You can learn a lot from looking at your nails

WHAT are your nails telling you? Your nails can give you clues about the health of your body. This list is not meant to cause panic, it’s simply a useful list to help give you a clue about where to start. You may need digestive or immune support or supplements for the nails but a chat with a health care professional can help you figure out what direction you need to take.

Take a look at your nails and see what condition they are in. Healthy nails should be pink with a mild sheen and have a nice round shape. They should not be brittle or break easily, nor should they have spots or grooves.

Here are some signs for you to look out for: White spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency.

Hangnails can be a sign that you are low in folic acid, B vitamins or vitamin C.

Nails that are weak and brittle could mean that you need extra vitamin A, or that you are low in B vitamins or Silica. Low stomach acid is a common cause of weak/brittle nails. A digestive enzyme that contains Betaine may help.

Fungal nail infections are unsightly and embarrassing and can be slow to heal. The fungal infection will need to be treated. Avoid sugar and yeast as these foods will encourage the growth of fungal infections. Supplements like garlic, oregano or Spilanthes can help. Painting anti-fungal tea tree solution daily on the nails can be of benefit. You will need to work on this problem from the inside and the outside. Patience may be required!

Vertical ridges in the nails can indicate low iron, or lung problems.

Horizontal ridges are associated with gout, and circulation problems.

Small bulges can be a sign of iron deficiency. Yellow nails might be a sign of gallbladder problems.

Brown nails could mean that your adrenal glands are under stress.

Think of your nails as indicators of a problem. Similar to the red lights in your car, they can indicate that something is wrong or needs attending. So take a look at your nails. What condition are they in?