http://www.care2.com/greenliving/rx-for-problem-nails.html
Rx for Problem Nails
By Annie B. Bond
Underneath those winter mittens and gloves, our nails may be needing some serious attention. The state of our nails can tell us a lot about our overall health. For instance, did you know that if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it will show up on your nails?
Find out what problem signs to look for, and learn how your nails–and you–can be stronger and more beautiful starting now.
We researched this topic on the web and found out the following:
Dry or Brittle Nails
1. Limit your hands’ exposure to harsh detergents or alcohol-based lotions.
2. Increase your calcium intake. Yogurt, nettle infusion or extract, and dark leafy greens will all be helpful.
3. Increase your consumption of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, cantaloupe, and dried apricots are all rich in Vitamin A.
4. Drink more pure water and fewer caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
White Spots on Your Nails
Eat more zinc-rich foods. These are mostly animal-based, so vegetarians may need to take a supplement.
Curved or Rounded Nails
This may be caused from insufficient B12. The foods highest in B12 are animal-based, so vegetarians may need to take a supplement.
Yellowed Nails
1. Smoking can cause yellowed nails, as well as a host of other health problems. Get some support and quit.
2. Using nail polish can also cause yellow nails. Try brushing your nails with whitening toothpaste!
3. Fungal and other infections can also cause yellow nail discoloration. If you suspect this might be your problem, see a doctor.
Cracked, Peeling, or Chipped Nails
You may need more minerals and protein in your diet.
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5 comments
add your comment »I've had soft nails all my life. They would always split and crack before they got to a reasonable size. Eventually a Doctor sent me off for numerous tests and found that my Zinc was extremely low. The Dr prescribed Zinc (2 capsules - 220mg daily). I started noticing a difference in my nails and skin within a month and now I have beautiful long strong nails.
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Add vitamin B complex to diet. It works! Vets use it on horses to strengthen their hooves. I have used it for 6 months now and my nails are growing strongly. No lie. I was shocked something so simple!
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For those who cannot afford prescription Lamisil for yellow toenails, and it's usually not covered by insurance, rub Vapo Rub onto the infected nail daily.
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The layers of my nails seem to lift, and separate. I also get vertical cracks at the tops of my nails, and If I'm not careful, the nail splits. Any suggestions?
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Thank you for the good advice. I will practice the good nutritional suggestions because I believe in healthy foods. Personally cannot give up a cup or two of good coffee and/or tea. It can not be worse than alcohol, cigarettes and other bad habbits others have. Coffee and tea are the worse of my food habbits. Like most of my food coffee and tea are organic in my household.
I know that dipping your nails in olive oil is good externally but it has not had the healing power of the internal consumption of vitamins and minerals.
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