Experiencing hair loss is usually faced by millions of people today. To cut the list of causes, one of the primary culprits for the next hair loss case is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that comes out from testosterone. Knowing what DHT is and how it acts towards the scalp is important to stopping and treating hair loss effectively.
DHT is a hormone that binds with receptors in the follicle, thereby leading to miniaturization of the hair until there's eventual thinning.
In the case of those men experiencing male pattern baldness, there is a considerable amount of DHT buildup on the scalp; this makes it an issue. Fortunately, the fight for healthy hair growth can be facilitated by introducing DHT blocker foods into one's diet.
Knowing about DHT and Its Activity in Hair Loss
DHT production is initiated when the enzyme 5 alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT. In the body, it is an essential hormone but causes hair loss when its levels are too high.
DHT in the body is directly related to hair follicles because excess DHT causes shrinkage of the follicles in the hair until they eventually stop producing any hair.
Blocking the presence of DHT on your scalp and minimizing the production of DHT is the most effective way to treat hair loss.
One of the most recommended ways to counter the effects of DHT on your scalp is to include foods that act as natural blockers in your diet. A few of the best DHT blocker foods that help you have healthy hair follicles have been discussed below.
1. Green Tea- A Powerful DHT Blocker
Another recognized antioxidant-rich beverage is green tea, which in turn has natural DHT-blocking properties.
It includes agents such as epigallocatechin gallate that inhibit the action of an enzyme known as 5 alpha-reductase and subsequently prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, thus aiding in lowering DHT levels in the body.
Drinking green tea regularly can block DHT and support hair follicles in growing stronger hair.
Also, green tea is known to have some anti-inflammatory effects on the scalp, thus reducing irritation and creating a healthy hair growth environment.
2. Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seeds and their oil are excellent sources of zinc, magnesium, and other nutrients that are essential for hair health. These seeds are rich in phytosterols, which inhibit DHT production by blocking 5 alpha reductase activity.
Studies have shown that consuming pumpkin seed oil can significantly improve hair growth and density in individuals suffering from hair loss.
Pumpkin seeds are easily added to the diet, and incorporating them into meals can help lower DHT levels. Raw, roasted, or as pumpkin seed oil, superfoods can be quite powerful additions to a regimen of DHT blocking.
3. Saw Palmetto: A Natural DHT Blocker
Saw palmetto is one of the herbal extracts that people have used for blocking DHT. It inhibits 5 alpha reductase; it slows down the production of DHT in the body system.
According to researches, it has been proven that saw palmetto has an excellent cure for male pattern baldness and hair growth promotion.
Saw palmetto supplements or extracts can be added into your system that easily counteracts the effects DHT has on the hair follicles and the scalp.
In addition to combating DHT, saw palmetto also supports many other benefits, like an improvement for prostate health and fighting inflammation throughout the body.
4. Lycopene-Rich Foods Tomatoes and Watermelon
Another important molecule that can inhibit DHT is Lycopene, the antioxidant which occurs in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
Lycopene suppresses DHT production and maintains healthy hair follicle. Those products not only contain vitamins but also may help improve scalp health.
Incorporating lycopene-rich foods into your diet will add a flavorful taste to beating DHT on the scalp and encouraging hair regrowth.
5. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, Walnuts, and Flaxseeds
Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense foods that contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals which promote hair health and diminish DHT level. Almonds and walnuts are perfect sources of biotin and zinc, which strengthen the hair follicles and decrease production of DHT.
Flaxseeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, showing several anti-inflammatory effects that would be beneficial to the scalp.
Adding these to your diet will keep your hair healthy while managing the results of DHT on the hair follicles.
6. Spinach and Other Leafy Greens
Some of the most effective leafy green options include spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, which are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and magnesium, all important for your hair.
In particular, spinach is magnesium rich, and magnesium inhibits 5 alpha reductase-the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT-and therefore aids in reducing the DHT level inside the body.
Some of the best ways of reducing DHT naturally is through the consumption of spinach, along with improving overall scalp health.
7. Avocados: Rich in Nutrients for Blocking DHT
Avocados are full of the good fats along with biotin and vitamin E, all of which promote healthy hair. Beta-sitosterol is another component which blocks DHT as it suppresses 5 alpha reductase activity.
With avocados, the hair follicles will be strengthened and enhanced making it a good diet for hair growth.
8. Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouses
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are high in antioxidants that help combat the inflammation process in the body and prevent your scalp from further damage.
It also stimulates the production of collagen, which is necessary for the best hair elasticity and strength.
So, adding berries to your diet is a great way toward healthy hair and even against the influence of DHT on your scalp.
9. High Zinc Foods: Oysters and Legumes
Zinc is an essential mineral, responsible for blocking DHT and maintaining overall hair follicle health. Amongst the richest sources of zinc is oysters, a powerful food that can diminish the content of DHT in your body.
Legumes like chickpeas and lentils are also high in zinc, therefore plants-based foods for promoting hair growth.
Zinc-Rich Foods To Improve Hair Density and Fight Hair Loss Due To DHT
10. Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory And DHT Blocker
Turmeric is a spice that has gained much popularity for its anti-inflammatory attributes. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been established to work as a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers the levels of DHT.
If taken orally or included in diets, it encourages a healthy scalp, where hair can grow freely.
Conclusion
Attacking hair loss needs one to understand how DHT operates on the scalp and incorporate ways to combat it.
The inclusion of DHT blocker foods such as green tea, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto, and nutrient-rich foods such as spinach, avocados, and berries will significantly impact the health of the hair follicles.
These foods help inhibit DHT production, reduce DHT levels in the body, and ensure a healthy environment for growing hair.
These dietary changes can all help you take some proactive measures against male pattern baldness and what's best for the overall health of hair. Combining such natural approaches with a specific hair care routine has been proven to protect hair and promote long-term growth.
FAQ
1. What is DHT and How Does It Contribute to Hair Loss?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a compound generated from the metabolism of testosterone in the human body. Generally, DHT causes hair loss since it gets attached to hair follicles and reduces their size, hence, its ability to produce healthy hair. Lower levels of DHTs in the body prevent further thinning of hair and may promote hair growth.
2. What are DHT blocker foods and how do they work?
DHT blocker foods are natural foods that contain compounds capable of inhibiting DHT production. They stop working by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. Foods like pumpkin seeds, green tea, and saw palmetto can have a beneficial effect on hair follicles by giving relief from the damaging effect of DHT at the scalp level.
3. Is green tea an antidote to DHT?
Yes, and it's one of the best natural DHT blockers. Green tea contains an EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) component that can inhibit 5 alpha reductase, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Drinking green tea on a daily basis will reduce DHT levels and make hair healthier .
4. How do pumpkin seeds block DHT?
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil contain zinc and phytosterols that inhibit the production of DHT by blocking the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. Eating pumpkin seeds therefore can lead to lowering DHT in the body, improvement of the condition of hair follicles, and thicker, healthier hair.
5. Is saw palmetto efficient for hair growth?
Yes, saw palmetto is one of the most effective natural DHT blockers. The amount of DHT in the body is decreased by this natural herb because it inhibits 5 alpha reductase. According to research, this herb may prove very effective for male pattern baldness and improvements in general scalp health
* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).
