Doctors always stress on having a balanced diet for a healthier body and mind. Well this is true. If you are healthy, then the organs, tissues and cells in your body will function well. A balanced meal should contain all the major groups of nutrients, namely proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals. It is difficult for most of us to follow this mainly because of our lifestyles. Most people will be busy with work or school and may not even find time to sit down for a proper meal. Busy people usually opt for takeaways as there is no time to cook a home meal. Under and overeating are major problems in the society today. Because of a desire to have a slimmer body, people will turn to dieting. These people may deprive themselves of food completely or have a one group diet like a high protein diet. Eating too much food may lead to undesirable conditions like cholesterol and heart problems as well as obesity. We don't need a diet causing hair loss. It is important for us, therefore, to know what to constitute our diets of in order to promote hair growth as opposed to hair loss.

Our hair is basically made of keratin which is a protein. This makes protein an essential part of the diet. Enzyme synthesis and building of body tissues are part of the function of proteins. Medics recommend a daily allowance of 0.8g/kg of the weight of the body. Sources of protein include meat, eggs, legumes and pulses.

Vitamins are needed for enzymes to be able to break down proteins, starch and fats as well as for the formation of hormones, genes, chemicals and blood cells. The immune system is fortified by vitamin intake. All fruits and vegetables contain high levels of vitamins. Other sources of vitamins include butter, eggs, fish and liver. A deficiency may cause changes to the skin which may lead to loss of body hair. When one is not feeling well, the immune system is lowered. A deficiency will further lower immunity causing incidence of opportunistic infections.

Carbohydrates provide the body with energy essential for processes in the bodies to occur. Without the required energy, division of cells will slow down or cease completely. The hair cells have to be active in order for hair to continue growing. The nutrient can be derived from tubers, bread, rice, pasta and cereals.

Minerals are a group of nutrients which include potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, zinc and copper. Potassium is necessary for the arteries to open up increasing blood flow. Iron is used in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. Calcium is a constituent of cell membranes. Sodium is needed for the regulation of extracellular fluids. Zinc is required for enzyme formation. Sources of minerals include milk and milk products, vegetables and fruits. Fats provide more than double the amount of energy produced by carbohydrates. Polyunsaturated fats are the healthiest and are found in seed oils.

Beware of the diet causing hair loss and go for a well balanced diet that will keep your hair on your head.