Denying the body of some nutrients that are required for growth in some way or the other is what dieting is all about. But very rarely does it occur to us that dieting affects other things also, other than our weight. Protein is important for good health and any reduction is its quantity means the normal functioning gets upset and the protein that has been ingested is then used to carry out the more important body functions. Parts of the body which are not vital for survival are then ignored.
It is possible that hair growth is one of the less important parts and lack of protein leads to poor hair conditions. It could lead to poor growth, thinning and finally baldness. But other diets where there is an increase or reduction in any nutrients like excess protein and less fat, pure vegetarian or pure carb diets can also cause a nutritional imbalance in the system. The common nutrients that are lost due to dieting are nutrients like magnesium, iron, vitamins A and B and the omega group of fatty acids.
Vitamin A helps the growth of tissues and cells in the body and it keeps them healthy including the scalp and hair. A vitamin A deficiency over a long period can result in dandruff and subsequently hair loss. Vitamin A is found in beta carotene which is a cartinoid and the body converts it to Vitamin A all of which are found in orange, red and yellow and dark green vegetables. Vitamin A is absorbed by the body from retinol found in liver, eggs, and fish oil.
Vitamin B is in three parts and all three are essential for the body to use in the construction of red blood cells. The main job here is to ensure that oxygen from the lungs is distributed properly to the various tissues in the body including the hair. A steady supply of oxygen and blood will keep your hair healthy, shining and strong. Any deficiency in the above and the results are seen in falling hair, hair damage and slow growth. Vitamin B is best found in food rich in protein like chicken, pork, fish, soybeans, kidney and liver. Nuts, legumes and whole grains are also a good source of vitamin B.
Anything done in moderation is quite all right and this applies to dieting too. If you have a diet where the overall calorie intake is reduced, it will not have any adverse effect on the health. Hair loss that is caused by erratic and uncontrolled dieting can be rectified by making the necessary dietary changes. It is not an instant solution and sometimes the results take much as 6 months but the change is very visible on the overall condition of the hair.