It is believed that the state of individuals nails may provide a great indication of their overall health. Soft nails care that is splitting into layers or nails that are cracking is said to be caused by either a deficient diet, digestive problems or overexposure to water, or sunlight. The usual option to prevent this is believed to be to change diet and wear cotton-lined rubber gloves for all activities. If nails are pale, this may be a symptom of anemia. If this is the case, it has been recommended to use sunscreen on nails while being outside. Nails might be in many various conditions, below is a list of all the different conditions.
Dry and Brittle Nails
Nails that are easily broken may give an indication of a vitamin and mineral deficiency. It has been recommended that an individual’s diet might need to be altered, and is advised include foods featuring essential fatty acids such as oily fish and Vitamin B.
It has been recommended that nails should be conditioned on a regular basis, by using sunscreen whilst sunbathing and applying hand cream after washing. It has also been advised to only use ‘formaldehyde-free’ nail polish. Evening primrose oil, either in supplement or liquid form is also believed to strengthen nails.
Hangnails or dry and Splitting Skin
This is said to be caused by injury, poor trimming, dry skin and cuticles, very frequent handling of paper or very high temperatures. Nail conditioning oils have been encouraged to be used all over the skin.
White Spots
This may mean that there has been some kind of trauma put on the nail. This could be due to a deficiency of both iron and zinc, so it has been recommended to take zinc supplements and a Vitamin B complex, including biotin for natural iron and nutrients.
Horizontal Ridges
This is thought to occur due to unhealthy diets, illness, or high amounts of stress. It is believed to be very normal and is not viewed as a sign of any bad illness. However, to stop horizontal ridges, it has been advised to try a silica complex, which contains minerals and horsetails.
It is reported that healthy nail care should be strong, flexible and blemish-free. The conditions above may be a symptom of suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Nails are believed to be most affected by diet. The structure of nails consists up of the protein called keratin and a mixture of the minerals calcium, sulfur, potassium, and selenium.
Supplements thought to promote healthy nails
– It has been stated that Silica supplements may be supplemented on as they may enhance calcium absorption, which is essential.
– It is thought that the herb Horsetail may be taken as it features Silica and calcium, this herb may be brewed in tea.
– It has been suggested that Borage oil might be supplemented on as it is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, believed to be good for promoting healthy nails.
– It has been recommended that B Vitamins may be included in a diet as they are seen as highly beneficial.
– The supplement Royal Jelly is believed to be good, as it is rich in B Vitamins and contains high amounts of essential fatty acids.
Curing nail problems with vitamins and herbs
Fingernails, which are made mainly of a protein known as keratin, are one of the body’s strongest tissues. They not only protect the fingertips and toes but can often tell a story about the overall health of your body. Nail problems may signal a more serious disorder such as asthma, emphysema or heart disease, improper nutrition, and stress. Vitamins and herbs can be used to aid with the healing of nail problems since it is known that good nutrition is the key to healthy nails. Studies have shown that gelatin which has long been hailed to strengthen nails does not contain the proper mixture of amino acids for nail growth.
Herbs like horsetail, nettle, and oat straw which are rich in silica are known to improve the health of your nails. Amino acid complex, vitamin C, vitamin E and biotin are taken together will help the body build keratin. Ridges in the fingernail is a sign of insufficient B vitamins. Calcium and bone-building formulas will benefit the nails by supplying much-needed minerals. A calcium deficiency will usually show up as ragged cuticles, brittleness or dryness. The essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil will keep nails from cracking from lack of nourishment. A paste made with alum and water is effective in relieving ingrown nails. What is commonly called ring-a-round causes the finger to swell and become painful? This usually indicates toxicity in the body and can be treated with a poultice of comfrey. Binding a piece of fresh lemon to the infected area will work as well.
Tea tree oil, garlic oil, and calendula ointment are the best treatments for nail fungus. Tea tree oil is a popular antifungal medication that has proved successful in treating athletes foot and other infections. To protect the nails from bacteria it is wise not to trim the cuticles. Wearing gloves when you are cleaning and keeping the nails cut short are good preventative measures.
