Are you looking for how to block DHT naturally? DHT or dihydrotestosterone is a molecule created when 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone. About 5% of the body’s testosterone is converted to DHT, and since men have more testosterone, hair loss and baldness are more prevalent in males than females. For many years, hair loss pills have focused on blocking DHT or hindering the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme from converting testosterone. However, hair loss medications have many side effects. Here’s a quick overview of how to block DHT naturally and some of the side effects to watch out for when looking to use DHT blockers.
Are DHT Blockers Safe?
There are various ways to prevent testosterone conversion to DHT. However, the most effective is using FDA-approved hair loss pills, which feature many ingredients, including saw palmetto, bacopa monnieri, gooseberry, licorice, aloe vera, and more. Flax, grape, poppy, and black sesame seeds are also popular options in ayurvedic treatments. The popular hair loss medication include Propecia, but there are many options. Unfortunately, DHT blockers have many adverse effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, nausea, enlarged prostate, vertigo, and decreased libido. In rare cases, hair loss pills have resulted in liver damage as well.
How to Block DHT Naturally
Using DHT blocker pills and medication doesn’t rejuvenate lost hair. You’ll only halt the process of hair loss and are required to continue taking the tablets for as long as you want to prevent balding. You’ll continue to lose hair when you stop taking the pills. However, those looking for less harmful alternatives have many options. Here’s how to block DHT naturally.
Consider DHT Blocking Foods
Many foods are linked with regulating DHT levels and blocking the conversion of testosterone. The most popular include green tea, coconut oil, onions, turmeric, pumpkin seeds, and young soybean. Most of these foods have been shown to block DHT in preclinical studies and animal tests, so it is not known whether they work for humans.
DHT Blocking Herbs
Many ayurvedic treatments for blocking DHT feature herbs such as Nasya kriya, Ginko Biloba, stinging nettle, bhiringraj, peppermint, chamomile, horsetail and burdock, and more. Some herbs are inhaled, while others are used in massage and hair cleansing. They are thought to nourish hair follicles and prevent DHT damage on hair and cells.
DHT Blocking Diet
Includes various foods like zinc-containing vegetables (spinach, kale, green peas, sweet corn, mushroom, and beat greens. Other foods to incorporate in your hair loss diet include watermelon, mango, tomato, carrot, and lycopene-containing foods. You can also use foods that promote hair growth. This includes bananas, soybeans, sesame seeds, black pepper,
Essential Oils
Adding essential oils to your hair food, hair shampoo, and masks can help regulate DHT levels. Some of the recommended essential oils include rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and saw palmetto oil.
Exercise
Exercise is another option when looking for how to block DHT naturally. Moderate workouts done three to five days a week can hinder 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to DHT. On the other hand, intense training carries the risk of increasing DHT levels, so it is vital to strike a good balance.
Summary
There are many options if you are looking for how to block DHT naturally. However, some DHT blockers feature many side effects, and natural food options have limited research. There’s no proof that using the foods mentioned above will prevent hair loss, so it is advisable to consult your doctor for a comprehensive treatment that combines natural foods and approaches.