Having Healthy Nails
July 3, 2009
Although, we spend enough time caring for our skin and hair, but our finger and toe nails are often neglected by us. Nails provide protection to the delicate tissues of our fingertips. Therefore, nail care should be as important as skin and hair care.
Keratin is the main component of our nails. Certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and protein are essential nutrients, which our nails need to stay healthy. Nail problems might arise from lack of these essential nutrients. Certain ailments, such as hypothyroidism can also be responsible for unhealthy or weak nails. Frequently, external injuries and bacterial or yeast infection cause nail problems.
Nail problems from nutrient deficiency
Iron is necessary for healthy nails. Iron deficiency causes anemia. Anemia makes our nails appear pale. Iron deficiency will also make your nails fragile. Fragile nails are characterized by vertical or horizontal ridges, which break easily.
Besides lack of iron, deficiency of vitamin B also makes your nails brittle. Fragile nails are also a sign of hormonal imbalance during menstruation. Nails become vulnerable with aging. As we age our nails along with our skin loses its natural moisture.
The increased dryness makes our nails brittle. Besides, advanced age, nails can become dry owing to deficiency of protein, calcium and vitamin A. Lack of vitamin A and protein causes poor nail growth. Sometimes protein deficiency is characterized by opaque white bands, which appear on our nails.
Lack of zinc can cause appearance of white spots on the nails. Deficiency of protein, zinc and folic acid is responsible for causing hangnails. In hangnails, excess skin hangs around the nail, making your nail look unattractive. Dryness of cuticles is responsible for this condition.
Fungal infection
Fungal infection is another problem of our nails. It might develop from nail injury, low level of good bacteria and side effects of antibiotics.
Keeping nails healthy
Your diet should be rich in healthy proteins. Lean meat and fish are sources of healthy protein. Vegetarians can get their protein supply from soy products, beans and nuts. Plenty of vegetables and fruits should be included in your diet. You should also drink at least eight glasses of water to keep your nails hydrated. Fish oil, flaxseed, evening primrose oil and walnuts are extremely effective in preventing brittle nails.
Certain essential oils such as clove, tea tree and eucalyptus oils could be applied on your nails to make them strong. These oils are especially useful in preventing fungal infections.
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