Healthy strong nails are a popular aesthetic feature, but they can also be used as health indicators of the health of the body. Since the growth of nails and their health can actually be seen, doctors are able to look at nails for hints at certain health conditions and the internal health of the body.
Healthy Nails
Nails are made of hardened layers of the protein keratin. The nails grow at their base, under the cuticle. As new cells are created, the old cells, which harden and compress, are pushed outward becoming the nail. Healthy nails should be a uniform color, and smooth, showing no signs of ridges and grooves. Any trauma to the nail can create color changes or grooves, but these should grow out as the injured nail is replaced with healthy new nail cells.
Nails as Health Indicator
Many diseases and health conditions of the body show evidence in the nails. During a thorough physical, a doctor may examine the fingernails. Some common signs they look for are white nails, an indicator of liver disease. Nails that are half pink and half white can suggest kidney disease. If the nail bed itself is red, this can be a sign of a heart condition. Nails that are yellow and thick, that grow slowly, is a side effect seen in those with lung disease. If the nail has a yellowish tinge but it blue at the base, this may indicate diabetes. In anemics, the nail bed tends to turn pale. Of course, the nails themselves can have problems, such as fungus infections, bacterial infections surrounding the nails, warts, melatonin, psoriasis, tumors and cysts.
Nutrition for Strong Nails
Since nails are made up of protein, adequate protein is necessary for nail health. Iron deficiency can can cause an indentation of the nail bed, causing the nail to grow in a spoon shape. Iron deficiency is also one of the cause of a condition called onychoschizia, which is when nails become brittle, soft, thin or start splitting. In about one-third of patients with this condition, supplementing with the vitamin biotin has shown success over six months. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends supplementing 1 mg of biotin two to three times a day. Other common treatments are gelatin, colloidal minerals and calcium, though biotin is seen as having the best results, and is also recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
Nail Care
For nail health, the nails need to be treated well. Do not use your nails as tools, to pick and to pry things. Avoid biting or ripping nails and cuticles and do not rip off hangnails. Try to keep nails dry and clean. Use rubber gloves if hands will be immersed in detergent and water for a long time. This helps prevent bacteria and fungus growth, while avoiding the drying effects of detergent and water. Moisturize nails and cuticles after they have been in water. A nail hardener can help, but avoid products containing toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde, both of which can irritate the skin.
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