Home Remedy To Strengthen Fingernails

Nails are primarily made of a protein called keratin. Nails are one of the body's strongest tissues. Sometimes nails can grow slower than normal, become dry and brittle, or break for numerous reasons. This could be because of a fungal infection that has been untreated. More often it is caused by nutritional deficiencies. The best home remedy is to eat a well-balanced diet that supplies the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy nails.

Nail Health

Two B vitamins that promote healthy nails are pantothenic acid and biotin. Biotin improves the quality of weak and brittle nails. Adults should aim for 30 micrograms of biotin daily from food sources. Biotin sources include liver, soy products, nuts, oatmeal, barley, rice, cauliflower, legumes and whole wheat. Adults should consume about 5 mg of pantothenic acid daily; pregnant and lactating women need up to 6 or 7 mg. This B vitamin can be found in fish, poultry, whole grains, yogurt and legumes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body build keratin and other proteins that help the nails stay strong. The vitamin acts as a powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from viruses and bacteria that can infect your nails. It is recommended that you eat up to 120 mg daily. Choose vitamin-C rich foods such as tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes and citrus fruits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E works as a partner with vitamin C in helping the body build keratin for nails. Vitamin E should be consumed daily for healthy nails. Between 10 to 20 mg should be eaten daily from food sources. Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, whole grains, lean meat, nuts and seeds.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are a source of essential fatty acids which promote healthy skin, hair and nails. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic and linolenic acid which help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi that can infect your nails. Liquid flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds can be found at most nutrition supply stores. Add 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. of flaxseed oil once or twice a day to your diet. Ground flaxseed can easily be mixed into juice, yogurt, cottage cheese, or other foods and drinks; mix 1 to 2 tbsp. in your choice daily.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal medication that can help treat nail fungus topically. Its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties make it effective in treating nail fungus. Tea tree oil can be found in any health food store. Try rubbing your nails twice a day for several months with tea tree oil to fight off infections that contaminate your nails. Be aware that tea tree oil may cause an allergic reaction for some people. Test a small patch of your arm first to see if it becomes red or inflamed before continuing use.