Foods Which Block DHT - Do They Really Work?

I get asked a lot if there are natural ways that we can delay or prevent the onset of the hereditary hair loss we know is in our future. For most people the hormone increases associated with hair loss are so significant that only a prescription strength medication will do the job to reverse it. However, using nutrients from natural food sources can help delay onset or reduce the strength of medication you are required to take or apply.

As we know, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that has been demonstrated to cause male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, increased Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, BPH and more. There are a host of pharmaceutical medications on the market that treat elevated DHT levels such as Proscar, Propecia, and Finasteride. These medications while somewhat effective have been seen to cause side effects in some users – especially when a one size fits all approach to dosage is employed.

Some foods do contain natural DHT blockers which when included in the diet on a regular basis can assist in providing some hair loss relief. We've compiled a list of a few popular and easy to access foods that act in this way and have also included a smoothie recipe that you can use at home to assist in your hair loss regimen. These foods work to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the hormone which blocks the absorption of nutrients by the hair follicle and thus causes the hair loss.

It is important to remember however, that foods can cause side effects just as easily as medicines can and if dosing is an important element in treatment, then food sources can't easily be measured in terms of therapeutic application. 

DHT Blocking Foods:

Pumpkin Seeds contains a steriod called delta-7 stearine, which blocks DHT buildup in the hair follicle.

Tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, mangoes: contain Lycopene which inhibits DHT naturally by down regulating or inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pecans: Are rich in L-Lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.

Spinach, Kale, cashews, wheat germ, cooked white mushrooms: are high in Zinc , a known DHT inhibitor.

Biotin is also great for conditioning the skin and scalp which provides a healthy environment for hair to grow. Biotin also is active in the formation of certain fatty acids and DHA which is essential for healthy hair, eyes, brain function and more.

 Add the following ingredients to your blender:

1. FROZEN BERRIES: Strawberries, Blueberries or Rasberries

2. GREENS CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Spinach, Parsley, Cilantro, Swiss Chard

3. PUMPKIN SEEDS

4. CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Tomatoes, Watermelon or Mangoes

5. CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Soy Milk

6. MAPLE SYRUP, HONEY OR SUGAR IF DESIRED FOR SWEETNESS

If you are serious about treating your hair loss naturally (without any medication), you would need to drink these smoothies at least six times a day in order to ingest sufficient quantities of the nutrients required.

Don't forget to also check out my article about the vitamins and supplements which can assist you in growing your hair faster and stronger.