What your Fingernails reveal about your Health

If you are one of the few woman who do not have acrylic nails you may be wondering why your nails are weak and brittle or do not grow long.

It could help to learn more about what makes your fingernails healthy and what are some signs to determine that you may have a more serious disease or condition.

Living skin cells is what makes up the fingernail which is mostly composed of Keratin a hardened protein. Our nails grow faster in the summer and usually beat our toenails in growth speed.

Your overall health whether its good or not will show up in our body, from our skin to our fingernails, especially signs of disease can be detected with little things as white spots on our nails or ridges,

may be showing that there is problems in our liver, lungs or heart. Signs of serious illness such as anemia and malnutrition can be seen with very pale or white nails.

Liver problems and Hepatitis may show in nails that are white with a darker rim.

Nail Health symptoms

Lung disease and thyroid disease is common among those with really yellow nails. Pneumonia can give your nails a blueish tint and comes from not getting enough oxygen.

Psoriasis is a skin condition and shows up in the nails as a ripple or pitted nail surface.

Dry brittle cracked nails are common among women who do not get enough moisture and can be caused by a fungal infection.

Red and puffy skin around the nail is sometimes the sign of lupus or a connective tissue disorder.

Nail abnormalities may be caused by many factors, only a dermatologist can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment suggestions.

So make sure you get informed and follow up if you notice any changes in your fingernail condition.

Eating a balanced diet is a good way to protect your nails and improve the condition of your fingernails. Vitamin B12 is a vitamin for nail health that along with Biotin is a nutrient for nail growth. Protein is important to build calcium in the nails, you can increase your intake of fish or omega 3 supplements, while amino acids build keratine. For stronger nails it is recommended to use oils such as flaxseed oil and primrose oil.  

Strengthen Nails Naturally

Apply moisture and keep nails clean and dry, also keep them trimmed and out of hard water, wear gloves if you are going to be using harsh cleaning agents, also avoid nail polish remover with acetone. Winter months will require that you use a hydrating lotion. Filing nails in one direction will lead to stronger fingernails which can weaken from excessive swimming, doing dishes or soaking in a bathtub. Oils can get rid of dry brittle nails as well as smooth out any split surfaces. Eating foods with botin include eggs, soya beans