DHT, also known as Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone similar to testosterone, which is associated with hair loss in both men and women. Our bodies naturally convert certain percentage of testosterone into DHT using an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.
High levels of dihydrotestosterone in the body can shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair cycle. This will result in the hair growing out thinner than usual and will be more prone to breakage and falling out as the hair becomes more brittle. DHT can also make the hair follicles take longer to grow back once hair has fallen out. DHT can be influenced by both external and internal factors.
DHT hair loss in men is of male pattern baldness and causes hair loss or hair thinning along the hairline or at the crown. DHT hair loss in women differs from men as it will reduce hair quantity on an overall level and thin down the hair.
Here are certain foods than can help block DHT and prevent hair fall:
1. Almonds:
Almonds can help strengthen and nourish the hair follicles from within and promote better hair growth. Almonds are rich in vitamin B7 or biotin. Biotin is very essential in assisting hair regrowth and improving the overall quality of the hair. Almond oil can also help protect the hair from damage due to exposure. It can keep the hair away from dryness and split ends.
2. Green tea:
Green tea contains the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is known to protect hair follicles from hair loss that is caused by DHT. Which means that EGCG will not directly inhibit or block DHT, but it can protect the hair against the effects of DHT, as it can help protect the human dermal papilla cells, which plays an important role in the regulation of hair growth. Drink green tea everyday and also u can apply it on your hair as hair rinse to stop hair fall. READ MORE – GREEN TEA RICE WATER HAIR SPRAY
3. Walnuts:
Walnuts contain an amino acid called L-lysine, which isn’t a direct DHT blocker but it can help in hair growth by lowering the amounts of DHT in the hair follicles. It can also help rebuild the protein in the hair strands. Walnuts also contain tannins, which are phenolic compounds that help bind keratin proteins of the hair very easily and thereby protect the hair from damage.
4. Pumpkin seeds:
Adding pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil to your diet can help in promoting hair growth as it contains an amino acid called ‘cucurbitin’. Pumpkin seeds also contain l-lysine, iron, zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids that are all known to promote better hair growth and improve hair quality.
5. Onions:
Onions are rich in sulphur and quercetin (a flavonoid). These properties of onions are beneficial to promote blood circulation on the scalp and provides stimulation to the hair follicles and improves collagen (a protein that can prevent hair follicle damage and promote hair root strength) production that nourishes the hair follicles, makes the hair grow faster and roots grow stronger. It can also help control DHT levels in the body, as it is shown to inhibit the production of DHT from testosterone by blocking the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. READ MORE – Speed Up Hair Growth with onion
6. Eggs:
Eggs are a great source of protein and act as a natural multivitamin. It can stimulate the hair follicles by providing nutrition to the scalp, in turn strengthening the roots. Egg yolks contain biotin that can keep your hair hydrated and promote hair elasticity. It can also help in the reduction of hair loss, prevention of split ends and also prevent brittle nails as biotin also improves the body’s keratin structure and keratin is a protein that makes up the hair, skin and nails. Eggs also contain lecithin (a kind of fat) and protein, that can strengthen, nourish and heal the hair strands.
7. Coconut oil:
We often hear of the topical application of coconut oil for hair growth. But coconut oil contains lauric acid which can help promote hair growth from within, as it can also help block out DHT production. So, adding coconut oil to your diet is a good option. Have a teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil every morning to stop hair fall.
8. Foods containing lycopene and phytosterol:
Food rich in lycopene such as carrots, tomatoes, watermelon, guava, mangoes etc and foods rich in phytosterol like spinach, white mushroom, kale, etc can all naturally help block DHT production.
In conclusion, it is important to note that some of these foods may not have a direct correlation between hair fall and DHT, but they are foods that can promote hair growth.