Our fingernails are a window into our body's health. Changes in the look, shape or color of our fingernails can indicate a nutritional deficiency or disease somewhere in our body, long before other symptoms present themselves.
You can evaluate your overall health by paying attention to your fingernails.If you usually use polish on you nails why not give
them a break? Let them breath!
Healthy nails are pink on the nail bed indicating a rich blood supply. Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein and sulfur.It takes about seven months to fully grow a fingernail.
- Pale Color : Can be a sign of anemia or circulation issues.
- Blueish tinted nails : usually refers to a lack of oxygen
within the blood this means that there could be something not well within our
lungs.
- Small White patches :This is usually an indication that there is a deficiency of zinc in the body.
- Brittle or Dry Nails : Can be connected to the thyroid gland not being in optimal health and balance.
- Yellow nails : The most common reason for yellow nails is Toenail fungus or Nail fungus.
- Thick nails : Can be linked to Psoriasis, nail fungus or a severe trauma to the nail.
- Very soft, thin nails : This can be a nutrient deficiency.
- Loose nail :Generally a sign of heavy trauma to the nail or bad nutrition.
- Pitted nails :Pitted nails are nails that have lots of very small
indentations in them, this can be linked to Psoriasis, malnutrition or a
poor vitamin/nutrients intake.
- Horizontal lines or ridges : Can be a sign of severe stress.
- Vertical Lines : Many people develop these lines as they age.
- Spoon shaped nails : This can be an inherited condition or an indication of iron deficiency or trauma.
Feeding Our Nails
Healthy nails need a healthy diet. A lack of
B vitamins can leave your nails dry and brittle. Whilst many foods contain B vitamins, some really powerful foods are: B 12, salmon, shell fish, beef liver, eggs, swiss cheese and milk. B vitamins: dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, enriched rice, green pea, lentils and nuts such as
almonds and pecans.
A zinc deficiency can cause white
areas on the nails. Dark leafy greens, prunes,broccoli,cocoa, beans, meat and shell fish are
good sources of zinc. A lack of iron in foods can cause nails to grow with
ridges rather than with a smooth surface.
A lack of calcium can cause the
nails to be brittle and dry. Calcium benefits the body most when it is absorbed
along with vitamin D, so milk is a great source of calcium. Other calcium
sources include yogurt, cheese and kale.
Protein benefits nails as well, since
nails are made of keratin, a type of protein. Consume protein from beans,
legumes, meat, eggs and soy.
Vitamin A helps prevent
nails from becoming dull and dry. A lack of Vitamin C can cause hang nails.
Vitamin A can be found in
beet greens, collards, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes. Vitamin C is found in bell peppers, cauliflower, citrus fruit, watermelon, mangoes, tomatoes,
strawberries, kiwi and cantaloupe.
Quick Nail Growth Oil
10 drops of Frankincense
10 drops Lemon oil
10 drops Myrrh
Combine in a small vial or bottle. Apply with a small paint brush to bare nails twice per day.
When using Essential Oils it is so important to use quality therapeutic oils. Not all oils are the equal quality and cheap oils are not good oils. There are different brands that you can choose from, I use Young Living oils, all I ask is that you select yours carefully.
Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils soften cuticles.
Have you ever used a homemade hand scrub! They are amazing - will leave your hands silky smooth. Always put some hand cream on after your done with the hand scrub though.
Salt Hand and Foot Scrub Recipe
so easy
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
2 tablespoon of sea salt
Directions:
Mix into a paste Rub into hands or feet for 5 minutes. Rinse well.
