Nail Health: What Your Nails Reveal About Your Overall Health

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Your nails are among the last parts of your body to receive essential nutrients. This is because your body prioritises vital organs and other critical areas when distributing these nutrients. As a result, nails can serve as valuable indicators of nutritional deficiencies as any lack of necessary materials will likely manifest in the quality of your nails.

Below are 6 common deficiency signs that I look out for with clients:

BRITTLE NAILS

Can be associated with iron deficiency or exposure to harsh chemicals (nail polish + remover & detergent soaps). Weak, split & breaking nails may also be noticed in those with thyroid conditions.

VERTICAL RIDGES

Causes may include silica deficiency, malabsorption of nutrients, low hydrochloric acid, more common as we age. Look to the root cause of malabsorption- is this due to thyroid? Damage to your gut? Bacterial/fungal overgrowth? Do you have viral load or high levels of heavy metals? Do you have chronic illness?

HORIZONTAL RIDGES

Also referred to as Beau’s Lines, can be caused by a direct injury to the nail matrix, inflammation or autoimmune disease that affect the nails such a Psoriasis, diminished blood flow such as Raynaud’s, deficiencies, certain drugs (chemotherapy), severe illness - particularly those accompanied with a fever.

WHITE SPOTS

Also known as Leukonychia, may be due to micro traumas or a zinc or calcium deficiency. Stress can deplete zinc more rapidly along with reduce your ability to absorb any zinc you’ve eaten. Zinc deficiency can lead to chronically low hydrochloric acid also.

PALE NAILS

This may be noticed if you have low red blood cells or an iron deficiency. This may be due to blood loss through menstruation or ulcer, or an iron, folate or B12 deficiency, malabsorption or chronic disease such as autoimmunity. Also seen as a sign of poor circulation.

ABSENCE OF “HALF-MOONS”

This might be seen if there is weak digestive “fire” and poor circulation. Adding more warming spices to your diet such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, cayenne, and slowing down, avoid watching TV or looking at your phone whilst you eat.

Now that you've explored the various signs your nails can reveal about your health, it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you. If you notice any of these nail signs consistently, it may indicate deeper imbalances that need addressing. You can take proactive steps towards optimising your health and preventing disease by working with a qualified Naturopath. We help provide personalised guidance and holistic solutions to help restore balance and promote overall health.

Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you found this article useful