If you've noticed recently that you're starting to lose your hair, you might be wondering what your options are.
Hair loss can be down to a number of different reasons, but it mostly happens because of a combinations of genetics and the effects of a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
But there's no need to fork out for an expensive hair transplant if you've noticed your hair starting to thin, as there are a couple of foods you can eat that may help slow down the signs.
That's according to Dr Aimee Paik from digital health platform Hims, who says that you can tackle hair loss by blocking DHT using different foods as well as prescription medication such as finasteride.
Here, she's listed some of the foods that could potentially slow down hair loss, and how they work to fight against it.
Turmeric
Aimee said: "Turmeric is a spice that's made from the Curcuma longa plant. It's a common ingredient in many curries and other recipes. It's also a popular nutritional supplement. Although there's no evidence that turmeric works for hair growth, some early-stage studies have found that it may have effects against DHT."
One of these studies that was published in the journal Cancer Studies found that taking a curcuma supplement every day reduced testosterone and DHT levels in mice.
But because it wasn't carried out in humans, it can't be used as conclusive proof yet.
Soybeans and soy protein
Studies have shown that soy protein may help to lower levels of DHT in the body.
Aimee explained: "In a six-month study, men at high risk of prostate cancer — a disease that's aggravated by DHT — were assigned to consume either soy protein isolate, alcohol-washed soy protein isolate or a milk-based protein isolate on a twice-daily basis.
"After six months, the men who used the soy protein products showed a small decrease in DHT levels. In contrast, the men who used the milk-based protein isolate showed a small increase in DHT levels. Despite the small drop in DHT levels, the men’s testosterone levels remained steady throughout the study period."
Coconut oil
This is used all over the world as a popular treatment for damaged hair and skin.
Some research has found that coconut oil may help to reduce hair protein loss and prevent hair damage. However, there's currently no evidence to show that coconut oil speeds up hair growth when it's applied to your hair topically.
In terms of DHT, some studies have shown that coconut oil can be helpful for reducing its effects.
For example, one study found that coconut oil reduced prostate growth — an issue that’s usually caused by DHT — in rats.
Again, these studies haven't been carried out on humans, meaning the results shouldn't be seen as proof quite yet.
Pumpkin seeds
These are packed full of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium and iron. Studies have shown that oil made from cold-pressed pumpkin seeds may help to prevent hair loss and stimulate growth.
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that men with male pattern baldness who used a pumpkin seed oil supplement for 24 weeks experienced a 40 percent increase in mean hair count.
In comparison, men who used a non-therapeutic placebo only saw a 10 percent increase in hair count over the same period.
Having said that, there's currently no scientific research that shows a direct link between pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil and lower DHT levels.
Green tea
Green tea is known for containing numerous ingredients that could improve your health.
One of these is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, an antioxidant that may help to reduce the effects of DHT on your hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
Aimee said: "For example, a study published in the journal Annals of Dermatology found that EGCG protects human dermal papilla cells — cells found in human hair follicles — against DHT-induced cellular damage.
"Another study found that EGCG promotes growth in human hair follicles. However, this was an 'ex vivo' study, meaning it was carried out on extracted hair follicles in a lab setting, not a group of live participants.
"While this research is interesting, there are currently no studies showing that drinking green tea directly reduces DHT or stimulates hair growth."
If you've noticed your hair starting to thin, it's could be worth combining these foods with science-based hair loss treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil which could help to stop the problem from getting worse.
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