Healthy fingernails are smooth and strong, according to the Mayo Clinic. By taking care of your nails and adding some beneficial foods and vitamins to your diet, you can promote healthy nail growth and get long, strong fingernails. If you notice your fingernails becoming yellow or white, curling or developing ridges and grooves, see a doctor to discuss the cause of these changes.
Change Your Diet
Richard Scher, a dermatology professor at Columbia University, suggests strengthening your fingernails through your diet to encourage the growth of long, strong nails. Scher claims that biotin, an ingredient found naturally in cauliflower, is important for healthy fingernail growth. Legumes such as peanuts and lentils are also loaded with biotin. The Vitamins Diary website states that a diet rich in garlic can increase blood flow to your nail beds, encouraging fingernail growth. Avoiding animal fats can improve the overall health of your fingernails.
Take Supplements
Taking over-the-counter supplements can help to strengthen your nails and encourage them to grow, according to the Vitamins Diary website. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are beneficial to nail growth. You can find these essential acids in fish oil supplements. Many minerals are helpful in the quest for long, strong nails. Try taking calcium supplements to make your nails thick and strong. Taking iodine and zinc will increase blood flow to your nails and encourage growth. Weak nails can be a sign of an iron deficiency, so taking iron supplements can help improve the health of your nails.
Protect Your Nails
Take it easy on your nails to keep them strong and help them grow. The Mayo Clinic suggests protecting your nails by not using them as tools. Nails are very susceptible to breakage if you use them to pry packages open or pick at tiny objects. Avoid biting your nails and cuticles to keep them healthy. Soaking your nails in water for a long time, like when doing the dishes, can make your nails weak and prone to peeling. Wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes and avoid soaking your fingernails unnecessarily.
Give Yourself a Manicure
Treat yourself to a manicure to keep your nails growing strong and healthy. Well-moisturized fingernails are strong fingernails, so the Mayo Clinic suggests using lotion on your nails frequently, especially after removing fingernail polish. Herbert Luscombe, a dermatology professor at Thomas Jefferson University, recommends using vegetable oil as an inexpensive, natural fingernail moisturizer. Paul Kechijian, a dermatology professor at New York University, suggests moisturizing your fingernails every time you wash your hands for maximum benefits. Massage the oil or lotion into your fingernail beds for the best results. Massaging your fingernails increases blood flow and promotes nail growth.
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