http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fix-for-brittle-nails.html
Fix for Brittle Nails
By Carolyn Barry, Natural Solutions
If your nails go snap, crackle, and pop, you’re in good company–as much as 20 percent of the population suffers from brittle nails. Though experts don’t know exactly what causes our nails to weaken, peel, or break, they point to harsh detergents and nail polish removers as the likely culprits. Other factors include cold, dry weather and frequent hand washing.
Fortunately, a natural remedy for frail nails happens to be one of the most abundant elements on Earth: silicon. As an essential trace element in our bodies, this common mineral promotes the formation of two important connective tissue substances, collagen, which gives our skin, hair, and nails strength and flexibility, and glycosaminoglycans, which hydrate the tissue to provide cushioning action. In a study in Finland, researchers found that 50 percent of women given silicon for 90 days reported significantly stronger nails.
But it’s not easy to get that extra dose. Silicon usually binds with oxygen to form organic silica, which the body has trouble absorbing. The most bioavailable type of silicon is the one normally found in our blood–orthosilicic acid–which is formed when silicon binds to hydrogen atoms.
James Belanger, ND, from Lexington, Massachusetts, recommends taking about 7 mg (10 drops) of orthosilicic acid–commonly found as a supplement–twice a day for at least three months, which is the time it takes for the old nail to grow out and the healthy one to take its place.
If you want to add more silicon to your diet, load up on whole grains, soybeans, and leafy greens and consider supplementing with horsetail and alfalfa. And don’t do it just for your nails. Getting a little extra silicon also strengthens bones and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles by improving elasticity of the skin. “It’s a great supplement to take, in general, for all of its effects,” Belanger says.
If brittle nails persist, check in with your healthcare practitioner. This symptom can also result from deficiencies in zinc, iron, calcium, and protein and from more serious maladies such as thyroid problems or lung disease.
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11 comments
add your comment »I suffered from brittle nails for years,and about a year ago I went vegan, I ´ve been vegetarian for almost 18 years, but vegan for a year and I noticed that after quitting dairy products and eating more almonds, coconut, all sort of nuts, my nails are not brittle anymore, in fact are stronger than ever and grow really fast, same goes for my hair and my skin looks younger!!!
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I have found Eucerin lotion and it has helped me cure the painful edges that go in so deeply around my nails. Twice a day. Hope it helps u.
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I read somewhere, that brittle nails simply need more moisture, as they are too dry. I've suffered from weak, peeling nails for a long time, but now that I've been using hand lotion frequently, they've become a lot stronger and don't peel anymore. It's that simple: just rub plain moisturizing creme into your nails (and hands as well) every day. It takes a few months for a change to happen, but I've found it astonishing as it really works!
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My husband says that since he has been taking Vitamins B6 and B12 his nails are fine . I will try that too. Thanks for all the comments. they always help.
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Evening primrose and fish oil work wonders too. A dose of 1000mg a day of each for around three months stops nails breaking.
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I found that I was anaemic, which led to brittle, splitting nails. Make sure to get enough iron in your diet!!
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i've noticed that since i get more of my protein from nuts and a variety of greens, my nails are stronger. also, since switching from bleach-laden cleaners to seventh generation or home-made natural cleaners, my nails don't break as much as they used to. in fact, i'm actually often proud of how my hands look.
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Another, much easier way to strengthen nails is to drink Knox gelatin. Even eating Jello on a regular basis will help. It has some of the same ingredients.
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Drinking water does help, as does taking care of cuticles.
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I've said this befor on this sits - drink more water - it DOES work!
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