Did you
know you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their nails? Not
just what their shade of polish is, or whether they do heavy housework
or not by the nail length. We're not just looking at cosmetics here, but
rather at unpolished nails and seeing if they have anything to say about
health.
It is important to note
here, that this is provided to be purely informative, and under no
circumstances should one take this information and use it for
self-diagnosis. If you are concerned or suspect you may have any
condition, please see your doctor immediately.
Nails are our protection
for the nerves in our fingertips, while toenails protect toes from
damage or injury. They are part of the skin layer and are made up of a
protein called keratin.
A healthy blood supply
will create a peachy-pink nail bed. If there is a deficiency or physical
problem within our bodies, the fingernails can show it.
What are some of the
problems that can show up on the nails, and what are the signs?
Discolored Nails: Diabetes,
stress, allergies and simple illness can cause your nails to appear
discolored. A greenish nail color, however, can be a sign of infection,
either in the nail bed or in your system.
Bluish nail beds can be a
sign of lung trouble, such as emphysema or even asthma. A simple dark
blue line in the nail can be a sign of skin cancer. Tiny black streaks
can indicate a heart problem, while reddish-brown spots can indicate a
deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C.
Yellowing nails are early
signals of various internal disorders, such as diabetes, respiratory or
liver problems. White lines in or across the nail can signal fever,
liver or heart disease, kidney disorders or, more likely, a lack of iron
or zinc in your diet.
What about the shape,
texture and overall condition of nails?
Nail shapes: Nails
that tend to curl under at the tips can signify respiratory or heart
problems, while nails that are raised at the base can also signal
respiratory trouble. Square, wide nails can be a result of a hormonal
disorder, while flat thin nails can be from insufficient vitamin B12.
The texture of
fingernails can tell as much about a person's general health as the
color can. Below are some common texture abnormalities and what they can
possibly indicate.
Nail textures:
Vertical ridges that appear on the nail can indicate disorders as simple
as iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients, overall
poor health or they could indicate something as serious as kidney
trouble. So, you see why consulting your physician is so important.
These vertical ridges, as well as bumpy nails, can also suggest that one
is prone to developing arthritis. Ridges running horizontally across the
nail can indicate physical or mental stress.
Nutrition plays an extremely important role in every function of our
bodies, right down to the tips of our fingers and toes, literally. As
well as signs of other possible disorders, nails can let us know how we
add up when it comes to getting all of our required nutrients.
Since nails are mainly
made up of protein, they can immediately alert us to a lack of it in our
diet. White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein deficiency.
Calcium is also important
for healthy nails. Without it, the nails lose their strength and become
brittle and dry. You can find calcium in green leafy vegetables, dairy
products, sesame seeds or daily supplements.
As mentioned before, ridges in the nails can be a result of vitamin
deficiency, one of which is the B vitamins. Vitamin B is needed for
strengthening, while vitamin B12 also strengthens while promoting normal
nail growth and healthy coloring.
Vitamin C is another
necessary vitamin. Adequate intake can help prevent hang nails and
swelling of nail tissue, and a frequent occurrences of either of these
symptoms is a good indication of a deficiency.
Probably the most common sight on the nails is the "white
spot". Although it has been noted that white lines can be symptoms
of a serious disorder, their presence is more than likely a result of
iron or zinc deficiency. Before worrying about any severe disease, your
first step should be to see your doctor and have him/her test your
levels of iron and zinc.
The best way to assure yourself of healthy nails is to eat a well
balanced diet. You'll need plenty of protein as well as fresh fruits and
vegetables. Sufficient water intake is also important, for as well
as keeping the rest of you healthy it provides moisture for nails. If
you feel you are still not getting enough essential vitamins and
minerals it is recommended that you take a comprehensive
supplement.
Permission granted to reprint with author credit only.
Permission is not granted to reproduce, copy or distribute any part
of this article without prior approval from
Ms. Radoff. ©1995 - 2009
Sherry Radoff. All rights reserved.
To contact the office for an appointment, please call
(818) 609-9458, 9am to 5pm (PST), Monday to Friday, excluding holidays,
or via email at sherry@sherryradoff.com
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