In this blog we will show how to block DHT by eating certain foods, drinks and snacks.
This is a super in-depth article that is full of mind-blowing facts, you’re never gonna looks at Cashew nuts or tinned soup in the same way.
I’ll be running through all the nutrients that help to slow down pattern baldness.
Before we get started, let’s have a recap on what DHT actually is, because once we have a deeper understanding of DHT and the enzymes that produce it, then we know how to fight them
What is DHT?
DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone. It’s a hormone produced in the skin, liver and testes.
DHT is present in both men and women, but DHT related hairloss, otherwise known Androgenic Alopecia or pattern baldness affects more men than women
In genetically pre-disposed guys an enzyme called 5-Alpha Reductase combines with testosterone to synthesize DHT.
When flowing around your blood stream DHT attaches itself to genetically susceptible hair follicles and shrinks them,
Basically this is called miniturisation. And it gradually kills the hair follicle so that hair no longer grows there.
But the good news is, the formation of excess DHT can be stopped in ways I’m going to show you now.
Before we get started, these micronutrients aren’t going to be as effective - unless you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
So ideally you really need to be getting:
7-9 hours of sleep (sleep helps your body to maintain and repair cells, including those at the scalp and hair follicles)
Make sure you’re getting regular exercise which helps to maintain healthy circulation which is needed for healthy hair growth.
Importantly, something a lot of people neglect, you need to take the time to unwind and destress.
Relaxing helps to reduce Cortisol, the stress hormone.
And research shows that this hormone can sometimes cause hair to prematurely shift into the shedding phase.
Finally it goes without saying, cut out smoking, drinking, any illegal drugs and unhealthy fatty foods from your diet. All of these, especially drink and drugs, stop nutrients being absorbed into your blood stream as well,
Also, I’ll be going into a little bit more detail about how fatty food and sugar can speed up hair loss a little bit later on.
The DHT BLOCKER SHOPPING LIST
I’ve gathering the foods into similar food types, so when you do your grocery shopping, these foods are all going to be in the same aisle.
It’s totally free and and it’s comprehensive guide to blocking DHT, from the foods to eat, to avoid, shampoos and vitamins to use and DIY exfoliating scrubs you can try at home.
If you have any particular questions about your own hair, please do leave me a comment below and DM me on Instagram
The Best Snacks to Block DHT
So for all of the snacks I’m going to mention, you’re going to want to eat roughly a handful each day.
Keep them in your drawer at work. Keep them in your gym bag. Replace all your unhealthy snacks with these:
Number 17: Cashew nuts
Raw cashew nuts are great for two reasons! They’re rich in Zinc and Protein!
Zinc is really useful. It helps to stop testosterone from converting to DHT in the first place. Zinc also helps to maintain healthy tissue growth and tissue repair.
I’m going to talk a little bit more about protein at the end. Protein doesn’t block DHT but it does help to maintain healthy hair.
Aim for 10 to 35% of what you’re eating every day to be protein-based.
Number 16: Almonds
Almonds are rich in L-lysine, which helps to stop DHT from forming in the first place.
Almonds are also a great source of protein.
Number 15: Pecans
Pecans are high in gamma-tocopherol; which is a fantastic source of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is also useful in soothing scalp inflammation and slows down any resulting hair loss. It’s also an ingredient that’s included in a lot of skin creams.
Pecans are also packed with:
Iron,
Manganese, and
Selenium,
Which are extremely useful in helping to maintain healthy hair follicles.
Number 14: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of phytosterols, including one called beta-sitosterol.
Research shows that Beta-sitosterol inhibits 5-alpha-reductase which as you know is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of Testosterone to DHT.
Number 13: Peanuts
Peanuts are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet,
Packed with Vitamin E,
Fiber
Folates
Protein
Omega 3
Omega 6 Fatty acids and this study found.
That peanuts could be a good supplementation for a hair growth diet in women experiencing hair loss,
Number 12: Flax Seeds
Flax Seeds are rich in Alpha-Linolenic acid, (ALA) which helps to regulate or inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase.
Just while we’re talking about Flax Seeds - you can actually apply Flax Seed Oil to your hair,
If you massage it into the scalp, smooth it from root to tip, keep it in for 15 minutes and then wash it out,
The Omega3 Fatty Acids really help to add shine to your hair.
Number 11: Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a plant with small berries that has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years.
This study discovered that saw palmetto can slow down 5-alpha reductase.
THE DRINKS THAT BLOCK DHT
10. Green Tea and
9. Black Tea
Catechins in Green Tea help to inhibit one of the two types of 5-Alpha Reductase.
Both teas are also rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties - great for soothing your scalp - a healthy scalp is the perfect environment for healthy hair growth.
There is also evidence to show applying Green Tea and Caffeine to your scalp can help stimulate hair growth.
Number 8: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the richest sources of Lycopene on the planet.
Lycopene is plant nutrient with antioxidant properties.
It blocks DHT through regulating or inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.
Lycopene is actually better absorbed when it is consumed in processed tomato products,
So instead of large whole tomatoes go for tinned tomatoes, baked beans, organic tomato ketchup and tomato-based pasta sauces.
Cherry tomatoes are a much better source of Lycopene than whole tomatoes if you wanna add them to your salad.
Also, good to know: a diet high in Lycopene can reduce your risk of prostate cancer by up to 35 per cent.
While we’re in the fruit and vegetable aisle, let’s also pick up:
Number 7: Watermelons
Number 6. Mangoes
Number 5. Pink Grapefruit
Number 4. Carrots
which are all good sources of Lycopene.
Next up;
Number 3. Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain Pantothenic acids which are useful for optimizing and encouraging hair growth.
White mushrooms are also rich in zinc which helps stop testosterone from converting to DHT in the first place
Number 2: Kale
Kale’s a great source of Zinc.
On top of that, there are also 45 different Flavinoids in Kale which help to fight inflammation which useful in reversing hair follicle minitiurzation.
Number 1: Avocodos
Avocados are an amazing natural DHT blocker.
They’re rich in proteins, amino acids, magnesium, folic acid, copper, iron, niacin, phytosterol, and numerous antioxidants.
All of which block DHT, stimulate normal hair growth & unclog blocked pores at the scalp.
So there you have it - these are the best foods to block DHT.
Are you going to start putting these foods into your diet, have you tried anything that’s worked wonders on your hair? I’m really interested to know - cos I always love learning new stuff
Please also let me know if I’ve totally missed anything out or if you just don’t agree with anything I’ve included.
Before we finish let’s briefly discuss foods rich in protein.
Hair is made up of a protein called Keratin.
Studies show that foods high in protein help to promote normal healthy hair growth.
These foods include: Eggs, Turkey, Chicken, Fish, Dairy, Tofu, Lentils, Chickpeas, Edamame
Protein does not actually block DHT, but a diet lacking in protein can lead to hair loss.
Remember I asked you to make sure that 10 to 35% of your daily diet. So do bear that it mind.
Another really important thing to remember is that these foods aren’t going to be as effective in blocking DHT if you’re also sneaking in junk food and fatty foods into your diet.
This study from last year found that mice who were given a Western-style diet high in fat and cholesterol, experienced hair loss, hair whitening, and skin inflammation.
Bad fats are known to increase the production of sebaceous DHT, they increase cholesterol and prevent a good circulation - these fats clog up veins and arteries.
So it’s a good idea to avoid: Red Meat, Cured meats like Salami, Lard, Butter, Fried foods.
If you’re already on your own DHT blocking diet and you’re not seeing the results that you want, then our hair nutritional can definitely help you.
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