Are you looking to use DHT blocker food to prevent hair loss? Blocking dihydrotestosterone can prevent hair loss, considering it is the main cause of androgenic alopecia. DHT is a naturally occurring molecule produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone. The body converts about 5% of testosterone to DHT, and most blockers come as hair loss pills featuring various ingredients formulated to prevent the conversion of testosterone.
Some medications, such as Propecia, are approved by the FDA as hair loss treatment but have many adverse effects. Because of this, it is advisable to stay away from hair loss pills designed to block DHT. Instead, people suffering hair loss can use natural foods known to prevent the conversion of testosterone. But do they work? Here’s a quick overview of the common DHT blocker foods for hair loss and their safety.
Top DHT Blocker Food Options
Several foods support hair growth and block DHT conversion. However, most haven’t been studied if they work for humans. More research is needed before extracts from these foods are recommended as DHT blockers. It is also vital to contact a doctor and fully understand the potential side effects of using DHT blocker foods. The top DHT blocker food options include:
Green Tea: Contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary chemical associated with protecting hair follicles from DHT damage. In one study, an alcohol extract of EGCG applied to the scalp revitalized hair growth by keeping cells that regulate hair growth from dying.
Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, a form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that has been shown to block testosterone conversion to DHT. However, lauric acid has only shown effectiveness in test tubes and animal studies. More human studies are needed before coconut oil is recommended for androgenic alopecia.
Onions: Another DHT blocker food that prevents 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone in preclinical studies. It is rich in quercetin, the antioxidant that blocks DHT conversion, and has been shown to block DHT in rats. Other foods rich in quercetin include spinach, asparagus, kales, berries, and apples.
Turmeric: Contains curcuminoids such as curcumin, which can prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. However, only preclinical studies exist, so there is no proof this DHT blocker food works on humans.
Pumpkin Seeds: This DHT blocker food contains a wide variety of essential nutrients, including zinc, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and more. Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds supplements can promote hair growth and block DHT in men.
Is It Safe To Use DHT Blocker Food?
Although low DHT levels are great for preventing hair loss, there are risks associated with using DHT blockers. The foods mentioned above are generally safe, but extracts that block DHT come with different side effects. Having low DHT levels may also result in the following:
- Incomplete/late development of sex organs such as the testes and penis
- Gynecomastia caused by changes in body fat distribution
- Higher risk of developing antagonistic prostate tumors
Summary
It is essential to avoid DHT blocker pills as they feature many adverse effects, including diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, nausea, vertigo, prostate cancer, and decreased libido. Blocking DHT may also result in liver damage, pancreatic and bleeding in the brain, although these are rare side-effects of hair loss pills.