For many years…ok…maybe a couple decades (I confess) I was a slave to my nails.  Every two weeks, or more often if there was an emergency, I was visiting my nail tech.  Based on the hours we spent together, she probably knew me better than anyone else during my corporate career days…sad…but true!  For some reason I felt as though I needed professional looking perfect nails at all times.  I think they gave me confidence or something.  At any rate, I know many women who have professionally created, perfect nails, and I hope that if you are one of them, this will encourage you to take a break for a while at least.

Did you know that $768 million dollars are spent annually on nail polish in the U.S. alone? 

Our nails can tell us so much, and covering them up constantly can hide clues that there may be something going on with our health that needs attention.   People with diabetes are more apt to have nail issues, and with this growing epidemic, these nail problems are becoming more prevalent. 

1.  Vertical Ridges – These are very common, and often just a sign of aging.  However, it can also mean possible B12 and Magnesium deficiencies, along with digestive tract issues.
2. Horizontal Ridges – Something caused the nail to stop growing temporarily.  Your body was/is so busy fighting something else, making nails was/is the least of it’s concern.  High fever, chemotherapy, a serious illness, major surgery, blood transfusion, or any major stress to your system can cause this.
3. Brittle with Splits and Cracks – Possible thyroid issues, especially an under active thyroid, or anemia.  Brittle nails may also be due to a deficiency in vitamins A and C or Biotin.
4. Yellow Nails –  They may also be thick and slow growing.  This can be a sign of a fungal disease and/or Candida.  Thyroid disease, diabetes, psoriasis, or respiratory disease are also possibilities.
5. Clubbing – This is when your nail curves downward. It can be a sign of low oxygen in your blood and is associated with lung disease. Clubbing can also be related to liver or kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and AIDS.
6. Nails that Curve Upward – Possible iron-deficiency or excess absorption, heart disease, or thyroid issues.

These are just a few of the things your nails may be trying to tell you.  It’s best to see a dermatologist if you aren’t sure.  If you have black discoloring under your nail, similar to a bruise, and don’t recall any trauma to the nail, get to a doctor as soon as possible.  This could be life threatening.

Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the nutritional aspects of having healthy nails. 

You’ve heard me speak of good fats vs bad fats and your balance of Omega 3’s and 6’s.  If you have brittle or soft nails, this could be a sign that your diet is off and you’re getting too much of the harmful fats that also cause inflammation and disease.  Also, our nails have been hurt by the egg white craze that still runs amok due to the “egg yolks are bad for your cholesterol” scare of decades ago.  Egg yolks are one of our best sources of biotin, which is a key nutrient in building healthy nails….and by the way…do not promote high cholesterol in human beings! 

To sum it up, A high protein, plant based diet, rich in Omega 3’s is the key to having healthy nails. 

If you know me, you may have noticed that I do not get my nails done any longer, nor do I use nail polish.  The toxins from the polish, the polish remover, and other products used on nails, (and breathed in,) do leach into your bloodstream.  And this girl doesn’t need any more toxins in her body!  Yes, there are some less toxic brands out there…but that’s another post! 🙂