We all worry more or less about hair loss. There are many causes of hair loss and one of them is DHT. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a type of androgen hormone produced in the male body. This hormone is responsible for various physical characteristics of men such as male chest hair, thick voice, muscular body, etc. DHT is also produced in the female body but in much lower amounts. DHT is produced when the male hormone testosterone reacts with 5-alpha reductase to form dihydrotestosterone. To combat hair loss, you must first reduce your DHT levels. This article discusses how you can block DHT and prevent hair loss.
Why DHT Is Responsible for Hair Loss?
Testosterone is the androgenic hormone released in the body. However, to be transported to tissues such as the brain or skin, the hormone testosterone combines with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase to form dihydrotestosterone. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence DHT and help increase hormone levels in the body. Stress indirectly causes hair loss. When someone is under excessive stress, the hormone cortisol is released in their body, which later increases the level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. DHT binds to androgen receptors present in the hair follicle. This results in changes in the hair growth cycle and thinning of the hair. DHT is known to bind to follicular receptors five times more strongly than testosterone.
DHT Blocker Foods to Prevent Hair Loss
If you want to reduce your hair loss then you should try to block DHT. Some foods can be added to our diet to block DHT. Below is the discussion about it.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular beverage around the world for its various physical benefits. It is unmatched as a source of antioxidants.
Green tea contains a chemical called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which helps us lose weight, keeps the heart healthy, and keeps our brain healthy.
This EGCG has some other properties. We know hair follicles help grow new hair on our scalp. EGCG protects hair follicles from damage by DHT and prevents hair loss.
However, more extensive research is needed on whether EGCG or green tea supplements can block DHT. Drinking too much green tea can cause liver damage. So if you want to use green tea only to prevent hair loss, you have to use it wisely.
Coconut Oil
As we know coconut oil is usually produced from coconut which is very popular all over the world. Coconut oil has long been used in cooking because it retains its medicinal properties even at high temperatures. Additionally, it has long been used as a scalp massage due to its nourishing properties.
Coconut oil is composed of linoleic acid, a fat derived from MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides. One study showed that lauric acid inhibited the production of DHT in animals. It can be consumed by including it in daily meals or as a preparation for important applications. However, researchers have not yet studied its positive effects on humans.
Onions
Onions add both sweet and spicy flavors to a variety of dishes.
They are low in calories but high in antioxidants like cucurbitin.
Preliminary research has shown that quercetin inhibits testosterone's production of DHT by inhibiting alpha-5 reductase activity and reducing oxidative stress.
For example, quercetin, combined with a drug commonly prescribed to treat hair loss. A study using quercetin on rats found that it reduced DHT production in rats.
Although positive results are obtained on animals, no studies have examined the effects of onion consumption or quercetin supplementation on DHT levels in humans.
Blueberries, spinach, kale, apples, and berries are also rich in quercetin.
Quercetin of Onions inhibits DHT production which is known from primary research. More research is needed to see if these benefits apply to humans.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant commonly used in cooking and powdered extract forms to enhance the taste of cooking. It is an essential spice for cooking.
It helps us to relieve arthritis pain, balance cholesterol levels, and promote recovery after exercise.
These effects are attributed to the concentration of active compounds called curcuminoids in turmeric, maximum research has been done on curcumin in particular.
Primary research suggests that curcumin may reduce DHT levels because it blocks the action of the alpha-5 reductase.
However, it is not yet known whether these results will be translatable to humans. So more research is needed.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a winter vegetable and is popular all over the world as a curry.
Pumpkin seeds are unmatched as a source of iron, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Pumpkin seed oil works well for hair growth in men.
A study of 76 men found that taking a 400 mg pumpkin seed oil supplement daily improved their hair growth. However, this is not completely certain, just a guess.
Pumpkin seed oil inhibits testosterone's production of DHT by inhibiting the alpha-5 reductase. However, pumpkin seed oil supplements contain other ingredients that may contribute to blocking DHT.
Therefore, more human trials are needed before recommending pumpkin seed oil for hair loss.
Edamame
We like edamame Beans as an appetizer or snack.
Edamame beans contain some beneficial compounds called isoflavones which block the effect of 5-alpha reductase.
During a six-month study, 58 men were randomly assigned to supplement their diet with isoflavone-rich soy protein, primarily isoflavone-free soy protein, or milk protein.
After 3 and 6 months, soy protein supplements reduced DHT levels more than milk protein. Although this decrease in DHT is not significant at 6 months, it may have clinical or practical significance.
Additionally, since beneficial effects have been observed with soy protein, primarily through the removal of isoflavones, there may be other active components in soy linked to these effects.
Similar results were seen in another study in men, in which soy protein consumption reduced DHT levels whether low or high in isoflavones.
It should be noted that although soy consumption is thought to reduce testosterone levels in men, the vast majority of available evidence suggests that this is not true when consumed in moderate amounts.
Still, more human studies are needed to realize the effects of edamame to stop hair loss.
Medications
Due to our busy lives and lack of nutritious food, many people use different types of drugs, supplements, serums, shampoos, etc. to block DHT. Medications like minoxidil are currently being used by many for new hair growth. However, it is best not to use drugs to block DHT. Because they can have many side effects. However, if you have to use any medicine or supplement, it is better to use it with the doctor's advice.
Finally, if we eat nutritious food, sleep moderately, and live a regular life, we can block DHT and prevent hair loss.