CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF 5A-

REDUCTASE ACTIVITY
 HORMONES

| MERIDIAN VALLEY LAB

5a-Reductase (5AR) is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of (among others):

 Testosterone → 5a-DHT
 Androstenedione→ androsterone
 Cortisol → allo-tetrahydrocortisol

Measuring the levels of the above hormones and metabolites in urine and blood, we can
quantify overall 5AR activity. In urine, two ratios are commonly used to assess 5AR
activity:

 Androsterone : Etiocholanone
 Allo-tetrahydrocortisol : tetrahydrocortisol

1
HORMONAL REGULATION OF 5AR

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) up-regulates 5AR activity. 1 Progesterone inhibits 5AR

activity.2 These two hormones can be easily and accurately assessed on a 24-hr urine
hormone profile.

Increased 5a-Reductase Activity

Elevated 5AR activity is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in both men and
women.3 In women, increased 5AR activity is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS) and hirsutism.4 In men, elevated 5AR activity is associated with benign prostatic
hypertrophy (BPH) and premature baldness.4

5-α Reductase Inhibitors

Some inhibition of 5AR may be desirable when 5AR activity is seen to be quite elevated.
Natural 5AR inhibitors can provide effective moderate inhibition without shutting down
5AR altogether, which is seen with 5AR inhibiting drugs. Natural 5AR inhibitors include:

 Gamma-linolenic (GLA) , docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and other fatty acids.5,6]

 Serenoa repens (Saw palmetto)7,8,9,10
 Zinc 11,12

Research on the effects of zinc on 5AR has shown that its inhibitory effects can be
potentiated by vitamin B6. Supplements containing highly concentrated Saw Palmetto
extracts may result in over-inhibition of 5AR. 5AR activity can be monitored in a 24-hour
urine hormone profile.

Over-inhibition of 5AR decreases the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) resulting in

increased levels of testosterone. The consequent aromatization of testosterone à
estradiol may cause gynecomastia, a known side effect of 5AR inhibitor drugs.

FINASTERIDE® AND DUTASTERIDE®

Patent medicines that inhibit 5AR are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate
cancer, and baldness (androgenic alopecia). Two of these patent medicines are
finasteride (Proscar®, Propecia®) and dutasteride (Avodart®). Currently, millions of men
2
around the world take these drugs (as well as supplements mentioned above) to inhibit
5AR enzyme and decrease the production of 5a-DHT. There is evidence to suggest that
one of the most potent inhibitors, finasteride, may cause residual impotence after
discontinuation and possibly breast cancer in men.13,14 Finasteride has been on the
market since the early 1990s.

Risks of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to 5AR inhibitors increase with dose. Common
ADRs with these drugs include impotence, decreased libido, and decreased ejaculate
volume. Rare ADRs include breast tenderness and enlargement, and allergic reaction.

Should We Inhibit Production of DHT?

While 5a-DHT has been implicated in male pattern baldness and benign prostatic
hypertrophy, the real concern is prostate cancer. As early as 1986, it was suspected by
some that 5a-DHT might be a primary contributing factor to prostate cancer growth.15 5a-
Reductase (5AR) is responsible for conversion of testosterone to 5a-dihydrotestosterone
(5a-DHT). 5a-DHT is about three times as potent as testosterone due to its greater affinity
for androgen receptors.16 However, recent studies have correlated low levels of DHT with
decreased survival in prostate cancer patients.17,18,19 Interestingly, a 2008 study found
that giving testosterone to elderly men who had lower than normal levels of testosterone
and elevated levels of DHT resulted in reduced plasma 5a-DHT levels.20 Another study in
2007, a 15-yr follow up of men with prostate cancer, study shows evidence that low DHT
is associated with decreased prostate cancer survival. 21

OVER-INHIBITION OF 5Α-REDUCTASE ACTIVITY

While 5a-DHT is considered to be a potential cause of proliferation and growth in the

prostate, its metabolite 5a-androstane-3b,17b-diol (3b-Adiol) is a differentiating agent that
activates estrogen receptor beta (ERb) and may help prevent cancer. Therefore, caution
is warranted when inhibiting 5AR because without adequate DHT the production of 3β-
adiol may be over-inhibited as well.22

Research regarding the benefits of adequate 3β-adiol is growing. 3β-adiol is an androgen

that stimulates only estrogen receptor beta (ERb), which has anti-proliferative and re-
differentiation activities. Among other functions, ERb helps regulate prostate growth and
3
differentiation.23,24,25,26 ERb is also an important modulator of the stress response in
the brain.27,28 Over-inhibition of 5AR can result in under-stimulation of ERb, changing
the balance of proliferative/anti-proliferative activity in the prostate and elsewhere.

Heavy metals, such as cadmium and arsenic, may also inhibit the production of 3β-
adiol.29,30 These heavy metals have been correlated with increased prostate cancer
risks.

Another metabolite of 5a-DHT, 5a-androstane-3a,17b-diol (3a-Adiol), is a storage form for

5a-DHT and is easily “cycled back” to 5a-DHT.28 At present, it appears that to get an
accurate evaluation of “total” 5a-DHT levels (actual and potential) 3aAdiol and 5a-DHT
should be added together.

Ratios are important

In the Rancho Bernardo study, a higher testosterone to DHT ratio was associated with a
42% decreased risk of BPH when comparing the top 3 quartiles to the first quartile (OR
0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.97, p = 0.04). 31

A 1996 study examined DHT and testosterone levels in men who were also screened for
prostate cancer. The testosterone/DHT ratio tended to be higher in patients with more
advanced tumors. There was an inverse relationship between tumor volume, as defined
by PSA level, and 5AR activity. 5AR was defined by DHT level, and the testosterone/DHT
ratio. This trend was most obvious with stage T-3.32 T-stage refers to the level of spread
in the prostate and surrounding tissues.

Testing for pro- and anti-proliferative metabolites

Very low levels of 5AR activity as expressed by ratios in urine hormone panels may
indicate that the production of 5a-DHT is quite low. Consider follow-up testing with a
serum Testosterone Metabolites Profile to assess the adequacy of 3β-Adiol production.
Other patients who may benefit from evaluation of 3β-Adiol are those using 5AR
inhibitors, having elevated testosterone or PSA, extremely high 5AR activity, or with a
family history of prostate cancer.

4
This profile includes the following important ratios:

 Testosterone : 5a-DHT
 3β-adiol: (5a-DHT + 3a-adiol)

As a leader in preventive medicine we are very interested in the growing body of evidence
that the ratio of 5a-DHT to 3β-adiol may much more important than absolute levels alone.
We are proud to be able to be the first and only lab to make testing for these testosterone
metabolites commercially available. This test was developed by Dawn Huo, PhD and Ray
Lian, PhD.

by Will Hartfield

Best Natural 5 Alpha Reductase

Inhibitors

5-alpha-reductase (5AR) is an enzyme in the body that converts testosterone

into DHT which then goes on to cause hair loss in men affected with androgenic
alopecia.

By inhibiting the enzyme we can essentially slow down the production of DHT
and thereby prevent hair loss. Here’s the top 4 natural compounds that inhibit 5-
alpha-reductase.

Reishi mushroom
Reishi mushroom is one of the new kids on the block when it comes to DHT
blockers. It’s not as well known yet, but initial trials are promising as a 5-alpha-
reductase inhibitor.
While not many studies have been performed on reishi, there is one that
provides some promising insight into this natural inhibitor.

In 2005, Japanese researchers compared 19 species of mushroom to determine

their ability to inhibit 5AR. Of these 19 species, reishi was one of them.
The researchers prepared ethanol extracts of the different species, and then
added it to a suspension containing rat liver and prostate microsomes. The
5
prostate is one place on the body where DHT is produced, with the help of
testosterone and 5AR.

Once the mushroom species’ have been added to the suspensions, the
researchers measured their inhibitory effects:

Source.
As seen above, reishi mushroom performed the best. It inhibited 5AR between
70% and 80%, which is quite impressive! After all, consider that the next species
inhibited up to only 60%, and the number just go down from there.

Even further, researchers wanted to see if reishi was also effective at reducing
testosterone levels. A direct measure of this is prostate size.

6
 Have a question about this topic? Join our Facebook group to get instant
answers.
Using rat prostates, the rats were split into three groups.

The first was a control, while the other two contained different concentrations of
reishi: 1.5 mg/kg and 15mg/kg:

Source.
While the higher concentration of reishi was almost identical to the results of the
control, the lower concentration (1.5mg/kg) significantly lowered the weight of
the prostate.

What do these results mean for those with AGA?

It’s well known that testosterone and 5AR play a key role in AGA. More specially,
it’s the androgen (DHT) that’s produced from the interaction between them. This
leads to hair follicle miniaturization and, if left untreated, irreversible baldness.
By inhibiting the levels of 5AR, you reduce the levels of DHT as a result. This can
combat miniaturization and hair loss, all without the negative effects of DHT
blockers.
Even better? Reishi has also been shown to benefit the immune system and
have anti-cancer properties.
This is great news for everyone, but especially those who suffer from immune-
related hair loss (such as Alopecia Areata).

Saw palmetto

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Saw palmetto is probably the most well-known and also controversial 5AR
inhibitor, due to the variation in results and side effects associated with high oral
dosages.

Unfortunately this is because most men take saw palmetto orally. Oral ingestion
is the least effective way you can benefit from saw palmetto’s inhibitory effect on
5-alpha-reductase because it’s diluted throughout the entire body. A much more
effective method is to apply the soft gel capsules topically to the affected areas of
the scalp.
And while further research is needed to best understand this natural
treatment, one study does show that a combination of gelatin-cystine and saw
palmetto was effective in reducing free radical levels and inducing hair growth.
This study followed 48 volunteers (24 male and 24 female) as they applied the
lotion (either active or placebo) over 50 weeks. Some participants (12) also took
an oral supplement (which did not contain saw palmetto). All patients were
previously diagnosed with AGA, and they ranked anywhere from a stage III to IV
on the Norwood-Hamilton scale:

The study consisted of five groups total:

1. Group 1: Active lotion A;

2. Group 2: Inactive (placebo) lotion B;
3. Group 3: Active diet supplement C;
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 4. Group 4: Inactive (placebo) diet supplement D; and
5. Group 5: Active lotion A and active diet supplement C
The lotion was applied twice per day (8AM and 8PM) and the participants were
also given a mild shampoo and were instructed to use it throughout the length of
the study.

For the hair growth portion of the study, the mean percentage variation of hair
number per squared centimeter of scalp was taken.

Now, let’s take a close look at the results:

Source.
As shown above, all active groups (lotion, diet, and lotion + diet) performed
significantly better than the two placebo groups (lotion and diet). The most
effective was the lotion + diet group, followed by diet, and finally lotion.

Does this mean that saw palmetto is an effective treatment for AGA hair loss?

Possibly.

Since the study was performed to test both saw palmetto and gelatin-cystine,
there’s no way to say which of the two worked best.

A less in-depth study was performed in 2004, though, and its results were
promising.

9
Additionally, we do know of saw palmetto’s various other health benefits. For
example, it’s been shown to be anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidant
properties.

Green tea
Green tea has been consumed for centuries, and it’s even been used in a wide
variety of therapeutic and cosmetic products. This is because it has an array of
beneficial components (including antioxidants such as EGCG) which make it an
effective natural ingredient.
One way in which green tea can be used that you may not know about? To
inhibit 5-alpha-reductase!

In 2007, researchers from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea

found that a particular polyphenol – EGCG – may be responsible for its anti-
cancer and antioxidant properties. Even better? It may also play a significant role
in human hair growth by inhibiting 5AR.
To test this theory, researchers extracted hair follicles from scalp tissue
specimens supplied by five, healthy men. The follicles were dissected, and were
then cut into small pieces (about 2.5mm, including the Dermal Papilla). The
pieces were stored in well dishes containing 10 ng/ml hydrocortisone, 10mg/ml
insulin, 2 mm L-glutamine, 100µg/ml streptomycin, and 100 U/ml penicillin.
Finally, EGCG was introduced to the specimens at 0.1, 1, or 5 µM.

Source.
The EGCG was shown to clear increase the number of Dermal Papilla Cells
(DPCs) present within each specimen, with an increase in cells as more EGCG
was introduced.

Even further, the researchers applied EGCG directly to the scalps of healthy men.

10
When the DPCs were extracted from the scalps, the levels of phosphorylated Erk
(P-Erk) was three times what it was in the control group. What does this have to
do with hair growth?

The ERK pathway is directly involved in the proliferation of DPCs (and it also
modulates 5-alpha-reductase), so an increased presence means increased
potential for hair growth.
While further studies need to be conducted, it’s clear that green tea (and its main
compound, EGCG) can play a beneficial role in hair health and growth.

Alkalization
Alklaizing the bloodstream by consuming foods that have a net alkaline effect on
the body can significantly reduce the amount of type 2 alpha 5 reductase in the
scalp.
You should find out what foods have alkalizing properties and increase the
proportion of these foods in your meals, and conversely find which foods have
acidifying properties and try to eat less of them.

Amazingly this is a method that’s far more effective at inhibiting alpha 5

reductase from creating DHT in the scalp, than any synthetic drug like
finasteride.
It’s also completely in line with nature and the only side effects are increased
health, energy, metabolism and sex drive. Type 2 alpha 5 reductase is an enzyme
that converts testosterone to dihydroxytestosterone.

Enzymes have a very narrow range of pH that they can operate within, and
outside this range they can’t do their job. Type 2 alpha 5 reductase operates
below neutral in our scalps. So by raising our bodily pH we can directly reduce
the amount of DHT in the scalp.

There’s a very easy way to do this and it’s detailed in full in our hair loss course
along with detailed tables of alkalizing and acidifying foods, that’s available right
now here.

Alkalizing the bloodstream is in my experience the most effective and long term
solution for inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase and can have a dramatic effect on
preventing further hair loss.

11
Before the agricultural revolution our diets consisted primarily of highly
alkalizing foods. After the agricultural revolution our diets shifted towards
acidifying foods like grains.
The overall affect is that many enzymes, which are pH controlled, went out of
sync with the body (doing what they weren’t designed to do) and one of the side
effects was ‘male pattern baldness.’ I certainly can’t imagine many hunter
gatherers with shiny bald scalps or receding hair lines.

Luckily, we don’t have to go back to hunting and gathering all day to reverse our
hair loss. We can just copy their diets, which will alkalize our bodies and the
effect is the same.

Hair loss isn’t a natural phenomenon, it’s a side effect of our modern diets and
lifestyle including high stress levels, and it’s therefore preventable and
reversible. Here are 4 foods that cause hair loss.
It’s now clear that ‘male pattern baldness’ is a fairly modern phenomenon which
doesn’t occur in Indigenous populations. The key is that simple changes can
make a huge difference and the results are evident within months or even
weeks.

Last Updated On October 18th, 2018

Foods Which Block DHT - Do They Really Work?

 By Dr Robert Nettles

 11 Jul, 2016

Plus a smoothie recipe to incorporate in your daily hair growth routine.

I get asked a lot if there are natural ways that we can delay or prevent the onset of the hereditary hair loss we
know is in our future. For most people the hormone increases associated with hair loss are so significant that only a
prescription strength medication will do the job to reverse it. However, using nutrients from natural food sources
can help delay onset or reduce the strength of medication you are required to take or apply.

As we know, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that has been demonstrated to cause male pattern
baldness, female pattern baldness, increased Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, BPH and more. There are a
host of pharmaceutical medications on the market that treat elevated DHT levels such as Proscar, Propecia, and

12
Finasteride. These medications while somewhat effective have been seen to cause side effects in some users –
especially when a one size fits all approach to dosage is employed.

Some foods do contain natural DHT blockers which when included in the diet on a regular basis can assist in
providing some hair loss relief. We've compiled a list of a few popular and easy to access foods that act in this way
and have also included a smoothie recipe that you can use at home to assist in your hair loss regimen. These foods
work to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the hormone which blocks
the absorption of nutrients by the hair follicle and thus causes the hair loss.

DHT Blocking Foods:

Pumpkin Seeds contains a steriod called delta-7 stearine, which blocks DHT buildup in the hair follicle.

Tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, mangoes: contain Lycopene which inhibits DHT naturally by down regulating or
inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pecans: Are rich in L-Lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.

13
Spinach, Kale, cashews, wheat germ, cooked white mushrooms: are high in Zinc , a known DHT inhibitor.

Biotin is also great for conditioning the skin and scalp which provides a healthy environment for hair to
grow. Biotin also is active in the formation of certain fatty acids and DHA which is essential for healthy hair, eyes,
brain function and more.

Biotin rich foods include: berries, wheat germ, bananas, peanuts, legumes, Swiss chard, eggs (cooked), tuna,
salmon. Incorporating these into your diet in some form daily can really make a difference where your hair loss is a
concern.

DHT Blocking Smoothie Recipe: A simple tasty and effective way to boost hair growth

Add the following ingredients to your blender:

1. FROZEN BERRIES: Strawberries, Blueberries or Rasberries

2. GREENS CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Spinach, Parsley, Cilantro, Swiss Chard

3. PUMPKIN SEEDS

4. CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Tomatoes, Watermelon or Mangoes

5. CHOOSE FROM OR COMBINE: Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Soy Milk

6. MAPLE SYRUP, HONEY OR SUGAR IF DESIRED FOR SWEETNESS

14
If you are serious about treating your hair loss naturally (without any medication), you would need to drink these
smoothies at least six times a day in order to ingest sufficient quantities of the nutrients required.

Can Foods and Vitamins Stop DHT?

JAN MILLEHAN UPDATED ON MAY 22, 2018

The male hormone, testosterone, is converted into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, by an

enzyme in the body called 5-alpha reductase, according to the University of Maryland
Medical Center, or UMMC. The U.S. National Library of Medicineconfirms that DHT
plays a major role in male sexual development.
It is believed to be a key contributor in male baldness and acne vulgaris, the most
common skin disorder. Some foods and vitamins may hinder the formation of DHT.
Contrary to outdated research indicating that elevated levels of DHT play a role in
prostate cancer development, recent research in 2017 published in Endocrine
Reviews shows there is no association between high DHT levels and prostate cancer.
Low Fat/High Fiber Foods
The mechanism behind a low fat and high fiber diet on decreasing DHT is not well
understood. A 2005 study published in The "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism" found that men who switched from a high fat diet to a low fat, high fiber
diet lowered their levels of DHT. Low fat, high fiber foods are fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains.
Soy
Soy, a member of the pea family, has been a fixture in Asian diets for thousands of
years, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
or NCCAM. High-protein seeds from the soy plant contain estrogen-like compounds
called isoflavones — and according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, soy also contains a molecule
that prohibits the formation of DHT.
A 2015 study published in "Dermato Endocrinology" found that when soy was added
to the diet, levels of DHT in the body decreased. Though believed beneficial for some
conditions, you should consult your doctor before adding soy to your diet.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols, plant-derived sterols similar to human cholesterol, may reduce levels of
DHT, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, or LPI. The diets of early humans
contained many phytosterols; however, modern Western diets are said to be lacking in
these beneficial sterols. The LPI reports that animal investigations suggest that a diet
high in phytosterols may inhibit the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase and block the
production of DHT.
You can obtain phytosterols through many common food sources, including wheat
germ, sesame oil, corn oil, canola oil, peanuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, Brussels
sprouts, olive oil and rye bread.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are one of the richest sources of substances called lignans, in the diet.
Years of research suggest that lignans help pull excess testosterone out of the body.
Lignans may help slow down the production of 5-alpha reductase and thus converting
less testosterone to DHT according to 2007 research published in "Current Topics in
15
Nutraceutical Research." Flaxseeds come in whole seeds, but they must be ground in
order for the body to absorb the nutrients.
Potential Concerns
It is always important to speak with a health professional when considering to add or
subtract foods from a daily diet to treat a condition. Certain foods have the potential to
mix with medications and change their effectiveness.
Search

These 9 Foods are Scientifically Proven to Prevent

Hair Loss and Baldness
Posted on: January 20, 2017 at 9:46 am

Last updated: September 12, 2018 at 10:23 am

Hair loss can affect men, women and also children. There can be many causes
behind hair loss, but one of the main causes is the androgen hormone,
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is derived from testosterone.
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin is produced in the hair
follicles. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are pushed out through the
surface of the skin. The hair you see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. Hair
typically grows at a rate of six inches per year.

Losing Your Hair: What Causes It?

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs, and you can lose up
to 100 of them a day; which is why it can be common to find a few stray hairs on
your hairbrush especially after showering and is not cause for alarm.
Our genes which can determine your predisposition for baldness, nutritional
status and your androgen hormones, namely testosterone and
dihydrotestosterone – produced by both men and women.
Testosterone usually travels in the blood bound to a protein called sex hormone
binding globulin (SHBG). When testosterone is bound to SHBG, it is considered
inactive. Testosterone that is not bound to SHBG is called free testosterone.
It is the free testosterone that is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the
enzyme 5-alpha reductase. If you have low amounts of SHBG, then you have
higher amounts of free testosterone, and then there is more available to be
converted to DHT.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone behind hair loss. DHT is five times
more potent than testosterone. It attaches to the same receptor sites as
testosterone, binds more easily and is bound for a longer period.

16
Approximately 5% of free testosterone is normally converted into DHT. DHT
causes the hair follicles to shrink, have a shorter lifespan and furthermore,
decreases the production of hair.

9 Treatments for Hair Loss

Hair loss products typically focus on the following herbs and nutrients that stop
the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

1. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into
dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of dihydrotestosterone are associated
with hair loss, while high levels of testosterone are associated with hair growth.
As the conversion is blocked, testosterone levels increase. This can reduce hair
loss and sometimes promotes hair regrowth through the increased testosterone
levels. Dosage is usually recommended at 160 mg twice a day.

2. Pygeum (Prunus Africana)

This blocks 5-alpha reductase enzyme from converting testosterone to DHT.

3. Nettle Root (urzica)

This is another herb that blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme from converting
testosterone to DHT.

17
4. Pumpkin Seeds
They contain a steroid called delta-7 stearine, which blocks DHT buildup in the
hair follicle, so DHT is not able to affect the hair follicle.

5. Tomatoes, Watermelon, Carrots, and Mangoes

These contain lycopene which inhibits DHT naturally by inhibiting 5 alpha
reductase, from converting testosterone into its most active form, DHT.

6. Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts, and Pecans

These are rich in L-lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.

7. Spinach, Kale, Cashews, Wheat Germ, and Cooked White

Mushrooms
These are high in zinc, a known DHT inhibitor.

8. Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, or EGCG, one of the active constituents of green tea,
also blocks the formation of DHT. Green tea has been shown to reduce DHT
blood levels significantly.

9. Fenugreek (Schinduf)
This is another inhibitor of the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

More Tips for Reducing Hair Loss

Maintain optimal levels of SHBG so that there is less free testosterone to be
converted to DHT. SHBG decreases with obesity so maintaining a healthy body
composition will optimize SHBG levels, so there is less free testosterone.
Reduce inflammation with a healthy diet and omega 3 fatty acids. DHT is more
damaging to hair follicles when there are high levels of inflammation in the body.
Berries, wheat germ, bananas, peanuts, legumes, Swiss chard, eggs (cooked),
tuna, salmon are rich in biotin. Biotin is an essential nutrient for healthy
18
hair. Biotin conditions the scalp providing a healthy environment for hair to
grow.
This amazing guest post was written by Dr. Simone Burke, a Naturopathic
Doctor. You can check out her website here!

12 Most Powerful Natural DHT Blockers That

Stop Hair Loss
August 06,2018 By AK Clinics

What is DHT?

DHT or dihydrotestosterone is an androgen male hormone which plays a vital role in the male
development and is responsible for the many characteristics in male body development including chest
hair, deep voice and muscular body. Women also produces DHT but in ver y less amount. DHT is
produced in the body when hormone testosterone is converted into the dihydrotestosterone through
the enzymatic action of 5-alpha reductase.

What converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

The androgen hormone which is secreted in the body is testosterone but in order to be carried out to
tissue such as that in the brain or the skin, hormone testosterone bonds with the enzyme 5 -alpha
reductase to produce dihydrotestosterone. DHT can be influenced by the both external and inter nal
factors which contributes to the increase in the hormonal levels in the body. For example, some say
that stress causes hair loss but indirectly. Stress causes the release of cortisol hormone in bulk which
further increases the adrenaline testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.Men with an enlarged prostate
will also have increased DHT levels and there’s even a theory that the mechanism behind male pattern
baldness is the body’s way to protect men from prostate cancer.

How DHT causes Hair Loss?

The role of DHT in hair loss is that DHT binds to the androgen receptors present on the hair follicles.
Binding of DHT to hair follicles causes the alteration in the hair growth cycle and results in the hair
miniaturization. It is known that DHT binds to follicle rece ptors five times more avidly than
testosterone.

19
DHT hair loss in men is of male pattern baldness and causes hair loss or hair thinning along the
hairline, temple and crown region. Eventually this type of hair loss spreads, resulting in a horseshoe -
shaped ring of hair around the bottom of the scalp.

Foods that act as Natural DHT blockers for hair

DHT hair loss in women is different from DHT hair loss in men and it results in the overall thinning of
the hair, widening center or side part, thinner pony tail etc. Here are the list few foods that act as best
dht blocker food:

20
1) Berries:Blue Berries are rich in vitamin C.

 Vitamin C is essential for the circulation to the scalp so that there is adequate blood nutrient supply to
the hair follicles.
 Berries also contain flavanoids which increases the blood circulation in the scalp.
 Proanthocyanidins, in blueberries, stimulate hair growth by accelerating the transition from telogen to
anagen

So go for the sweeter way to support your hair and make them strong &
beautiful.
2)Avocado:Avocados are one of the biggest natural DHT blockers.

 They are rich in proteins, amino acids, magnesium, folic acid, copper and iron.
 All are necessary for proper hair growth.
 Oils in the avocado penetrate into the cuticle and help to moisturize the hair.
 Phytosterols & high levels of antioxidants stimulate the hair growth & unclog the blocked pores.

Bring shine & luster to your hair by mashing Avocado to your palette…
3) Almonds:Crunchy nuts are full of protein and are brilliant source of biotin. Almonds are also known as
“Hair vitamin”.

 Almonds help in strengthening of your hair follicles.

 Hair follicles often become weak, dull and with excessive oil and pollution, you can see dandruff flakes
on your scalp.
 Vitamin E in almond helps to condition the hair follicles.

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So just eat a handful of soaked almonds in the morning and be beautiful
with long, shiny & healthy hair.
4) Tomato:Lycopene in tomato inhibits the DHT by regulating or inhibiting 5 alpha reductase.

 Antioxidants in tomatoes help to fight cells causing damage the hair follicles and causes hair fall.
 Beta-carotene helps to supply nutrients to the scalp for hair growth.

Tomatoes can be easily included into diet in form of salads, sauce, and pastes
or added to any your favorite dish.
5) Eggs: Eggs are rich in Biotin.

 Egg white contains avidin (protein) that binds to biotin.

 Eggs contain cysteine, a key amino acid for hair growth & found in hair keratin.
 Boiled or cooked eggs act more as DHT blocker than raw ones.

Just like boiled egg having bounce, add volume & bounce to your hair easily by
eating eggs daily!!
6) Pumpkin Seeds:Little munchkin pumpkin seeds contains number of essential minerals including zinc,
magnesium, iron etc.

 These minuscule seeds contain a unique amino acid cucurbitin, that helps in hair growth.
 L-lysine, iron and omega 3 fatty acids (Linoleic acid and Oleic acid) improves hair growth,quality &
texture.

A handful of tiny pumpkin seed is enough for you at anytime. You can toss them
into your favorite salad too!!!
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7) Walnuts:Walnuts contain L-lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.

 Walnuts are high in protein.

 Best source of vitamin E (gamma tocopherol), promotes hair growth.
 Contains rare anti-inflammatory nutrients such as Tannins which combat hair loss.

You can incorporate more walnuts to your diet. Consuming direct nuts can be
the best way. But if you don’t like the rancid smell of nuts, you can make salad
with your own favorite fruits.
8) Banana:They are also rich in Biotin, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

 Bananas are good source of potassium which help to maintain the circulatory system to work properly
so that there will be adequate nutrient supply to the hair follicles.
 Bananas also contain FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) that help to maintain the healthy gut bacteria (R).
Healthy gut will reduce the overproduction of DHT.

Make your hair soft and silky by snipping banana daily…

9) White Mushroom:

 White mushrooms are also abundant in zinc, which blocks DHT production in the body.
 It also contains high sources of vitamin D and pantothenic acid, all vital for growing thick hair on the
scalp.

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Your hair must grow like a tree long, thick & mushrooms can help you in
this…so eat as much as you can!!!
10) Carrots:Regularly use of carrot can make your hair lustrous, silky & smooth.

 Carrots are rich in beta carotenes, vitamin A, C, E, K, potassium & fiber.

 Carrots stimulate the hair growth and texture.
 They also prevent hair breakage and hair fall.
 Carrots protect your hair from external damages like pollution, weather etc.

You can munch carrot a day or slurp carrot juice daily for beautiful long and
healthy hair.
11) Green Tea:

 Green Tea contains vitamin B (panthenol) which is mainly used in hair conditioners.
 Green tea is rich in antioxidants EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which stimulates the hair growth (R).
 Polyphenolic compounds or catechins are antioxidants which protects your hair from external as well as
internal damage.

So sip little cup of green tea daily to make your hair long & healthy…
12) Watermelon:

 Watermelon contains lycopene, whichblocks DHT.

 Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin C, B12 & B6.
 They help in hair growth & citrulline helps to eliminate the excess DHT from the body.

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Biotin: A Hidden Vitamin- Best Vitamin For Hair
Growth
November 29,2017 By AK Clinics

Everyone wants to make sure that their hair looks perfect and thick for the years to come. For this, one
has to change many things in life including lifestyle, stress free life, increased physical activity and
most important the right diet with adequate amount of minerals and vitals for the life i.e. vitamins. Our
hair needs the right kind of vitamins to ensure that it grows with the right depth and quality. For this, it
is important that we must know about the right vitamin for hair i.e. Biotin. Biotin vit amin is the best
vitamin for hair growth.

What is Biotin and why we need biotin?

In simple words, biotin is a water soluble B complex vitamin. Biotin is essential for our body for cell
growth, for fatty acids and metabolism of amino acids & fats. Industry of vitamins and supplements are
of multi-billion dollar but hardly few people have heard of vitamin H.‘H’ in vitamin H comes from the
German word "Haar und Haut" which means hair and skin. It is also referred to as beauty vitamin.
Vitamin H is commonly known as Biotin, Vitamin B 7 or Co-enzyme R. It plays an important role in many
complex metabolic processes inside our body, converts the different forms of energy for the regulation
of proteins or amino acids. As our hair is made up of protein (keratin), it i s necessary to consume the
adequate amount of biotin for hair growth.

Biotin Deficiency and Symptoms

If you are suffering from biotin deficiency, you may notice adverse effects like alopecia, dermatitis,
loss of appetite and achromotrichia- a condition in which hair pigmentation is lost.

Biotin Interactions
It is still not clear the interactions of biotin with other medications or other dietary supplements.
Nevertheless, always talk to your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. There are some
drugs that can lower the biotin levels in your body. These include:

 Antibiotics taken for a long time

 Anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone
 Smoking may also lower the biotin levels in your body
 Raw egg whites can prevent the body from absorbing biotin

Possible Biotin Benefits for Hair Growth Biotin vitamin for hair growth is mostly recommended by the
doctors. There are various reasons that why biotin benefits you.

 Biotin produces the "Keratin" protein in the body. This keratin helps to transfer oxygen to the scalp cells
known as ‘Dermal papillae’ cells. Dermal papillae cells allow the nutrition, oxygen and blood supply to
the hair through hair follicles.
 Biotin also carries away the carbon dioxide from the scalp cells and strengthens them.
 It also forms the protective layer on the top most layers of your tresses, giving them protection from the
environmental damage and prevents them from dryness.
 Biotin also gives the volume and length to your hair along with the thickness.
 Biotin helps to augments your hair strength, growth and texture.

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>Possible Biotin Side Effects for Hair GrowthAs you know, there are always pros and cons of
everything. We must keep in mind the side effects of the biotin. No doubt, it is mostly ref erred to as
the best biotin for hair or best biotin vitamin. But there are few side effects of the biotin. So it is highly
recommended to consult with the physicians before taking any biotin hair growth supplement. If you
are taking biotin in combination with other drugs for diabetes, cholesterol or neurological drugs, you
may also experience few side effects. Some of the side effects of biotin are:

 You may face symptoms of allergic reactions like itchiness, nausea, rashes, throat infection etc. if you
face any of these symptoms then consult your general practitioner.
 Cystic acne on jaw line, chin and cheeks can be another side effect of biotin. So if you are taking the
biotin tablets for hair growth, you must drink loads to water in a day to avoid the acne.
 It is highly suggested to discuss with your physician about the biotin levels to consume if you are
pregnant. It is believed that uncontrolled biotin levels can lead to miscarriage.

What are the biotin rich foods?

Due to the hectic lifestyle, getting the right kind of food down your neck everyday is little difficult
chiefly if you are looking for the right food for hair. Auspiciously, it is quite simple to get the adequate
level of biotin. Following are the best and most common biotin rich foods for hair growth;

Food Item

Peanuts 95 mcg

Almonds 0 mcg

Hazelnuts 81 mcg

Calves Liver 76.1 mcg

Egg Yolk 54 mcg

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 Food Item

Shiitake Mushroom 36.6 mcg

Chickpeas 21 mcg

Herring 20 mcg

Oysters 20 mcg

Sweet Corn 6.0 mcg

How much biotin for hair growth is required?

Biotin is even well tolerated at high levels. It is a water soluble vitamin and is excrete out of body via
urine. But still it is an urge to consult with doctor and ask the best biotin supplement. The
recommended dosage on the basis of an internet survey is;

How much biotin for hair growth is required?

Biotin is even well tolerated at high levels. It is a water soluble vitamin and is excrete o ut of body via
urine. But still it is an urge to consult with doctor and ask the best biotin supplement. The
recommended dosage on the basis of an internet survey is;

Biotin AI (adequate intake) Summary, Ages 0 through 12 Months

AI for Infants 0-6 months

7-12 months

Biotin AI Summary, Ages 1 through 18 Years

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AI for Children 1-3 years
AI for Boys 4-8 years
AI for Girls 9-13 years
14-18 years
9-13 years
14-18 years

Biotin AI Summary Ages 19 years & older

19-30 years
31-50 years
51-70 years
AI for Men >70 years
19-30 years
AI for Women 31-50 years
51-70 years
>70 years

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114297/ What steals the biotin from your body? You
should take care while consuming anything or about the things that triggers the deficiency of biotin.
Few of them are;

 Alcohol: Alcohol inhibits the absorption and utilization of biotin. It also interferes with the metabolism
 Broad spectrum antibiotics: As our body itself produces biotin in the intestines, various broad spectrum
antibiotics like tetracycline, (Demeclocycline, Doxycycline and Methacycline),Amoxicillin/Clavulanic
Acid (Augmentin),Vancomycin - will kill the colonies of good bacteria in the gut that help make Biotin.

Pregnancy and Biotin :Biotin is likely safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nonetheless, you
should always let your doctor know about any supplements you are taking if you are pregnant,
breastfeeding, or may become pregnant. Other Hair Growth Enhancers than Biotin: Physicians often
prescribe zinc, magnesium or other multivitamins also to stimulate the hair growth. Except for biotin,
there are other effective hair growth promoters like Minoxidil and Finasteride for hair growth which are
recommended by doctors. Minoxidil for hair growth is available as OTC while finasteride is available
only on prescription by the doctor.

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