Do your nails often break, split or are brittle like paper? Nails are often considered just a part of appearance, but they are actually a reflection of your inner health.
Nails are often perceived only as an aesthetic element of our appearance, but they are also an indicator of our internal health. Brittle, brittle nails that split easily can indicate a lack of key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and protein.
How do your nails indicate your health?
Nails can often be considered a "window" into our internal health. When they start to break, split or become very brittle, it can be a sign that your body is lacking some important nutrients. For example, pale and wrinkled nails they can be an indicator of anemia, which means that the body lacks iron. But sometimes it's just exposure to aggressive chemicals that can dry out the nails and cause their irregularities.
A bluish shade of nails indicates problems with blood circulation or lack of oxygen in the blood. Brittle nails are one of the most common symptoms of a lack of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, calcium or protein, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. If your nails are becoming brittle and flaky like the pages of a book, it's time to examine your diet.
What to eat for strong nails?
Proper nutrition is essential for nail health. In order to prevent breaking and splitting of nails, you need to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients that help build and strengthen the nail structure. Calcium is key to nail strength, so include foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables and almonds, which are rich in this important mineral.
Vitamin D is another key element that supports the absorption of calcium and improves the overall structure of the nails. If your nails suffer from splitting or pitting, you may see improvement with a higher intake of vitamin D, which is found in fish, eggs and dairy products.
In addition, they are also important B vitamins, in particular biotin, which strengthens nails and prevents breakage. To get these vitamins, eat whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Although vitamin B is not always immediately associated with nail health, it is indispensable in preventing nail deformities and damage.
The best natural sources for nail care
In addition to proper nutrition, you can also use natural remedies to strengthen your nails. They are among the most famous fruits and vegetables, which contain key vitamins and minerals. For example, lemon is extremely effective for strengthening nails. Freshly pressed lemon juice can be used as a natural nail bath as the acids in the lemon help seal split ends while lightening yellowish nails. Regular use of lemon juice will restore strength and shine to the nails.
In addition to lemon, they are tomatoes, carrots and paprika full of vitamins A and C, which promote the growth and renewal of nails. Vegetables such as spinach are high in iron and vitamin E, which are also important for maintaining healthy nails.
A variety of seeds and nuts such as almonds, walnuts and flax seeds, are full omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which contribute to stronger nails and prevent breakage. Including these foods in your diet will contribute to better looking and healthier nails.
Homemade methods to strengthen nails
One of the simple but effective methods is to lubricate the nails with olive oil or coconut oil. Both oils are rich in essential fatty acids, which moisturize the nails and protect them from drying out. A nail massage with olive oil before going to bed will help to restore them and prevent splitting.
Another natural tool for strengthening nails is apple cider vinegar, which contains acids that help remove bacteria and fungi and strengthen the nails from the inside. Regularly soaking your nails in diluted apple cider vinegar will strengthen their structure and prevent further damage.
Herbs and supplements for nail health
In addition to diet and home treatments, you can also take care of your nails by taking some herbal supplements. Gelatin, which can be found in some nutritional supplements or can be prepared from bones, is extremely useful for strengthening nails. Regular consumption of gelatin will improve the elasticity and strength of the nails.
Nettles and horseradish are two other herbs that are rich in minerals, especially silicon, which strengthens nails and promotes their growth. You can find these herbs in tea or capsule form and incorporate them into your daily regimen to improve nail health.
