"Nails get weak and brittle, then split because they dry out," explains Dr. Abel, professor of dermatology at Stanford University at Mothernature.com. "Exposure to household chemicals and detergents tend to dry out the nails." Your nails can reflect your overall health. When your nails are weak and dry, they can break easier. Luckily, there are easy steps that can be taken to strengthen nails at home. A combination of healthy foods and proper maintenance can help build nail strength.
Vitamin Supplements
Grannymed.com suggests the use of vitamin H to improve nail strength. It is part of the B vitamin family and is also known as biotin. Vitamin H is important for cell reproduction. It can be taken as a supplement. A vitamin C supplement can also be taken for brittle and dry nails. In addition, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause easily broken nails; therefore, a vitamin B12 supplement can help make nails stronger.
Diet
According to Grannymed.com, a well-balanced diet can help make nails stronger. Make sure you are eating plenty of green vegetables such as broccoli and bean sprouts. These contain zinc and iron. Cauliflower, whole grains and leafy, green vegetables also contain plenty of zinc. In addition, nuts, seeds and soybeans are full of biotin and can help nails grow stronger. Drinking hard water instead of filtered water is another way to strengthen nails because it helps to replenish the mineral levels of the body.
Moisturize
Experts at the Mayo Clinic say to moisturize your nails often. Just as our skin needs moisture, nails do, too. When applying lotion every day, make sure you rub it into the nails as well. After using nail polish remover, make sure you follow up with lotion to discourage dryness. Dr Abel says, "Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) or a thick, water-washable cream acts as an emollient; it holds in moisture around and under your nails."
Protect
Make sure nails are always kept dry and clean. The Mayo Clinic says that hands and feet should be dried thoroughly after bathing. This can deter bacteria and other organisms from growing under the nail and causing infection and weakness. When nails will be exposed to hot water and soap for extended periods of time, it is advised that gloves be worn. A nail hardener should be applied to help protect and strengthen the nails. This can be followed by nail polish, which may help trap moisture in the nails, keeping them from getting brittle and dry.
Maintain
Keeping nails short and square shaped can help protect weak nails, making them less likely to split. Mothernature.com recommends that nails be soaked in a half cup of olive oil for 15 to 30 minutes. This will help reduce dryness. Instead of olive oil, bath-oil capsules can be broken into warm water and the nails soaked in the mixture for 5 minutes a day.
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