Find out about 6 lifestyle modifications that effectively block DHT and stop hair loss. Find out how making little changes may naturally enhance the health of your hair and encourage hair growth.
Hair thinning can be a discouraging experience that affects both your looks and self-esteem. One of the main causes of hair loss is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and leading to hair loss. Luckily, you can adopt lifestyle changes to lower DHT levels and support the growth of healthy hair.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone similar to testosterone. It plays a role in the growth of facial, pubic, and body hair during puberty.
However, high levels of DHT may contribute to hair loss.
Your body naturally converts about 10% of testosterone into DHT using an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.
Some research suggests certain foods and nutrients may help block this enzyme, which could decrease DHT production and prevent hair loss.
Here are 6 foods that may fight hair loss by blocking DHT.
What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone, commonly referred to as DHT, is a hormone that stems from testosterone. It serves a significant function in the formation of male sexual attributes as puberty approaches.
How Food Can Prevent Hair Loss?
If you are experiencing severe hair loss, consult a medical expert to discover the cause. However, if your hair loss has progressed gradually, eating foods that naturally inhibit DHT synthesis may be beneficial.
What’s the distinction between DHT blockers and herbal DHT blockers?
Whether they are herbal or not, DHT blockers typically work to achieve the same goal – to prevent testosterone from being converted into DHT. Check out these Finasteride results to understand what to expect at each stage of treatment.
The key difference lies in the fact that herbal DHT blockers are ingested or applied topically as remedies made from natural ingredients. They are designed to inhibit DHT like conventional DHT-blocking pills such as Finasteride and Dutasteride.
6 Foods that might block DHT
We’ve done the research to help you get started on your hair wellness journey. Here are six meals that may prevent DHT and help battle thinning hair:
1. Green Tea
Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is among the most popular drinks worldwide.
During production, green tea leaves are steamed, which maintains more of the tea’s natural compounds.
This includes one of green tea’s primary plant chemicals, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
A 2019 review discovered that EGCG may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative characteristics, which could help prevent hair loss by:
- safeguarding hair follicles.
- promoting hair growth.
- enhancing the immune system
- inhibiting apoptosis, or death of hair cells.
2. Turmeric
If you’re a fan of VEGAMOUR products, you likely know that curcumin is a key ingredient in many of their popular hair care items. This powerful bioactive compound is derived from turmeric and is rich in antioxidants that help fight off harmful free radicals, which can contribute to hair loss.
Turmeric, which comes from the same plant as our curcumin, may minimize DHT levels and hence lessen the synthesis of DHT.
3. Soy protein
For those of us who are committed to not consuming any animal-derived protein in our diets, there is good news: products containing soy protein may help reduce DHT levels by preventing the absorption of 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme that your body uses to convert testosterone to DHT.
You may attempt to prevent hair loss without disrupting your hormonal balance by eating soy protein, which has been shown in tests to stimulate hair growth without reducing natural testosterone levels.
Soy protein is known for its potential to inhibit the absorption of DHT by blocking the synthesis of 5 alpha-reductase. While this aspect has primarily been studied in powdered form as a nutritional supplement, any soy-containing product can function as a DHT blocker.
This encompasses items such as soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. Therefore, consider opting for a DHT-blocking edamame appetizer during your next visit to a sushi restaurant.
4. Coconut Oil
The effectiveness of topically applied coconut oil is one of the best-kept secrets in the fight against thinning hair. While coconut oil is not ideal for all hair types, it can help promote hair growth by providing intensive and focused hydration.
Additionally, it seems to function as a DHT blocker, potentially aiding in the prevention of hair loss! Studies supporting the ability of coconut oil to reduce DHT levels have mainly centered on lauric acid. Lauric acid inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5 alpha-reductase in the body, effectively fighting against hair loss.
5. Pumpkin Seeds
The only time you’d think about eating pumpkin seeds is probably when you cut into a pumpkin unless you’re very serious about your seed game. And while oven-roasted pumpkin seeds taste great, if you only eat pumpkin seeds once or twice a year, you’re missing out on a potent DHT blocker.
It was revealed that participants who supplemented their diet with pumpkin seeds, specifically cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil, had less hair loss than those who took a placebo. Pumpkin seeds are also high in nutrients and minerals that help prevent hair loss, such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over your favorite grain bowl or salad, and watch your DHT levels drop.
6. Onions
Many meals benefit from the sweet yet sharp flavor that white onions provide.
They have minimal calories yet a high level of antioxidants. One antioxidant, quercetin, has been demonstrated to reduce DHT formation from testosterone by inhibiting the action of the enzyme alpha-5 reductase and reducing oxidative stress.
Researchers have also discovered that a microneedle combination medicine including copper, zinc, and quercetin may help:
- Block DHT.
- Promote hair regrowth.
- inhibit inflammation.
Despite these hopeful findings, no research has looked at the impact of eating onions or taking quercetin supplements on DHT levels in humans.
Foods high in lycopene
If there’s one type of hair-healthy food you should incorporate to lower DHT levels, it’s those high in lycopene. Not only are they efficient DHT blockers, but many delicious foods contain this crucial ingredient for lowering DHT synthesis, including:
- Carrots
- Watermelon
- Pink grapefruit
- Tomatoes of all kinds
- Guavas
Other approaches to treating hair loss
If you are experiencing hair loss, consult with a healthcare professional. They could examine your medical history and uncover potential causes of your hair loss to decide the best treatment.
Treatment for hair loss can include a mix of:
- Vitamins and supplements, including protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins C and A
- Natural therapies include scalp massage, aloe vera, and fish oil.
- Laser treatment
- Topical medicines, including minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), and corticosteroids
- injections, including platelet-rich plasma treatment.
- Hair Transplant Surgery
Lifestyle Habits That Can Aid in Dealing With Hair Loss
Scalp Massage
Several studies have shown that engaging in just four minutes of scalp massage, which involves stretching the skin to stimulate the hair follicles, may lead to an increase in hair thickness.
Exercise
Despite common misconceptions, exercising does not cause hair loss. While it hasn’t been definitively proven, physical activity might benefit hair growth and health by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp.
Diet
While certain foods may not directly cause hair loss, nutrient deficiencies can play a role. Among the most common deficiencies contributing to hair loss are Vitamin D and iron.
Frequently asked questions
Summary
DHT is a hormone that promotes hair loss.
Green tea, onions, pumpkin seeds, and edamame, among other foods and beverages, have elements that may aid in reducing DHT levels and prevent hair loss.
However, based on the limited evidence, more human studies are required before recommending any meals or specific nutrients to prevent hair loss.