Foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes, watermelons, carrots, and mangoes naturally block DHT production. Biotin-rich foods like berries, liver, legumes, oily fish, and bananas condition the skin and scalp creating an overall healthy environment for strong hair.
Green tea, pumpkin seeds, leafy vegetables, berries, and onions are the top 5 DHT blocker foods. Besides, coconut oil is also a natural DHT blocker food.
It's important to note that while DHT blockers can be effective in slowing down hair loss, they do not provide a permanent solution. Hair loss continues, albeit at a slower pace, even with the use of these blockers.
Cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, and cycling increase blood circulation, which promotes a healthy scalp and supports hair growth. Strength training, on the other hand, helps build muscle and reduce body fat, which can lower the amount of DHT in your system.
Methods to reduce DHT levels typically include the use of DHT blockers. While more research is necessary, some anecdotal evidence suggests that dietary changes, such as including onions and pumpkin seeds, and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing stress, may help reduce DHT levels.
Research has also shown that caffeine can help block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone — a hormone that has been linked to hair follicle damage, which can lead to androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female-pattern hair loss, she says.
Key Vitamins for Hair Growth and DHT Reduction
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin promotes healthy blood flow to the scalp, which can nourish hair follicles and reduce DHT's impact.
Zinc: shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase activity, blocking the production of DHT. The body cannot produce this trace element on its own, so it must be supplied through food and/or supplements. Too high of a dose of zinc can be damaging, so it is advised to monitor intake carefully.
The problem is that DHT does much more than contribute to hair loss. It also plays a crucial role in male sexual development and mood regulation. When DHT levels are reduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can impact these functions in unwanted ways and cause: Impotence.
The low DHT levels may lead to reduced body hair growth and a mild decrease in pubic hair. The prostate has a significant 5-alpha-reductase type 2 activity, producing large amounts of the potent DHT.
As people age further, DHT levels can increase in men, thereby causing hair loss. While important nutrients like biotin and Omega 3 support dietary deficiencies, it is the DHT blocker that is instrumental in keeping this hormone under control.
All three types of skin aging—biological, environmental, and mechanical—contribute to the skin's loss of firmness. Biologically, our body naturally produces more of the hormone DHT as we age. As DHT levels increase, elastin production is inhibited. Elastin is another skin structural protein found in the dermis.
The biotin content in bananas make it one of the most popular DHT blocking foods. It restricts the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It is a good source of potassium and helps enhance the nutrient supply to the hair follicles. Bananas also help maintain healthy gut bacteria which limits the overproduction of DHT.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce DHT levels naturally. This includes regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce stress, take time to rest, and do scalp exercises like massages to reduce tension and increase blood flow. The herbal route is also an effective natural way to reduce DHT in the body.
Increased hair shedding — While it's normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs daily, according to the NHS, those with DHT-related hair loss might notice more hair falling out than usual. Itchy or oily scalp — Some people with DHT-related hair loss also report an increase in scalp itching or oiliness.
You can focus on a range of solutions such as pumpkin seed oil, natural DHT blockers, and green tea to naturally lower your DHT levels. You should also review other health parameters that may be impacting your DHT levels in the body as well.
Yes, sort of. Green tea has a number of health benefits – including weight loss and brain health. But EGCG specifically has been found to protect hair follicles from the attacks of DHT and helps prevent hair loss from DHT. But the news is not all good.
A biotin deficiency may lead to hair loss, and supplements may aid hair growth. However, evidence has not shown that biotin supplements can boost hair growth in those without a deficiency. Biotin is an essential B vitamin that helps the body get energy and nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.