninformed individual, it can happen. These and some other plant oils contain estrogen-like properties which dull the effects of the androgen hormones, resulting in gynecomastia.
Bad Habits – Alcohol And Cigarettes Are Not The Best Of Pals
Arguably two common bad habits among people are drinking and smoking. While it is fine to indulge in some alcoholic bevvies once in a while but binge and excessive drinking are not. Alcohol affects the liver’s ability to get rid of excess estrogen and when it can’t function effectively, it may also start converting androgens into estrogens resulting in man boobs. Smoking also causes hormone imbalance and like excessive drinking will eventually result in gynecomastia.
Because Your Dad & Grandpa Might Have Them
The cause of gynecomastia or man boobs may be due to to hormones. There are steps and precautions that you can take to help your body produce the right amount and balance like a healthy diet and lifestyle for example. It is important to take care of your body as after all, when you help it to stay well, it reciprocates by helping you to feel and look well, and avoid the dreaded man boobs.
