Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common health complaint. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing a fungal infection in your toenails, such as pedicures that involve the use of unsterilized utensils, nail deformities, prolonged moisture in the affected area, poor immune function and wearing closed-toe footwear. Nutritional therapies may help treat your toenail fungus, but you should always clear the use of nutritional treatments with your doctor beforehand.
Toenail Fungus
Changes in the appearance of your nails are the most common signs and symptoms associated with fungal infections of your toenails. Common indications that you have a fungal toenail infection include thickened, brittle, crumbly or ragged nails, nails that lack luster or shine, dark nails and nails that are distorted in shape. Loosening or lifting up of your affected nail and streaks -- white or yellow -- on the side of your nail are both indications of fungal toenail infections.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapies, especially nutritional supplements, are a commonly used natural treatment method for toenail fungus, although certain supplements traditionally used for this health purpose may be lacking scientific evidence to support their purported health benefits. Acidophilus, garlic, colostrum, vitamins B, C and E, zinc, essential fatty acids, Oregon grape root, barberry and yellowroot may be among the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating your fungal infections, states nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch.
Highlighted Nutritional Supplement
Barberry may be one of the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating your toenail fungus. Barberry, also known as Berberis vulgaris, possesses antimicrobial action, states naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice." Barberry is a nutritional supplement that has been used for numerous health purposes, such as treating toenail fungus, aiding elimination, improving your metabolic processes, lowering your heart rate and reducing your bronchial constriction.
Considerations
Toenail fungus is an often-challenging health problem to treat and cure. In most cases, a combination of therapies -- including both complementary alternative and conventional allopathic treatments -- may be necessary to bring about a positive health result. Before pursuing nutritional therapies, meet with your family doctor to discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with this healing approach. Not all nutritional supplements may be appropriate for you or your health complaint.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Fungal Nail Infection
- MayoClinic.com: Nail Fungus
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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