How to Get Natural Healthy Nails

This is an article on How to Get Natural Healthy Nails. Changes in your nails may signify nutritional deficiencies and even some disorders in the body, even before any other symptoms of an illness appear. Healthy nails are pink, which means a rich blood supply. If you have hangnails, you may have a lack of protein, folic acid, or vitamin C. White bands across your nails may be from a lack of protein. Dry and brittle nails may mean a lack of vitamin A and calcium. Fragile nails with horizontal and vertical ridges could be caused from a lack of B vitamins. Fungus under and around the nails can be a deficiency of “friendly” bacteria (lactobacilli) in the body. Cuts and cracks in your nails may mean you are not drinking enough liquids, especially water. Nails that chip, crack, or break easily may show a general nutritional deficiency, as well as a protein deficiency. Minerals are also needed. You can have either horizontal or vertical ridges. Horizontal may be an indicator of physical or psychological trauma, especially from disease or infection. Vertical ridges may be an indicator of poor health or lack of absorption of nutrients, especially iron. Thick nails may indicate that the blood is not circulating properly or a possible sign of thyroid disease. Harsh detergents or chemicals such as dish soap and bleach will make your nails split. Wear gloves. If you have your hands in too much water and soap, nails may become loose from the nail bed which causes the nails to swell. As they dry and shrink, this may result in loose and brittle nails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Protein or Protein Supplement
• Gloves (when working with chemicals)
• Hand Cream

1. First, half of what you eat should be raw fruits and vegetables.

2. Second, you should eat plenty of quality protein or take a protein supplement.

3. Third, you should wear gloves when putting your hands in water with detergent or chemicals.

4. Fourth, you should use hand cream in the morning and at night to prevent nails from drying out.

5. Fifth, you should limit your use of nail polish and nail polish removers.

6. Sixth, do not use artificial fingernails.

Tips & Warnings

• Try soaking your nails in warm olive oil or cider vinegar for ten to twenty minutes a day to strengthen nails.
• Take 2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil or brewer's yeast a day for splitting nails or hangnails.
• Nail polish removers can contain chemicals that will actually make your nails brittle. These toxins can be absorbed through the skin. Artificial nails over your own can destroy the underlying nail. Artificial nails have also been known to contribute to nail fungus. If you use nail polish, use a base coat underneath it to prevent yellowing.
• Do NOT cut your cuticles. Push the cuticles back gently after applying hand cream.