Block DHT with Healthy Foods: Holistic Reference (2019 Complete Guide)

I think you’ll agree with me when I say:

Nobody wants to lose their thick, lustrous hair off the top of their head.

Well, it turns out that there is a simple, natural, healthy solution to this problem. It’s right at your grocery store!

And in this comprehensive guide, I’m going to show you exactly which foods can naturally block DHT and prevent hair loss.

Are you one of the millions of people affected by hair loss?

Have you run out of ideas on how to fix this malady?

Well, this guide may be just the help you’re looking for. I am going to outline all the foods that act as natural DHT blockers that can aid in stopping the root of the cause of hair loss: over-conversion of testosterone into DHT, the molecule that prevents hair follicles from receiving vital nourishment and nutrition.

What Is a DHT Blocker?

First of all, you might be wondering, what is DHT? DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a sex hormone produced in hair follicles and adrenal glands in both sexes, as well as in the prostate and testes in men.

Both sexes also produce the hormone testosterone. DHT has been shown to cause male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, increased Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, BPH, and more, by blocking the absorption of nutrients by the hair follicle.

The correlation between DHT and hair loss has been the subject of many studies and a DHT blocker works to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

What Causes DHT to Increase?

DHT is a naturally occurring hormone within the body, and it plays a very important role in puberty.

It’s part of the reason why men develop body hair, a deep voice, and are able to grow muscles.

It’s also linked to having a healthy sex drive.

But you know what they say, nothing in the world comes for free.

Despite all of DHT’s benefits, it’s also one of the reasons why we lose our hair. When the body’s hormones are out of balance and produce too much testosterone, DHT blocks follicles from growing hair and balding is the result.

It is not yet fully known why DHT seems to increase with age, but it is thought to be genetic.

How to Block DHT?

Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “Okay, I know what DHT is, but how do I stop it?”

There are many examples of how to lower DHT and minimize conversion.

There are many medications and supplements out there, and also many DHT blocker shampoos on the market, but the best way to go about anything is of course, naturally.

There are a ton of natural foods that contain nutrients and chemicals that have been proven to prevent the over-conversion of testosterone into DHT.

It should be noted that over-the-counter DHT-blocking supplements and DHT blocking shampoos can be purchased (and there is nothing wrong with them) but this article will focus on the holistic approach to combating hair loss.

An Extensive List of Natural Foods That Block DHT

There are a large number of all-natural DHT blocking foods that will block DHT levels and the best part is, you don’t have to go searching for these foods or pay crazy high prices for them.

These foods can all be found at arm’s reach at your local grocery store!

Having the proper diet will not only nip the problem of having your hair falling out but it can also set you up to feeling better and healthier by giving you more vitality and energy throughout your day-to-day life.

Now, I know that some of you will probably be thinking, “Hey, why can’t I just buy some ‘DHT blocker pills’ and not bother with adding all these foods to my diet?”

So, before we get into the list of natural foods you can begin eating and making delicious meals with, let’s first address that question.

Why Not Just Take DHT Blocker Supplements?

To quote Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This adage is still extremely relevant today.

There is no medicinal supplement that can take the place of a good, wholesome, nutritious diet.

There is great importance to whole foods and taking a holistic approach to hair loss prevention.

Supplements are just that, “supplements.”

Saw palmetto for hair loss is one of the more popular ones and there are many herbs that block DHT.

However, they are not meant to be used exclusively. They are merely a helping tool, and if you have the right diet, they might not even be needed.

Different Categories of DHT-Blocking Foods

Before we get into the actual foods that you may soon be enjoying after making a quick trip to your grocer, let’s discuss the different categories of DHT-blocking foods.

There are different types of foods that may prevent hair loss and with the right diet you can get a balance of an assortment of nutrients that your hair follicles need and also squeeze in some hair growth.

That said, there are different natural chemicals found in foods that inhibit DHT levels and different foods contain various amounts of these chemicals. These are naturally found in foods and act as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT.

The first category of foods that we will cover are phytosterols (referred to as plant sterol and stanol esters) which are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in plant cell membranes.

The components of phytosterols predominantly consist of sitosterols, sitostanols, and campesterols. Research has shown that sitosterols help prevent hair loss by inhibiting the production of 5-alpha reductase.

Lycopene is another category and it is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. A number of studies have found that lycopene acts as a hormone regulator and inhibits DHT from forming as a result of testosterone.

And the last of the categories is zinc, an essential mineral found in many food sources. Animal proteins are a particularly good source of zinc.

Because your body doesn’t keep a stockpile of zinc, a steady supply is needed for your body to function in a healthy way.

It’s believed zinc acts as a natural 5-alpha reductase hair loss inhibitor, blocking the creation of DHT, known for contributing to prostate enlargement and pattern baldness. There have been many studies on the effect of zinc on DHT.

An easy way to find out what nutrients are in your food is to use the USDA’s food composition database.

Foods High in Phytosterols

• Soy as a DHT Blocker
  • Soy is a general term referring to foods that have been made from soybeans.
  • A team of scientists has discovered that a molecule called, equol, created in the intestine when soy is digested is a natural and powerful blocker of DHT.
  • According to the research, equol behaves like an anti-androgen and effectively binds and blocks the operation of DHT without affecting the work of testosterone itself.
  • Some of the most popular soy foods are soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, and edamame

• Almonds as a DHT Blocker
  • The almond benefits for hair are plenty. Almonds are a good vegan source of protein, which supports the growth of new hair.
  • They are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, the “good” fats that are needed to produce healthy strands of hair that are less likely to break.
  • Almonds are also rich in biotin, which encourages hair growth.
  • Vitamin E in almonds also helps to condition the hair follicles.

• Banana as a DHT Blocker
  • Bananas, like almonds, are rich in biotin, which helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
  • Bananas are also one of the best sources of potassium, which helps maintain the circulatory system so that there will be an adequate supply of nutrients to the hair follicles.
  • Bananas also contain FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) and are great prebiotics, helping maintain healthy gut bacteria. Having a healthy gut will help your body reduce the production of DHT.
  • Do bananas lower testosterone? Just the opposite actually. Bananas contain the enzyme bromelain, which some studies have found boosts a man’s libido. They are also rich in B vitamins, such as riboflavin, which are essential for the manufacturing of testosterone.
• Swiss Chard as a DHT Blocker
  • Swiss chard contains many powerful antioxidants that fight scalp inflammation.
  • It is also high in biotin which conditions the scalp and provides a healthy environment for your hair to grow thick and strong. Biotin also facilitates a proper hair growth cycle.
  • Swiss chard also contains a powerful flavonoid called syringic acid that lowers blood sugar and inflammation in the body which in turn helps to prevent balding.
  • Swiss chard also contains a phytonutrient called betalain that can help the body regulate its hormonal activity and detoxify itself of excess DHT.

• Peas as a DHT Blocker
  • Peas are not only high in phytosterols but they are also high in niacin.
  • Niacin increases blood circulation in the scalp. When blood flow is restricted, it can lead to brittle hair which easily breaks. No blood flow means there’s no way for chemicals (including DHT) to be removed from the follicle.
  • Peas are also high in folic acid which synthesizes and repairs DNA which is important for a wide variety of biochemical processes including hair growth.

• Kidney Beans as a DHT Blocker
  • Kidney beans are a very rich source of phytosterols, and also contain biotin, vitamin B, and Omega 3 fatty acids, all of which contribute to hair health.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are also natural pgd2 blockers
  • Kidney beans also contain trace amounts of zinc.

Foods High in Lycopene

• Tomato as a DHT Blocker
  • Lycopene acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation of the scalp and prevents testosterone from converting into DHT and blocking hair growth.
  • The darker the tomato, the more lycopene it contains.
  • Cooked and canned tomatoes are an even better source of lycopene than raw. The process of cooking the tomatoes with heat changes lycopene’s bioavailability, allowing for easier absorption and use.
  • Tomatoes also contain vitamin C which helps heal damaged hair follicles.
  • The beta-carotene in tomatoes also helps to supply nutrients to the scalp for hair growth.

• Watermelon as a DHT Blocker
  • Not only is watermelon high in lycopene, it is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps heal the scalp.
  • Watermelon is an organic source of B12 and B6, which helps regrow hair loss due to metabolic issues such as type 2 diabetes.
  • This amazing fruit also contains an amino acid called citrulline, that supports kidney function and circulation, making sure that any excess DHT produced by the body is efficiently eliminated through waste.
  • The reddest part of the watermelon contains the most lycopene, so it is best to wait until a watermelon is fully ripe before consuming it.

• Mango as a DHT Blocker
  • Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C which helps heal damaged hair on the scalp.
  • They are also high in vitamin E which heals and hydrates the skin.
  • Mangoes also contain the mineral silica which is a component of connective tissue that helps to strengthen hair and promote its growth.
• Carrots as a DHT Blocker
  • Carrots are rich in beta carotenes, vitamins A, C, E, K, potassium, and fiber, all of which stimulate hair growth and texture, prevent hair breakage, and protect your hair from external damage caused by pollution.

• Guava as a DHT Blocker
  • Guavas contain the highest lycopene content of any fruit and they are also rich in biotin.
  • Guava leaves have also been shown in numerous studies to reduce hair loss due to their high vitamin B content.

• Grapefruit as a DHT Blocker
  • Grapefruits have a very high lycopene content.
  • Not only that, but grapefruit oil has anti-inflammatory properties to shield the scalp from irritants and strengthen hair.

Foods High in Zinc

• Oysters as a DHT Blocker
  • Raw oysters are especially high in zinc.
  • They are also a rich source of potassium and magnesium, needed for proper blood circulation and the carrying of nutrients from the bloodstream to the hair follicles.
  • They are a very rich source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and selenium all of which are beneficial to hair.
  • The high amounts of vitamins C and E in oysters can also help calm an inflamed scalp.

• Pumpkin Seeds as a DHT Blocker
  • Pumpkin seeds contain a steroid called Delta-7 Sterine which blocks DHT build up in the hair follicle.
  • These seeds contain a unique amino acid, cucurbitin, that helps in hair growth.
  • The L-lysine, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) found in pumpkin seeds also improve hair growth, quality, and texture.
  • In one study, pumpkin seed oil was found to have a significant effect over a twenty-four-week period on men suffering from androgenetic alopecia. The use of pumpkin seed oil on hair is popular.

• Cashews as a DHT Blocker
  • Not only do cashews contain a significant amount of zinc but they are also very high in other minerals that prompt the regrowth of hair, including copper, phosphorus, and manganese.
  • Cashews, and nuts in general, have also been linked to a reduction in risk factors for some diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
  • A one-ounce serving of cashews contains 14 percent of the daily recommended intake.

• Peanuts as a DHT Blocker
  • This legume contains L-Lysine and biotin. Not only are both of these natural DHT inhibitors but they are also a heart-healthy source of protein, unusually rich in folate and molybdenum.
  • These two nutrients help scalp follicles utilize the iron and copper needed to grow healthy hair.
  • Peanuts are also rich in monounsaturated fats, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system, which helps keep hair follicles nourished.
  • Peanuts are an important source of zinc for people following vegan or vegetarian diets.
  • Heating, sprouting, soaking, or fermenting legumes can increase zinc’s bioavailability.

• Eggs as a DHT Blocker
  • Eggs, specifically the yolks, are rich in zinc and biotin.
  • Naturally occurring sulfur in egg yolks can also help you grow thick long locks.
  • Eggs are also an excellent source of protein, the building blocks of beautiful hair.
  • Eggs contain cysteine, a key amino acid for hair growth found in hair keratin.
  • Eggs should be cooked sunny side up or over easy so that the DHT-blocking minerals are not destroyed by overcooking. However, cooked egg yolks are more rich in biotin.
• Wheat Germ as a DHT Blocker
  • Whole grains, such as wheat, have many health benefits and are a good source of many important nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium.
  • In fact, eating whole grains has been linked to a longer life and number of other health benefits, including a reduced risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Wheat germ is high in all of the essential components needed to grow healthy hair, including folate, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and protein.
• Kale as a DHT Blocker
  • Not only is kale rich in zinc, but it also contains isothiocyanates which play a primary role in balancing hormones in the body.
  • Kale also contains forty-five flavonoids that help fight diseases of the scalp as well as reducing inflammation. Inflammation of hair follicles is the first sign that an excess of DHT production is about to or is causing hair loss.
• Pecans as a DHT Blocker
  • Like all nuts, pecans are high in zinc.
  • Pecans also contain L-Lysine, which is a natural DHT blocker.
  • They are also full of monosaturated fatty acid and ellagic acid, which help prevent inflamed hair follicles from getting infected.
  • Pecans are also an exceptional source of gamma-tocopherol: a very potent source of vitamin E that can help reduce scalp inflammation and subsequent hair loss.
  • Pecans contain several minerals, including iron, manganese, and selenium, that are essential for maintaining hair follicle health.
• Tuna as a DHT Blocker
  • Tuna not only has a high zinc content, but it’s a very biotin-rich food. Does biotin block DHT? Since biotin is a vitamin, it doesn’t have any effect on the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It does, however, have a proven positive effect on hair growth
  • Tuna also contains the mineral selenium in a form that is very nourishing and helps prevent inflammation and dandruff.
  • Tuna is also a very rich source of EPA and DHA, two critical omega-3 fatty acids that encourage hair growth. These fatty acids can be found in canned tuna.
  • Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, play a key role in the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
  • Albacore tuna has the highest biotin content.
• Mushrooms as a DHT Blocker
  • Mushrooms, specifically white cremini mushrooms, are not only a bountiful source of zinc, but are also a rich vegetarian source of vitamin D and pantothenic acid, both of which are needed to grow thick, flexible, and glossy strands of hair.
  • Mushrooms are best eaten cooked to get the full bioavailability of zinc.
• Walnuts as a DHT Blocker
  • Like all nuts, walnuts are very rich in zinc, but walnuts also contain the natural DHT inhibitor, L-Lysine.
  • Walnuts are high in protein and contain a particularly beneficial source of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol that encourages hair growth.
  • Walnuts also contain rare anti-inflammatory nutrients such as juglone, tannin, and morin that help combat hair loss due to problems with the prostate and prostate cancer.
  • Another benefit of walnuts is that they are rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s.
• Spinach as a DHT Blocker
  • Spinach is not only high in zinc, but it is also high in vitamin B6.
  • Spinach is also one of the best plant sources of iron that you can add to your diet.
  • Spinach also has vitamins C and E, which further help its reputation as a hair loss fighter.

Foods High in Other 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

• Green Tea as a DHT Blocker
  • Green tea contains a group of water-soluble polyphenols known as catechins.
  • The major polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG). Studies have found that EGCG is a direct androgen antagonist that can help to blunt androgen receptor functions and inhibit 5-alpha reductase to promote hair growth.
  • Polyphenolic compounds or catechins are antioxidants which protect your hair from external as well as internal damage.
  • Green tea also contains vitamin B (panthenol) which is mainly used in hair conditioners.
• Berries as a DHT Blocker
  • Berries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for scalp circulation ensuring adequate blood nutrient supply to the hair follicles.
  • Berries also contain flavonoids which increase blood circulation in the scalp.
  • The proanthocyanidins in blueberries stimulate hair growth by accelerating the transition from telogen to anagen.

Are There Any Side Effects to Eating Too Many DHT-Blocker Foods?

Now that you’ve gotten the lowdown on all the natural DHT-blocking foods that nature has to offer, you may have pondered whether or not you should ration portions of all these foods and if too much of any one can cause adverse effects.

And rightfully so!

But don’t worry.

Every food on this list is part and parcel of nature and nature has natural mechanisms in place, unlike over-the-counter herbal DHT blocker supplements that are extracted and provide unnatural concentrations and missing co-factors that can cause side effects.

If you had to choose between something made by a person in a white lab coat or something made by nature, who would you put your trust in?

Will Eating Foods That Promote Hair Growth Assist a DHT-Blocking Diet?

Foods that naturally block DHT ensure that hair follicles receive the proper nutrition from the body that will assist in the growth of hair.

Throwing in some foods such as berries, sweet potatoes, avocados, and beans that are known for hair growth may provide a more pronounced recovery to hair loss.

Many foods containing DHT-blocking vitamins and minerals also happen to contain other vitamins and minerals that assist in hair growth.

DHT blockers can always use a little bit of help!

Conclusion

The body’s overproduction of DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss in both men and women.

Although DHT occurs naturally and is one of the essential hormones that aids in development during puberty, too much of it can have a disastrous effect on our hair.

And we don’t want that!

However, nature has provided many DHT-blocking compounds in the foods that we eat.

These foods can all be easily found at your local supermarket and adding them to your diet can help balance the hormones in your body and prevent the overproduction of too much DHT.

Not only will a healthy diet affect the look and feel of your hair but it will also improve your overall health, ensuring that you have great amounts of energy and vitality to tackle your day head on.