Healthy Nails and Diet

Healthy nails are strong, smooth and pink. They are made of a protein called keratin, and grow at an average rate of a millimeter a week. The state of your nails can indicate your general state of health.

Like every other part of the body, nails need a supply of nutrients. However, the body prioritizes its nutritional distribution and because nails are not a vital organ, they are one of the first areas to be affected by nutritional deficiencies, whether caused by poor diet or illness.

Thin, spoon shaped nails, especially on the thumb, characterize iron and zinc deficiencies in the diet. The nails may also become brittle and pale. Increasing iron intake will help to stave off iron-deficiency anemia and improve general health as well as condition of the nails.

Brittle nails are infections of the surrounding skin may indicate a lack of zinc in the diet. Eat plenty of zinc-rich foods such as seafood, eggs, offal meat, nuts, and lentils.

Selenium deficiency can lead to wide bands, or ridges, developing on the nails, while too much can cause blackened nails. Shellfish and fish are both good sources of selenium.

The Calcium Myth

Many people believe that calcium-rich foods will make their nails stronger. In fact, the nails contain only very small amount of calcium and the mineral plays little or no part in strengthening the nails.

The small white flecks on the nails, formerly thought to be caused by calcium deficiency, are now believed to be the result of a knock, over-manicuring or in rare instances, a zinc deficiency. An improved intake of zinc- either through supplements or from dietary sources – often results in the disappearance of the unsightly white spots.

Water and soap may also be responsible for brittle or splitting nails. In this case the best treatment is to apply hand cream regularly, particularly after drying hands.