If your hairline is beginning to recede or you are experiencing increased hair loss, it can be a stressful and frustrating experience. There are plenty of natural supplements and herbal treatments available for stopping or treating hair loss. One of the most popular of these natural supplements is beta-sitosterol. It is a phytosterol associated with improvements in various DHT-related health problems, including hair loss. So, read on to learn more about the link between beta sitosterol and hair loss.
What is Beta Sitosterol?
Also referred to as b-sitosterol or β-sitosterol, beta sitosterol is a natural plant compound present in many common cooking ingredients and foods, such as seeds, nuts, wheat germ, rice bran, vegetable oil, avocados and olive oil. Several types of health foods, like margarine, are fortified with this naturally-occurring plant sterol. It is also available as a dietary supplement in many different forms.
Beta-sitosterol supplements are often marketed as natural remedies to strengthen your immune system, lower your cholesterol levels, and manage symptoms of bronchitis, asthma and migraines. Moreover, this plant compound has the potential to reduce DHT levels, which can help in the treatment of hair loss, especially in men.
Beta Sitosterol Benefits for Hair
Beta-sitosterol benefits your hair growth efforts in a variety of ways.
Belonging to a group of plant compounds known as phytosterols, beta-sitosterol is a natural inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels in the body can shrink your hair follicles, leading to a longer hair rest period and a shorter hair growth phase. Beta sitosterol helps combat hair loss by slowing down or preventing DHT production in the body.
This phytosterol has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research indicates that inflammation is often a key contributor to hair loss and pro-inflammatory cytokines can hinder new hair follicle growth. By combating inflammation, beta sitosterol can promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Moreover, stress often releases inflammatory cytokines, leading to a shorter hair growth phase, resulting in hair loss.
Beta sitosterol has shown the ability to reduce the production of the stress hormone called cortisol and various other stress markers, making it an effective solution to chronic stress-related hair loss.
How to Take Beta Sitosterol for Hair?
Adding foods containing high concentrations of beta sitosterol to your diet can be quite helpful in promoting hair growth and addressing hair loss. This natural compound is found in a wide variety of foods like saw palmetto, avocado, rice bran, nuts, wheat germ, lentils and chickpeas. However, regarding the absorption of beta-sitosterol through diet, the human body is not as efficient. Based on factors like general health, age and the type of foods you consume, the body may absorb as little as 5% of the available beta-sitosterol.
This introduces the need for other sources of this compound, such as dietary supplements. There are many supplements in the market for better bioavailability than natural food sources. Typically, the recommended daily dose of beta sitosterol ranges from 350 mg to 375 mg. It is usually recommended to break this dose into 2-3 separate doses every day. According to reports, beta sitosterol supplements take 5-6 months to show any visible signs of hair growth. However, some people may experience its effects more quickly than others.
Conclusion
Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant compound renowned for its ability to lower DHT levels in your blood. It is also touted for its immunity-boosting qualities. One of the many important beta sitosterol uses is its ability to reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It is present in many natural food sources. However, it may be necessary to take supplements in order to ensure adequate intake required for hair regrowth. When taken as recommended, these supplements can prove to be highly effective for hair restoration. However, it’s always advisable to talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your healthcare regimen.