Nail Problems

Your nails protect the nerves concentrated in the fingertip and toes. Nails are part of the outer layer of skin and are made of a protein called keratin. Healthy nails are pink which indicates a good blood supply. Changes or or abnormalities in your finger or toe nails likely indicate nutritional deficiencies and may also indicate a more serious health problem (see below).

Nutrient / Supplement	Importance ( 1 - 10 )	Helpful notes
vitamin B complex	7	Low vitamin B intake results in fragile and brittle nails.
Essential fatty acids	9	Aid in the health of skin and nails. They also help to relieve many inflammation problems that occur around the nails. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. The fatty acids work well with the amino acid called L-methione.
Multi-vitamin and Mineral supplement	10	contains vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B , vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc which all are helpful for people with nail and skin health problems. The supplemental nutrients are also required for general good health and well being.
vitamin A	9	deficiency in vitamin A can causes dryness and brittle nail. Vitamin A also helps the body process protein. Problems processing protein may cause hangnails and other skin related problems.
Carotenoids	9	work with vitamin A
vitamin C	9	a lack of vitamin C can cause hang nails
Bioflavonoids	9	work with vitamin C
vitamin D	9	enhances calcium absorption in the body and the mineral calcium is needed to prevent brittle and dry nails.
Horsetail	8	this herb helps the body use calcium properly and it is good for the flexibility of the fingernails and toenails.
Ginkgo biloba	8	herb that helps with circulation problems and is also good for brain and memory function
Calcium	8	needed for proper healthy nail growth. Note a good calcium supplement may also contain magnesium and boron. Coral calcium is good as it is easily absorbed. (see Calcium Coverage below)
Zinc	8	this mineral helps with absorption of both minerals and enzymes. It has been shown that not getting enough zinc may cause white spots on the finger or toe nails.

NAIL PROBLEMS - DIAGNOSING
Changes or problems with your finger or toe nails can be a warning of many different health problems or disease. Often, nail changes will occur before other symptoms start. The following table give some help in checking your nail health.

GOOD SUPPLEMENTS TO TRY

NAIL CONDITION	HEALTH PROBLEMS
Black, splinter like bits under the nails	may indicate infectious endocarditis, a serious heart infection, other cardiovascular or heart disease, or a bleeding disorder.
Brittle nails	may indicate a thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, and/or circulation problems. Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon may indicate an overactive thyroid known as hyperthyroidism.
Bumps on Nails	Person may have rheumatoid arthritis
Dark nails (thin, flat, spoon-shaped nails)	normally indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia. Nails can also turn gray or dark if the hands are placed in chemicals such as cleaning supplies (like bleach) or something you are allergic to.
Deep blue nail beds	indicate possible pulmonary health problem such as asthma or emphysema.
Downward curving nail ends	may denote heart, liver, or lung / respiratory problems.
Flat nails	can indicate person has Raynaud's disease
Greenish nails	normally a fungal infection, can also indicate an internal bacterial infection.
Half-white nail with dark spots at the tip points	person may have kidney disease
Nails that break easy (chip, peel, crack)	indicate a poor nutrition, insufficient hydrochloric acid, and protein in the diet. As well as deficiency in minerals.
Nails raised at the base, with small, white ends	may indicate a respiratory disorder like emphysema or bronchitis. This type of nail problem can be inherited as well.
Pitted Red-brownish spots and split ends	indicate psoriasis and the person probably needs vitamin C, folic acid, and protein.
Red skin around the cuticles	can be indicate poor metabolism of essential fatty acids or may indicate the person has Lupus.
Vertical ridges on nails	indicate poor general health, poor nutrient absorption, and the ridges may also indicate a kidney disorder.
Horizontal ridges on nails	can indicate severe stress (both psychological or physical). Person is also more vulnerable to arthritis.
Thick nails	indicate that the person's cardiovascular system is weakening and the blood is not circulating good. May also indicate thyroid disease.
White nails	indicate possible liver disease or kidney disease, anemia. If the white nails have pink near the tips then cirrhosis of the liver may be indicated.
Yellow nails	indicate internal health problems such as: lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetes, and liver disease.

OTHER CHANGES TO MAKE

- drink steam distilled water (6-8 glasses a day)
- avoid drinking alcohol
- avoid saturated fats and fried foods they stress the liver
- eat high fiber diet (brown rice and millet are good)
- make sure to get vitamin A, C, and E
- reduced sugar, candy, etc...
- avoid caffeine, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, meat, soft drinks
- reduce dairy products in your diet
- fasting a few days a month
- for healthy nails make sure you are getting enough protein
- keep nails shorter
- do not cut your cuticles

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.

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