What Your Nails Tell You About Your Health?

Nails are composed mainly of keratin, a type of protein. Healthy nails are light pink, indicating a rich blood supply. Nutritional deficiencies often show up in changes or abnormalities of the nails.

Take a look at the following conditions – do any look familiar to you and your nails?

• Hangnails are often caused by a lack of protein.
• White bands across the nails are an indication of protein deficiencies.
• Dry nails can mean an insufficient intake of vitamin B12.
• Spoon nails (nails that develop in a concave shape), fragility or vertical ridges are caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B.
• White spots indicate a zinc deficiency.
• Brittle nails may be indicative of circulatory problems, iron deficiency, impaired kidney function or thyroid problems.
• Chipped, cracked, easily broken or peeled nails may be indicative of a nutritional deficiency such as minerals, protein or insufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid.
• Dark Nails may be indicative of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. May also indicate anemia.
• Deep blue nails may indicate a pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• A downward curvature of the nail may be indicative of heart, liver or respiratory disorders.
• Frayed nails or split ends could indicate psoriasis or a folic acid, protein and/or Vitamin C deficiency.
• Ridges up and down the nail may be indicative of developing arthritis.
• Nails that are separate from the nailbed could indicate a thyroid condition.
• Spoon shaped nails or thin might be a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• White lines across the nails may be indicative of liver disease or a condition of the liver.
• White nails may be indicative of possible kidney or liver dysfunction. May also indicate anemia.
• Yellow nails (if not caused from smoking) may be indicative of internal disorders long before symptoms show up elsewhere in the body (diabetes, liver, lymphatic or respiratory conditions

Many of the conditions above may be improved by changing your diet to include or increase the intake of a vitamin and/or mineral your body is lacking. However if in doubt, do seek advise from a doctor.

*Quick home remedy for healthy cuticles – rub a little extra virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil to the cuticles of your hands and feet every night to help soften and moisturise!

Take care,

Yasmin & Hava