Hair loss is often linked to the hormone DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks hair follicles. Incorporating DHT blocker foods into your diet can counteract this effect and support natural hair growth. DHT binds to follicles, causing them to shrink over time and leading to thinner, weaker hair. To combat this, consuming certain foods can help block DHT production. Also, reducing stress levels and avoiding harsh hair treatments can promote healthier hair.
While blocking DHT can aid hair growth, results vary, and it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting a new regimen. The expert at Dr A’S Clinic suggests that combining dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic approaches, individuals can help block DHT and support their hair’s health and appearance effectively.
Foods That Block DHT and Help in Hair Loss
Here are some of the foods that you should consume in order to reduce your hair loss:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural DHT blocker that supports natural hair growth due to its high lauric acid content. Lauric acid inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, thereby reducing the risk of hair loss and fostering healthier hair growth. Coconut oil can be applied topically to the scalp or consumed in food or supplements to harness its benefits effectively.
Beyond its DHT-blocking properties, coconut oil enhances scalp health and reduces inflammation, addressing additional factors contributing to hair loss. This can help your diet, i.e., it not only blocks DHT but also holistically supports hair health, potentially leading to improved hair growth and reduced hair loss over time.
Edamame
Edamame, a type of soybean, is the best DHT-blocker food rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins. It contains isoflavones, compounds that inhibit DHT production, a hormone linked to hair loss. A 6-month study involving 58 males showed promising results. Participants consumed soy protein with high isoflavones, soy protein with extracted isoflavones, or milk protein.
Both soy protein variants, regardless of isoflavone content, were more effective than milk protein in reducing DHT levels at 3 and 6 months. While the 6-month reduction in DHT wasn’t statistically significant, it’s still practically significant with potential clinical implications. Incorporating edamame and other soy-based foods into the diet can contribute to blocking DHT and supporting healthier hair growth.
Berries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that play a crucial role in blocking DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss, and fostering robust hair growth. They also boast vitamin C, which is vital for collagen synthesis and maintaining resilient hair follicles. The flavonoids present in blueberries have been shown to improve scalp blood circulation, which is conducive to healthier hair. Additionally, proanthocyanidins found in blueberries can expedite the shift from the resting phase (telogen) to the active growth phase (anagen), thus promoting accelerated hair growth.
Consuming blueberries, which are one of the best DHT blocker can contribute significantly to combating hair loss and supporting the development of strong, vibrant hair. Their antioxidant properties shield against DHT, while the vitamins and compounds they contain nourish the scalp and encourage optimal hair follicle function, resulting in improved hair health and growth.
Carrots
Carrots are a valuable addition to your diet for maintaining healthy hair and combating hair loss. They are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair thinning and loss.
Vitamin A, derived from beta-carotene in carrots, helps regulate sebum production in the scalp. Balanced sebum levels contribute to a healthier scalp environment, reducing the risk of hair follicle inflammation and subsequent hair shedding.
Carrots are packed with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This protection helps maintain the strength and integrity of hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting overall hair health.
Therefore, including carrots, a natural DHT blocker in your diet can thus aid in blocking DHT, regulating scalp sebum, and providing essential antioxidants, all of which contribute to healthier, fuller-looking hair and reduced hair loss.
Turmeric
Turmeric stands out as one of the best DHT blocker, making it a top choice for promoting hair growth and curbing hair loss. This vibrant spice is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which have been found to significantly reduce DHT levels in the body, fostering an environment conducive to healthy hair.
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, plays a pivotal role in this process by inhibiting the action of the alpha-5 reductase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning and loss. By blocking this conversion, curcumin helps maintain optimal DHT levels, supporting hair follicle health and growth.
Turmeric can be seamlessly incorporated into your diet as a spice in various dishes or taken as a supplement for enhanced benefits. Numerous studies have corroborated the efficacy of curcumin in lowering DHT levels, making turmeric a valuable natural remedy for combating hair loss and promoting thicker, healthier hair.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds emerge as a leading DHT blocker due to their rich zinc content, a crucial mineral that plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely associated with hair loss. Zinc’s ability to interfere with the conversion of testosterone into DHT helps maintain a balanced hormonal environment conducive to healthier hair.
Moreover, aside from their DHT-blocking capabilities, pumpkin seeds are packed with antioxidants and an array of nutrients that actively promote robust hair growth. These nutrients include vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and plant-based proteins, all of which contribute to nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair follicles.
Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet is simple and versatile, as they can be consumed raw, roasted, or incorporated into various dishes like salads or smoothies. Their multifaceted benefits, from blocking DHT production to providing essential nutrients for hair health, make pumpkin seeds a valuable dietary addition for anyone looking to combat hair loss and support optimal hair growth.
Onion
Onions are a natural powerhouse when it comes to combating hair loss due to their high quercetin content. Quercetin, an antioxidant abundant in onions, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-DHT properties that contribute significantly to promoting healthy hair.
Research indicates that quercetin plays a crucial role in blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting the alpha-5 reductase enzyme. By impeding this enzymatic process, quercetin helps maintain balanced DHT levels, which is vital for preventing hair follicle miniaturization and subsequent hair thinning.
Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of onions, particularly quercetin, help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp. This reduction in oxidative stress supports overall scalp health, fosters a favorable environment for hair growth, and minimizes damage that could lead to hair loss.
Soybean
Soybeans and their derived products, like soy protein, are recognized for their efficacy as DHT blockers, making them valuable in addressing hair loss concerns. Soy protein contains isoflavones, plant compounds with properties similar to estrogen, which contribute to reducing DHT levels in the body.
Studies have highlighted soy protein’s impact on DHT levels, particularly in individuals at risk of conditions exacerbated by elevated DHT, such as prostate cancer. In one study, men consuming soy protein, whether rich in isoflavones or not, experienced a slight decrease in DHT levels. In contrast, those consuming a milk-based protein isolate showed a minor increase in DHT levels.
The mechanism behind soy’s DHT-blocking ability is attributed to its isoflavones, which modulate hormone levels and inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in DHT production. By reducing DHT levels, soy protein helps maintain a healthier hormonal balance, which can contribute to mitigating hair loss and promoting stronger, thicker hair growth.
Green Tea
Green tea stands out as a powerful, natural DHT blocker, aiding in natural hair growth and combatting hair loss. This beverage contains catechins, compounds that have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely associated with hair loss.
Regular consumption of green tea can support healthy hair growth by maintaining optimal DHT levels. Catechins in green tea work by interfering with the activity of enzymes involved in DHT production, thereby helping to prevent the negative effects of excess DHT on hair follicles.
Apart from its role as a DHT blocker, green tea offers various health benefits, including a metabolism boost and reducing the risk of certain diseases. To maximize its effectiveness as a DHT blocker, it’s recommended to consume high-quality green tea or opt for green tea supplements if preferred.
Conclusion
Therefore, consuming DHT-blocking foods in your diet may offer a natural and holistic approach to combating hair loss. The nine foods discussed contain nutrients and compounds that can potentially inhibit DHT production or activity, thereby promoting healthier hair growth. However, it’s important to note that individual responses to these foods can vary, and dietary changes alone may not completely reverse hair loss caused by genetic or hormonal factors. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and stress management, can contribute to overall hair health and well-being.
Dr. A’s Clinic, led by renowned hair restoration specialist Dr. Arvind Poswal, stands out in the field of hair loss treatments. With a sterling reputation for delivering exceptional results, Dr. Poswal and his team are dedicated to providing the best solutions for hair restoration. We offer advanced techniques such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) that are meticulously performed to ensure natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes. Whether dealing with male pattern baldness, female hair thinning, or other hair loss concerns, patients can trust Dr. Arwind Poswal and his team to deliver amazing expertise and exceptional results.
FAQ
How do you block DHT naturally?
Natural DHT blocking includes dietary modifications, lifestyle improvements, and in some cases, the use of herbal therapies. Diet is important because some foods include chemicals that can prevent the development of DHT or lessen its effects. Foods high in lycopene, such as tomatoes, or green tea, for example, may have anti-DHT qualities. Furthermore, the ability of herbal medicines like saw palmetto to suppress the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT has drawn interest. Because scalp massages increase blood flow to the hair follicles, they can also help lower DHT levels. Moreover, studies have looked into the potential of essential oils like peppermint and rosemary to prevent DHT when administered directly to the scalp. Another natural remedy often suggested for managing stress is to practise mindfulness or physical activity.
What reduces DHT the most?
The best choice when it comes to drastically lowering DHT levels is medication. The FDA has approved finasteride and dutasteride as drugs for this use. They function by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Clinical research has shown that these drugs can lower DHT levels by as much as 70%, which makes them the first choice for people who want to significantly lower their DHT levels in order to prevent hair loss, especially in cases of male pattern baldness.
Is egg a DHT blocker?
Eggs do not directly block DHT, but they do contain biotin, a B vitamin that is necessary for keeping hair healthy. Eating foods high in biotin, such as eggs, can help general hair health, as biotin deficiency can contribute to hair loss. Nevertheless, there isn’t strong scientific proof that eggs particularly inhibit DHT. Rather, they offer nutrients that are good for the upkeep and growth of hair.
Will reducing DHT regrow hair?
For those suffering from androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as male or female pattern baldness, lowering DHT levels can in fact slow down or stop hair loss. In certain instances, hair regrowth could also result from it, especially in regions where hair follicles are still functioning. However, each person responds differently to DHT reduction, and outcomes might not show up. Before discernible increases in hair growth are seen, it frequently takes several months of constant therapy.
Is Onion a DHT blocker?
Onion extract isn’t typically thought of as a DHT blocker, despite research suggesting it may encourage hair growth. Rather, onion extract may function by increasing blood flow to the scalp, supplying vital nutrients to the hair follicles, and lowering inflammation, all of which may tangentially promote the development of healthy hair. According to some research, 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, may be inhibited by onion extract. To verify its efficacy as a DHT blocker, more research is necessary.
Can DHT thicken hair?
In people with androgenetic alopecia, DHT is usually linked to hair thinning and the miniaturisation of hair follicles. DHT, however, can affect hair development differently depending on the body part. For instance, throughout puberty, it is in charge of promoting the growth of body and facial hair. Increased DHT levels in diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause hirsutism, or the excessive growth of hair on the face and body. DHT regulates hair development in various parts of the body even though it may not directly thicken hair on the scalp.
