They’re not just for showing off your latest manicure, your nails offer important clues about your overall wellness. Changes in nail color, texture, and thickness may be signalling you to underlying issues in your body.
This article is designed to help you understand how to grow healthy nails and how to use the info your nails are giving you to understand and support your health.
Supplement Recommendations for Healthy Nails
Natural Healthy Concepts offers nail care products to support fingernail color health, care for your cuticles, and finish off with natural nail polish in on-trend colors.
- Nail Fungus Organic Anti-Fungal: Forces Of Nature fights nail fungus in and under the nail. Restore your fingernail color health with these organic, homeopathic drops that use calendula, silicea, tea tree oil and other plant-based ingredients to fight fungus.
- Orange Blossom Hand and Cuticle Salve: Naked Bee uses sunflower seed oil rich in, shea butter, beeswax, and antibacterial rosemary extract to care for hands and cuticles. Healthy cuticles are the foundation for healthy nails, when your cuticles are in good shape they can support naturally healthy nails.
- Zoya nail products are made without harsh chemicals so you get beautiful nails with no worries about skin irritants and harsh ingredients. With a range of on-trend colors, you can stock up on this long-lasting, award winning brand.
Natural Healthy Concepts offers a wide variety of products designed to support healthy nails from the inside out. Nutrients that benefit nails also support glowing skin, so be sure to check out our Hair, Skin and Nail products as well.
Discoloration & Tone: Understanding the Healthy Color of Nails
Have you ever removed your nail polish only to discover that the color or tone of your natural nails has changed? Turns out nail color and health are linked and the tone and shade of your nails is worth paying attention to.
- Healthy Nail Color: Healthy nails are pink with a silver steak at the bottom closer to the cuticle. If you notice a change in color, it’s worth paying attention to.
- Yellow Nails: Yellow nails are often caused by lifestyle issues like nail polish or smoking. However, if the yellow color continues it could indicate a fungal issue or infection, a vitamin deficiency, or an underlying condition like thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or psoriasis.
- Blue and Purple Nails: Dark and discolored nails in blue or purple shades are typically the result of an injury such as slamming your finger in a door.
Understanding Streaks, Ridges & Changes in Nail Texture
Color is an easy way to evaluate the health of your both your nails and overall wellness, here is what fingernail health color could indicate:
- White Streaks: White streaks across your nails is known as leukonychia and could have several potential causes. It could be no cause for concern, related to a medication, signal a nutritional deficiency, or point to a systemic underlying issue. Either way it’s worth bringing up at your next healthcare appointment.
- Vertical Ridges: Known as longitudinal striations, these vertical lines are common as we age as cell turnover declines. However, if these ridges form alongside other symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, and swelling you should pass the info along to your doctor.
- Nail Pitting: If you notice dips or pits forming in your nails, known as pitting, it could indicate an inflammatory skin condition such as psoriasis or alopecia areata. Both of these are conditions where immune responses affect both skin and nails, particularly in those with psoriasis.
Brittle or Weak Nails
Brittle or weak nails could be something simple, like too much exposure to water when you do the dishes. However, they can also signal dehydration, nutritional deficiencies like low iron or biotin.
In some cases it could point to a thyroid imbalance. If nails are consistently splitting, or cracking despite intentional nail care, it may be worth flagging your healthcare provider.
Nail Care 101: How to Grow Healthy Nails
Set your nails up for success by following these science-backed nail care tips.
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- Keep yourself and your nails hydrated: Using natural nail care products on your hands and cuticles may help strengthen your overall nail health. When you pair that with staying hydrated from within by drinking enough water you support healthy nails inside and out.
- Limit water and chemical exposure: Wear gloves when you do the dishes and use harsh cleaning agents or chemicals. Use natural nail polish remover when possible and limit or eliminate acetone use.
- Proper filing and trimming: When cutting your nails, cut straight across and only file in one direction as opposed to back and forth like a hand saw. Don’t pick at your cuticles or push them back before polishing.
- Fuel healthy nails from the inside: Your diet is a key factor in supporting nail health. Ensure you are getting an adequate protein intake and minerals like iron and zinc. Biotin is another key piece of the puzzle which can be found in supplements and foods like salmon, eggs and leafy greens.
FAQs
Still have questions on how to grow healthy nails? Our team is here with the answers you’re looking for.
How do I remove Nail Polish without Acetone?
Acetone strips oils from your nails, look for acetone-free or oil-based removers which are healthier for your nails.
Can improving my diet really improve my nails?
Absolutely! Ensuring adequate intake of biotin, protein, iron, zinc, and omega-3s can play a key role in fingernail color health.
Simply put, your nails are more than cosmetic, they are key messengers that can indicate your nail color and health. When you pay attention to changes in the color, texture, and strength of your nails you can spot potential issues early to support wellness. Start today by using the information in this article to support healthy nails, improve your nail care routine and talk with your medical professional if needed.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
