While healthy, strong nails can certainly look beautiful, the condition of your nails also serves as a reflection of your inner health. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, repeated and prolonged exposure to water and hygiene, as well as your genetics, all contribute to the health and appearance of your nails. A poor diet can negatively impact your nails. Nutritional deficiencies are linked to a number of nail disorders.
Brittle Nails
One common nail disorder is the development of brittle nails that split or break easily. Fingernails usually contain minerals, proteins and lipids that provide the nails with resilience, allowing them to resist breakage during your day-to-day activities. Some nutritional deficiencies, such as an iron deficiency, can cause brittle nails, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. In many cases, severe iron deficiency requires medical attention. If, in addition to brittle nails, you suffer from a sore tongue, diminished sense of taste or sores at the corners of your mouth, visit a physician.
White Spots
Some nutritional deficiencies may cause the development of white spots on your nails. Though white spots may develop normally in response to injury, white spots that appear for no apparent reason may indicate mineral deficiencies, such as a zinc deficiency, reports Indian River State College. Other signs of zinc deficiency include skin rashes, blindness at night, behavioral changes and chronic diarrhea. If you suffer from zinc deficiency, seek medical attention to correct the disorder.
Vertical Ridges
The development of vertical ridges along the nail surface -- a condition called onychorrhexis -- might also indicate a nutritional deficiency. Emory University indicates that deficiencies in iron or folic acid, or inadequate protein intake, can cause the disorder. If you suffer from severe vertical nail ridges, add protein-rich foods to your diet. Lean red meat is a source of both protein and iron. To increase your folic acid intake, consume leafy greens and vitamin-fortified cereals.
Weak Nails
Nutritional deficiencies may also cause weak nails. Go Ask Alice, a service run by Columbia University, explains that deficiencies in vitamin C, as well as the B-complex family of vitamins, may lead to fragile and weakened nails, prone to peeling and hangnails. Taking a multivitamin each day can help increase your vitamin B and C intake, helping to improve the condition of your nails.
Considerations
While many nail disorders may develop as a result of nutritional deficiencies, and prove treatable by adjusting your diet or nutritional supplement regimen, nail disorders may also indicate an underlying serious disease. Diabetes, HIV infection, tumors and other skin diseases can affect the health of your nails, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you suffer from nail disorders, discuss your concerns with a physician to potentially identify a disease causing abnormal nail growth.
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