Healthy Nails

Most of us are unaware of the fact that nails are an indication of our general health. Your nails are said to be healthy when they are a slight pink in color with no spots and brittle cracks, smooth and unvarying in color, splits and white spots indicate vitamin, mineral and essential nutrient deficiencies. Eating right and drinking plenty of water and regular manicure and pedicure will sure get you healthy strong nails.

Little Know How on Nails

Nails are composed of layers of the keratin protein, which is found in your skin and hair too. Finger Nails grow from the nail root at a 1/8th inch rate a month and grow much faster than your toe nails. Nail formation and nail growth gets stunted or impaired due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, local injury or due to hypothyroidism – a glandular deficiency.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is a common problem amongst most people, it grows under the nails and toe nails are the most prone as it grows in dark and moist places, shoes and socks provide them the environment. The infected nail usually becomes yellowish, green, dark brown, or white spots develop, with the nail bed and the sides getting affected along with mild pain and itchiness. The best way to keep nails healthy, free from any infections and fungus is to keep them clean, short and going for regular manicures and pedicures.

For Healthy Nails

• Protect your nails while you wash or use soap, use gloves , preferably larger than your hand size.
• Do not bite or pick at your nails and the nail bed, a small cut could attract fungi and other bacteria infecting your nail.
• Keep your nails short, clean and trim. Always have a manicure kit handy. Regular nail maintenance ensures healthy nails.
• For long healthy nails, rub in olive or almond oil before you go to bed.
• Avoid using your nails to open bottles, use your fingers instead.
• Taking food laden with protein is excellent for healthy nails and to avoid spots on them.
• Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day if you desire healthy nails.
• Drink lots of water and juices.
• Whole grains, brewers yeast, soy are rich in biotin which is excellent for maintaining healthy nails.
• Take foods rich in zinc and vitamin B.
• Broccoli, fish and foods rich in sulfur promote healthy nails.
• Eat good amount of apples, eggs, liver, and nuts for healthy nails.
• Paint your nails with clear nail polish to protect them.
• Avoid acetone based nail polish removers; these tend to make the nails dry and brittle.
• Be gentle on your nails, if you find any nail fungus, use appropriate medication to treat it.
• Drink a glass of milk a day for healthy nails.