DHT Blocker Foods: Promoting Hair Health Naturally
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers have gained attention recently due to their potential benefits in managing hair loss and promoting growth.
While the medications and topical treatments prevent hair loss effectively, incorporating DHT blocker foods in your diet can support overall hair health.
Also, many DHT blockers like Finasteride and Dutasteride are not approved by FDA for women.
Hence, these foods are safe for all and possess properties that help regulate DHT levels in the body and reduce their impact on hair follicles naturally.
Read along to explore some common DHT blocker foods and their potential effects on hair health.
Foods that are DHT blockers
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker foods can inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts Testosterone into DHT.
These foods may also provide nutrients that support hair health and reduce inflammation, helping to regulate DHT levels and promote healthier hair growth.
The DHT blockers food include,
Zinc-rich foods
Zinc-rich foods can help block DHT and prevent hair loss through a few mechanisms.
It regulates 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting Testosterone into DHT.
A study by Stamatiadis et al. has shown that zinc could completely inhibit enzyme activity at a concentration above 9 mmol/l.
Additionally, zinc plays a role in supporting hair follicle health and function, which can contribute to reducing hair loss.
Some zinc-rich foods are spinach, white mushrooms, kale, almonds, hazelnuts, and oysters.
Lycopene-rich foods
Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment in certain fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes.
Foods rich in Lycopene may block DHT and prevent hair loss through their antioxidant properties.
Researchers have found that Lycopene can help inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting Testosterone to DHT.
A 2013 research showed that it has the potential to promote hair growth and could be used in hair loss treatments without causing skin.
By restricting the conversion of Testosterone to DHT, lycopene-rich foods help maintain a healthier balance of hormones minimizing hair loss.
Lycopene-rich foods include tomatoes, watermelons, pink guavas, and apricots.
Green tea
Green tea includes bioactive components like Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), suppressing DHT.
It reduces DHT synthesis by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase enzymes, improving hormone balance, and preventing hair follicle shrinking and hair fall.
But, the scientific evidence to support this is minimal, and more research is needed.
Green tea also contains antioxidants that may fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause hair loss.
Caffeine
Some studies suggest that caffeine can directly block DHT to prevent hair loss.
A study by Fischer et al. concluded that caffeine effectively stimulated hair growth for hair loss caused by increased Testosterone.
Hence, it did not directly affect blocking DHT, but it can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a herbal supplement that has the potential as a DHT blocker to help prevent hair loss.
It inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting Testosterone into DHT.
By reducing the activity of this enzyme, saw palmetto may help lower DHT levels in the body, potentially minimizing its negative effects on hair follicles.
A small study showed positive outcomes for patients treated with topical saw palmetto.
After four months of therapy, about half of the 25 individuals had a rise in hair count of 11.9%.
Lysine-rich foods
Lysine is an amino acid found in various protein-rich foods.
While Lysine does not work by blocking DHT, it indirectly affects hair loss by supporting collagen production, a crucial component of the hair structure.
A 2002 research conducted to study the causes of hair loss and its treatment observed that when Lysine was given with DHT blockers like Finasteride, it effectively promoted hair growth.
Lysine is vital in collagen synthesis, which may indirectly contribute to healthier hair follicles.
Lysine-rich foods include cheese, fish, eggs, tofu, soy protein, and Fenugreek seed.
Do these natural DHT blockers work for women’s hair loss
These DHT blocker foods, such as zinc-rich foods, lycopene-rich foods, lysine-rich foods, and green tea, are natural and may prevent hair loss in women.
But, their effectiveness for women’s hair loss needs to be studied more.
Hair loss in women can have various underlying causes, and addressing the root cause of the issue is crucial.
While the natural DHT blocker can prevent hair loss in women, it is best to consult an expert before making any dietary changes.
Conclusion
DHT blocker foods may benefit individuals concerned about hair loss.
Certain nutrients found in foods such as zinc, Lycopene, Lysine, caffeine, and green tea have been associated with inhibiting DHT production.
However, more research is needed to fully understand these foods’ effectiveness.
Hair loss can have various causes, and individuals may require different treatments.
Hence, it is advisable to consult an expert for accurate guidance on treating and managing hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vitamin blocks DHT?
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) may block DHT and prevent hair loss, but limited evidence supports this. It may promote hair growth by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp and supporting the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles.
What is the best natural scalp DHT blocker?
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural DHT blocker shown to increase hair count. It contains compounds that inhibit enzyme activity and restricts the production of DHT hormone to prevent hair loss.
Is caffeine a DHT blocker?
There is limited direct evidence to suggest that caffeine is a DHT blocker. While caffeine may indirectly support hair health by stimulating hair follicles and improving blood flow, its specific effects on blocking DHT in relation to hair loss prevention require further research.
What foods are high in DHT?
Foods high in DHT precursors include red meat, shellfish, and certain dairy products. These foods contain higher levels of Testosterone and androstenedione, which can be converted into DHT in the body.
Is banana a DHT blocker?
Bananas are not considered DHT blockers. They may offer various health benefits, but they directly inhibit the body’s production or activity of DHT.
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