What nails say about your health
Fingernails are made of keratin, a protein similar to what our hair is made of. Just like hair, which turns brittle, dull, and dry if not provided with adequate nourishment, nails, too, lose their colour, lustre and tone. The rate varies in each individual, nails grow an inch and half each year. They grow quicker in younger people than older people, in pregnancy, in summer than in winter, and on fingers rather than on toes.
Here are certain symptoms of nails, what their state signifies, and the possible treatment of any problems, through food.
ABNORMALITY IN NAIL SHAPES
A nail that curves in the opposite direction at the tip is a symptom of anaemia, or chronic iron deficiency. On the other hand, nails that curl under the tips signify heart/respiratory problems. Nails raised at the base may indicate respiratory trouble. Hormonal disorders may lead to square wide nails. Flat, thin nails may be a result of insufficient vitamin B12. To compensate for this deficiency, have more meat, dairy products and eggs, and raise your intake of ironrich foods such as green leafy vegetables and nuts. Have more citrus fruits, too.
PEELING
A nail contains several layers of keratin sealed together. However, when unprotected hands are exposed to hot air, water, or cold air, these sealed layers may peel off. Peeling nails means that the diet is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing the diet with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids — flax seeds, walnuts, almonds, nuts, sunflower seeds, and evening primrose oil will help improve moisture levels of dull nails. Besides, moisturising your hands with body lotion also helps keep the layers supple.
BRITTLENESS
An under-active thyroid is often associated with brittle nails. A diet lacking in calcium and protein also causes nails to break or crack easily as the nails lack in strength. Consume foods rich in iron (fenugreek, ragi, fish, and most leafy vegetables). Besides, one must try to avoid leaving hands wet for too long as they worsen brittleness.
WHITE SPOTS
White lines found in or across a nail most likely indicate an iron or zinc deficiency, but it may also be a sign of fever, heart disease, kidney disorder, or liver problems. It can also signify more complex issues like eczema or psoriasis. To raise your zinc levels, eat dried beans, cashews, yoghurt, raisin, chickpeas, dairy products, almonds, milk, chicken breast, kidney beans, peas and oatmeal.
COLOURS ON NAILS
Yellowing nails are early signals of various internal disorders, such as diabetes, respiratory or liver problems. Yellow spots on the nails can be an indicator of fungus or psoriasis. A bacterial infection can cause the affected nail to turn slightly green. Bluish nail beds can be a sign of lung trouble, whereas reddishbrown spots can indicate a deficiency of folic acid, protein, or vitamin C. Consuming broccoli, fish, onion, apples, cucumbers, grapes, garlic, asparagus (rich in sulphur) ensures proper blood circulation and good nail growth.
NAIL TEXTURES
When the nail texture shows vertical ridges along the surface, this may be an indicator of kidney trouble, iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients. These vertical ridges along with bumpy nails may also indicate the possibility of developing arthritis. When the ridges run horizontal rather than vertical, they may be indicative of physical and mental stress. A diet rich in vitamin C and B-complex vitamins helps reduce the appearance of these ridges.
Anjali Mukherjee