Nail Problems
See your healthcare professional if you think that your nail condition is associated with medication you are taking or with any other symptoms of illness
Symptoms
- Spoon-shaped
- Brittle
- Ridged
- White spots
- Soft
- Split
Causes
Low dietary intake of essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals can reflect in the nails. There are also some medical conditions that can cause the nails to be abnormal. However, the first step is to correct the diet.
- Low iron intake can cause the nails to become spoon-shaped.
- A lack of omega-3 (fish oil) and omega-6 (evening primrose oil) essential fatty acids in the diet can cause the nails to become ridged and brittle.
- Low dietary intake of zinc can cause white spots in the nails.
- Lack of silica can cause the nails to become flaky.
Natural Therapies
- Supplementing the diet with the mineral zinc will help strengthen the nails and help prevent split ends.
- Supplement with fish oil and evening primrose oil as these oils contain omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids.
Life Style Factors
The diet should be well balanced and include foods that are rich in zinc, including diary products, eggs, whole wheat, pumpkin seeds. Include iron-rich foods such as, lean red meat, leafy green vegetables, soy beans, and brown rice. Foods high in essential fatty acids include oily fish, linseed oil, nuts, lentils and seeds.
Remedies
Avoid chlorinated pools and contact with chemicals.