Whether you are male or female, you should care about the appearance of your nails. Healthy, strong, shiny nails are a sign of overall good health. Healthy nails are an indicator that you are eating properly and taking good care of yourself. Part of eating properly is consuming the vitamins needed for nail health as well as the health of your entire body.
Vitamins
Just like the rest of your body, nails require proper vitamins and nutrients. Your nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that also comprises your skin and nails. In addition to keratin, nails also require a number of important vitamins. These vitamins include calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin B-complex as well as vitamins A, C and E.
Deficiencies
When your body is not getting enough of the essential vitamins needed for nail health, nails begin to become dull, weak, brittle or dry. Nails that are lacking vitamins also peel or break with ease. Peeling nails are often a sign of a vitamin C and D deficiency. Frequent hang nails indicate you are likely lacking folic acid, protein and vitamin C. If your nails develop lines or ridges, vitamin B and iron are often missing from your system. If your nails are soft, chances are you are not receiving enough vitamin D and calcium.
Diet
A poor diet is often an indicator of poor nail health. When you eat a well-balanced diet full of plenty of vitamins and nutrients, your nails are likely to look extremely healthy. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to include apples, cucumbers, asparagus and grapes in your diet. In addition, eggs, fish, nuts and whole grains are important for ensuring a well-balanced diet. Drinking water is also important. By drinking eight glasses of water each day, your body is able to flush itself of toxins, which allows the vitamins to efficiently keep your nails and entire body functioning properly.
Supplements
If you believe you are lacking a certain vitamin in your diet, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements can be bought over the counter in drug stores, nutrition stores and grocery stores. You can also apply a nail hardener that usually comes in the form of a clear nail polish. Nail hardeners contain many of the vitamins needed for proper nail health. In addition, try to avoid using nail polish more than once each week. Acetone has a tendency to dry your nails out.
Warnings
Not all nail conditions are a sign of vitamin deficiencies. Contact your doctor if you observe yellow discoloration, your nail separating from the nail bed, indentations that run across your nails, or white colored nails.
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