Diet To Improve Nail Health

Were you aware that unhealthy fingernails and toenails can many times be signs of poor health in other parts of your body? Healthy nails should typically be pinkish in color and pliable, however there are times when you may notice that they have changed in color or texture, signifying a deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  

If you keep your nails healthy and strong, you should not notice many changes in the composition or color of your nails. Keeping your nails healthy not only provides beautiful fingertips and toes, but also provides clues to something being wrong in other parts of the body as well. While many people don’t use their nails to gauge their health, most people would want them to be attractive.  

Eating healthy foods is the first step towards improved general health as well as improved nail health. You can still enjoy the foods you love, but you should make a conscious effort to eat healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and eggs, along with other nail-friendly foods.  

A list of foods known to improve nail health:  

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

Diet may be the first step towards more beautiful nails, but changing habits plays a major role as well. Avoid biting your nails, buff away rough edges when possible and make a few other small changes like trimming and grooming on a regular basis to achieve the perfect nails you've always wanted.  

The following tips are recommended for nail health:

Eat more foods containing calcium and zinc. Calcium assists and promotes nail growth. (Small white spots that show up on your nails sometimes 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.  

Try to avoid biting your nails. Applying nail polish or painting a bitter-tasting liquid on the nails may help break an existing nail-biting habit. Such products have been specially designed to help people quit their nail-biting.  

Don't remove hangnails by pulling at them. Gently clip them with manicure scissors to prevent damage to your skin and tissue.

Eat less foods containing saturated fats.

Eat more foods containing protein.

Increase your intake of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

Keep your nails short to prevent breakage and splitting.

Leave your cuticles alone. Do not push them back or attempt to trim them.

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. Dairy products are actually counter-productive for nail health.

Trim nails regularly, as needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming and when a nail breaks.

Commit to a healthier diet and exercise, try to employ better habits and pick up some clear nail polish for an at-home manicure. Make sure to contact your nearest Total Foot Wellness for a consultation if you notice any dramatic appearance changes in your nails as it may be a clue that there is a greater underlying problem of infection or disease.

Information

• Footcare Prevention