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Anyone know what causes DHT production and how I can adjust DHT via a paleo lifestyle?

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DHT meaning... what? – ScottMGS Jun 27 2010 at 1:19
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Dihydrotestosterone...?? (a little bit more explanation/clarity would improve the question I think) – archaea Jun 27 2010 at 1:50

4 Answers

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Most baldness "cures" are snake oil ( http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?ID=1&query=baldness ).

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production is determined mainly by (1) the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone; and (2) the level of testosterone. DHT causes two common problems--male-pattern baldness and enlargement of the prostate gland.

The enzyme 5-alpha reductase can be inhibited by prescriptions such as finasteride (Propecia and Proscar, see http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/hair-loss/hair-loss.html ) or by supplementing with saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens, see http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/sere_rep.cfm ).

The actions of topical minoxidil (Rogaine) on hair follicles are complex and unclear ( http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/470297_1 ). A Consumer Reports survey found Propecia to be much more effective than Rogaine ( http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=7384880&rss=rss-wabc-article-7384880 ).

You could also lower your testosterone level. Most guys probably aren't interested in this option, for obvious reasons, but a recent post by Sisson ( http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-increase-testosterone-naturally/#more-13131 ) cites a study ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20555276 ) which suggests that you can adjust your growth hormone and testosterone responses to resistance training by adjusting the rest period between sets in the squat and bench press. A rest period of 60 seconds between sets maximized growth hormone elevation, while a rest period of 120 seconds maximized the testosterone response. So if you shorten your rest time between sets, you will emphasize growth hormone over testosterone.

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Quckwatch also calls Weston Price Foundation a "scam." quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/… – Geoff Apr 27 2011 at 17:24
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Arthur De Vany says that eating plenty of plant based foods will help to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT and that you can remove DHT topically by washing your hair with Polysorbate. He also believes that hairloss is caused by inflammation and recommends using the antioxidants that can be purchased through this website: http://www.glutathionescience.com/ to reduce said inflammation.

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As Ed mentioned, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is caused by an ezymatic process, where 5-AR attacks genetically susceptible hair follicles. While there is little evidence that any changes you make to your diet can have any effect on the genetic component of hair loss, you can make dietary changes to reduce the level of DHT in the scalp, and slow the rate at which it thus attacks your hair. uncooked plant-based food (a paleo staple), particularly ones high in beta-sitosterol, magnesum, and zinc (which is destroyed by the cooking process) can have positive effect at reducing hair loss. Supplementing with a natural product like Procerin that contains these same types of ingredients, especially if your paleo diet is lacking in high levels of plant-based nutrition, can help too.

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Yeah selenium should help too

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