Your Fingernails Are Talking But Are You Listening?

Our bodies are always telling us something about our health.

I am usually preaching about blood glucose or insulin but this one is much more straightforward.

It’s your fingernails.

Here are six common fingernail issues—and what they might say if they could talk.

1. Brittle Nails

Brittle nails can be a result of low protein.  

Protein deficiency often leaves its mark on the skin, hair and nails, which are largely made of protein.

Another common cause: thyroid issues-particularly hypothyroidism.

You see, a sluggish thyroid slows down your metabolism, which then slows the production of perspiration, says New York City-based naturopathic doctor Serena Goldstein, N.D.

Less sweat leads to less moisture on the skin (and nails), which can cause dryness.

Solution: Add New Zealand Grass Fed Protein

2. Yellow Nails

Chronically yellow (but otherwise normal) nails may be related to underlying blood sugar issues.

Excess sugar in the body can lead to a process called protein glycation, which can break down collagen and cause nails to yellow.

Solution: Reduce carbs and sugars.  Use High Octane MCT Oil to reduce carb cravings.

3. Nail Pitting

The term ‘pitting’ refers to shallow or deep depressions, holes, or pits in your nails.

They may even look like white spots or nicks.

Little pits scattered across the nail plate can result from any inflammatory skin disorder, the two most common being psoriasis and alopecia areata.

The same inflammation that causes hair loss in alopecia and rashes in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus can occur in the nail.

Solution: Contact a dermatologist

4. Vertical Ridges

Ridges that appear vertically along the length of the nail (from the tip to the cuticle) are technically called longitudinal striations or bands.

These vertical ridges are actually pretty common as we get older.

As we age, cell turnover—the process in which new skin cells are produced and take the place of dead cells—slows.

Eventually, this can affect the smoothness of our nails.

However, if those vertical ridges appear alongside symptoms like anxiety, swelling feet, or excessive urination, they may be associated with iron deficiency anemia.

Solution: If you suspect iron deficiency may be an issue for you, see your doctor.  Also, Increase your iron naturally with cage-free eggs. 

5. Horizontal Ridges

Ridges that run from one side of your nail to the other are known as Beau’s lines.

These horizontal ridges are associated with illnesses and conditions that suddenly slow or stop nail growth.

Common examples include chemotherapy, diabetes, and kidney conditions.

Solution: Contact your doctor

6. Dark Streaks

Black, dark brown, or reddish streaks beneath your nail may seem like quite the cause for concern.

However, they’re usually the result of a trauma to the nail, such as accidentally closing a door on your fingertips.

In these cases, the discoloration you see occurs when blood vessels under the nail bed break.

However, these dark streaks can be caused by health conditions, including psoriasis and endocarditis (an infection in the heart).

Black streaks may also be the result of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer

Solution: Contact your doctor

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