Fingernails Can Provide Signals of Deficiencies, Disease, Medical Issues

Victoria Anisman-Reiner, B.Sc., C.C.A. writes:  The truth about your health is written in your nails.

     It may sound like palmistry or fortune reading, but medical experts claim they can tell a lot about a patient's health by examining their nails. Abnormal marks or color in the fingernails can even be useful in finding the right diagnosis for serious health problems.

Your Health is Written in Your Nails

    Many diseases manifest themselves early in small changes. Things like minor skin conditions, alterations in the texture of hair, or changes in the fingernails can be important signs that something is not right inside the body.
    Changes in the shape, color, or condition of the nails "may be the first sign, it may be the herald sign of… an internal disease," says Dr. Yves Poulin, president of the Canadian Dermatology Association. "It helps to make the correct diagnosis to look at the nail."
    Changes in nail color, texture, or the health of the nail bed can easily be overlooked – and may not mean anything if there was a prior trauma to the nail that caused the damage. If there's no rational explanation for a change in nail shape or pigment, however, it's usually best to have it checked out.

What Your Fingernails Could be Telling You
    
    Changes in the appearance of fingernails can mean nothing or they can mean many things. The following are some of the nail changes that have been linked with particular symptoms and diseases.

Color Changes:

• White nail bed – Anemia
• White nails – Liver disease
• White nail with dark band at the tip – Heart problems, liver disease, diabetes or malnutrition
• White lower nail bed, while tip of nail bed is a healthy pink – Kidney problems
• Bluish nails – Lack of oxygen
• Green nails – Bacterial infection
• Yellow nails – Respiratory infection or any illness that slows nail growth
• Brown or black streak/dot under the nail – May be a bruise/trauma or may be skin cancer
• White dots or marks on the nails – Calcium or other vitamin/mineral deficiencies

Texture Changes:

• Thick or misshapen nails – A fungus, similar to "athlete's foot"
• Horizontal grooves or lines across the nail – Illness has disrupted nail growth: usually caused by diabetes, circulatory disease, malnutrition or high fever
• Pitting – Psoriasis, dermatitis or autoimmune disease
• "Clubbing" or enlarged finger tips with curved nails – Many diseases, including lung cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or liver disease
• Nails separating from the nail bed – Thyroid disease, infection, drug reactions or psoriasis
• "Spoon nails" that curve into the nail bed and make a small cup or depression – Iron deficiency anemia

Your Nails and Your Health
    Take a quick look at your fingernails (your toes, too, if you're feeling ambitious). Are they pale pink, uniform in color, with a smooth texture and no visible discoloration? Then you're doing well.
    On the other hand, if you do spot any of these abnormalities you're still probably fine; nails can sometimes go through changes that aren't linked to underlying health problems. Don't worry, but do mention any changes to your doctor or a health care practitioner just to be safe.

Diet and Tips for Healthy Nails ~ By Kathryn M. D'Imperio

Enjoy these great foods for healthy nails:

    Apples - Asparagus - Brown rice - Cucumbers - Eggs - Garlic - Grapes - Liver - Nuts - Onions - Salmon - Seeds - Soy - Tuna - Whole grains

    If you want healthy, strong and beautiful nails that last, don't stop with diet. Make some minor changes in your life and you can enjoy lovely nails without the price tag that comes with a trip to the nail salon. Avoid biting your nails, buff away rough edges when necessary and make a few other small changes to achieve the perfect nails you've always wanted.

For great nails, follow these simple tips:

• Consume foods containing calcium and zinc. Calcium effectively promotes nail growth. (You know those little white spots that show up on your nails in funny places sometimes? Those spots mean you aren't getting enough zinc in your diet.)
• Consume less sugar and less alcohol.
• Do not use your nails as tools. No picking, plucking, poking, prying
• Don't bite your nails. Try applying nail polish or painting a bitter-tasting liquid to the nails. Such products have been specially designed to help people quit their nail-biting habits.
• Don't remove hangnails by pulling at them. Gently clip them with manicure scissors to prevent damage to your skin and tissue.
• Eat fewer saturated fats.
• Ensure that you consume enough protein.
• Increase your intake of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E.
• Keep your nails short to prevent breakage.
• Leave your cuticles alone.
• Moisturize your nails often. When you apply lotion to your hands, legs or other areas, be sure to rub a little bit into your nails.
• Reduce the amount of dairy in your diet.
• Trim nails regularly, as needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming and when a nail breaks. 

Quote:
"Over the years your bodies become walking autobiographies, telling friends and strangers alike of the minor and major stresses of your lives." ~ Marilyn Ferguson

Become a Fan of Newby Realty on Facebook
Newby Realty Website:  http://www.newbyrealty.com/