What Do Your Nails Say About Your Health?
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
What do your nails say about your health? The following information is excerpted from and added to Bate's medical textbook, providing insights into how nail appearance can indicate various health conditions.
Conditions Requiring Medical Attention
Black Streaks
Can be a sign of heart trouble.
Dark Lines Under the Nail
May indicate melanoma.
White Half Moons / Disappearing
If you have had half moons on your nails and then they disappear, this signals a cancer risk. People who have this sign may also feel cold.
Blue Nails
- • Bluish nail beds can be a sign of respiratory problems, such as emphysema or even asthma.
- • A dark blue line in the nail can be a sign of skin cancer.
Yellow Nails
- • Can indicate internal disorders long before other symptoms appear, including lymphatic system and liver disorders.
- • Yellow, thick, slow-growing nails: Possible indicator of respiratory problems.
- • Yellow-tinted nails with blue base: May be a sign of diabetes.
Common Nail Conditions
Brittle Nails
Possible Causes:
- • Anemia
- • Menopause / hormonal imbalance
- • Thyroid problems
- • Impaired kidney function or liver disease
- • Circulation problems, infection
- • Dietary deficiencies: Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, protein, iron, and fat
- • Stress and anxiety
Treatment Options:
- • Balanced diet rich in nutrients for healthy nails
- • Almonds (6 daily) - contain fatty acids for nail growth
- • Stress reduction: yoga or meditation
- • For menopause: estrogen-rich foods (soy, apples, alfalfa, cherries)
Ridges
Vertical Ridges:
Iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins, kidney trouble, or overall poor health. May indicate tendency to develop arthritis.
Horizontal Ridges (Beau's lines):
Circulatory problems, diabetes, severe illness, high fever, pneumonia, or physical/mental stress.
White Nail Indicators
- • White spots: Usually iron or zinc deficiency (see doctor to rule out serious disorders)
- • White lines across nail: Liver disease, heart disease, high fever, or arsenic poisoning
- • White bands: Protein deficiency
- • Pale, white nail beds: Anemia or liver problems
- • Half white, half pink nails: Kidney problems
Additional Nail Conditions
Chipping/Peeling/Cracking
Nutritional deficiency, insufficient hydrochloric acid and protein. Minerals needed.
Darkening of Nails
May be a sign of insufficient vitamin B12.
Depression in Nails
Possible sign of psoriasis.
Downward Curved Ends
Heart, liver, or respiratory problems. Possible iron deficiency.
Hang Nails
Lack of protein, folic acid, or vitamin C.
Nails Separated from Bed
Thyroid disorder, psoriasis, or allergic reaction to nail products.
Red Nail Beds
Possible indicator of heart disease.
Reddish-brown Spots
Deficiency of folic acid, protein, or vitamins.
Splitting Nails
May indicate hydrochloric acid deficiency.
Supplements for Healthy Nails
Of all the nutritional supplements touted for treating nails that split, break, and peel, only one has gotten a universal thumbs-up from science: biotin.
Biotin (B-Complex Vitamin)
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, has long been used to treat damaged hooves on horses. Since our nails are made of the same stuff (keratin), it turns out the vitamin works for us, too.
Research Results:
- • Can increase nail thickness up to 25% in women with soft or brittle nails
- • Studies used 2.5mg daily (higher than most diets/multivitamins)
- • Recommended daily intake: 300 micrograms (Dr. Oz & Dr. Roizen)
Natural Biotin Sources:
- • Nuts: peanuts, filberts, cashews, almonds
- • Eggs and soybeans
- • Tomatoes and sweet potatoes
- • Fish: haddock and salmon
- • Vegetables: chard and carrots
Important: Diet is always your best and safest source of vitamins and minerals. If your nails are still brittle after improving your diet, consult your doctor about supplements.