http://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-your-nails-say-about-you.html
What Your Nails Say About Your Health
From Natural Solutions magazine
If eyes are the windows to the soul, then fingernails are the windows to your health. From simply looking at changes in the compressed keratin that sits atop our fingertips, doctors can sometimes identify the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, lung disorders, liver and kidney problems, as well as certain vitamin deficiencies. Watch for changes in previously healthy fingernails, and bring up any concerns to your health care provider.
Pale, white nail beds can be an indicator of anemia or liver problems.
Horizontal ridges (sometimes called Beau’s lines) can indicate circulatory problems (like Raynaud’s disease), diabetes. Can also be caused by a severe illness, like a high fever or pneumonia.
Vertical ridges are not usually a cause for concern, but could be an iron deficiency.
Dry or brittle nails may indicate a vitamin A or iron deficiency.
Hang nails can be a sign of a lack of protein, folic acid, or vitamin C.
White bands may indicate protein deficiency.
Splitting nails may indicate hydrochloric acid deficiency.
Pits or depression in the nails are a possible sign of psoriasis.
Darkening of nails may indicate insufficient vitamin B12.
White spots can indicate zinc deficiency.
Yellow, thick, slow-growing nails are a possible indicator of lung problems.
Yellow-tinted nails with blue color at the base may be a sign of diabetes.
Half white, half pink nails can indicate kidney problems.
Red beds are a possible indicator of heart disease.
Rippling of the nail surface may indicate psoriasis or arthritis.
Inversion of the nail can indicate lung problems.
Red lines at the base of the nail fold can be a possible indicator of lupus or connective tissue disease.
Dark lines under the nail may indicate melanoma.
A nail coming off the nail bed can be an indication of thyroid disease, psoriasis, or an allergic reaction to nail products.
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36 comments
add your comment »when i went to a traditional chinese medicine woman in seattle, the 2nd thing she did was look at my nails. she diagnosed me in 2 minutes, all true. accupuncture helped me a lot, i declined the herbs, as i was afraid of endangered animal parts in them.
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Sooo...what does a healthy nail look like then? These conditions are very helpful to know about, though I don't think I have any of them...occassionally I will get a few white flecks for the zinc deficiency, but no so much since I've been taking supplements daily.
I healthy nail would be: pink nail beds, white tips, no discoloration or flecks or ridges, right?
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thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
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I have had weak, fragile nails all my life. I eat healthily, take vitamins and try to do all the right things, but still have the weak nails, as did my mother and grandmother. I believe this is genetic. The women on my dad's side of the family persecuted me for the appearance of my nails because they were all blessed with strong, long, oval-shaped nails and mine have always been short and stubby.
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As far as the moon on your nail bed. When you wash your hands and dry them, push back your cuticles with the towel while damn. You don't see a moon due to skin growth. That is what cuticle remover is for, to remove the over growth but do not EVER just cut them as easily infected like a hangnail. Lots of germs on the hands and nails
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Valerie, have you had surgery? They make you remove polish in your toes or fingernails befores surgery to check for oxygen levels and other problems. Just thought you'd like to know from the medical profession.
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Excellent article Annie!
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What is said about diabetes patients having yellow-tinted nails with pale purple nail beds is true. I hae seen them on both my father and father in-law who are have type2 diabetes.
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Earlier years at Drs. checkup reminded me how they always checked finger nails. for the past 30 years or more, I don't recall this as part of check up. Just assumed it was not informative to Dr. any longer?
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I actually found this article to be quite useful! As with any symptoms and possible diagnosis, it is always good to follow-up with your holistic,natural, or traditional healthcare practitioner. But I thought this was good.
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