What Do Your Nails Say About Your Health?

When our body is lacking something, whether it is nutrients, energy or suffering through a disease, you will often see outward manifestation of them. Sometimes these symptoms show up in the most unexpected ways, like your nails! Nails can act like a window into your health. They may seem like an unimportant body party when in reality they are like protective barriers for our fingertips and make things like gripping and holding things much easier according to University of Wisconsin-Madison. They also prevent viruses and bacteria from entering our bodies.

Should You Take Nail Supplements?

Biotin is a supplement that some people take to make their nails stronger. But, before you start taking any new supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor. Supplements can sometimes cause problems, or interact with medications that you are already taking. So it is always best to be safe and ask your doctor first.

Signs Of Health Trouble According To Your Nails

If your nail changes any color texture or shape, it could be a sign of deteriorating health. While most of the time it is an injury caused by daily activities, some cases reveal health issues like lack of nutrition. Here are some signs of bad health, you can learn from your nails.

Yellow Nails

Sometimes, nails turn yellow just because we get older. Also, if you use a lot of nail polish or fake nails, they can stain your nails yellow. Smoking can also make nails look yellow. But, if your nails get very thick and yellow, and your legs swell, it could be a rare problem called yellow nail syndrome according to Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

Dark Stripes or Discoloration

If you see black lines or dark spots on your nails, or if a part of your nail is growing and it hurts, you should see a doctor right away. The Cleveland Clinic explains that this could be a sign of a serious skin cancer called melanoma. It is very important to get this checked quickly.

Dry, Cracked, or Brittle Nails

Nails can get dry and break easily from things like washing dishes a lot, swimming, or using nail polish remover too much. Also, dry air can make them brittle. As we get older, our nails can also become more brittle. If your nails are always breaking, it could be a sign of a thyroid problem.

Clubbing

If the tips of your fingers get big and your nails curve around them, this is called clubbing. According to Clinical Medicine 2021 issue, this can be a sign of problems with your lungs, heart, liver, or stomach. If you see this happening, you should see a doctor right away.

White Spots (Leukonychia)

Many people think white spots on nails mean you need more calcium, but that’s usually not true. According to American Journal of Clinical Dermatology most of the time, these spots are from small injuries to your nails. They are usually harmless and will go away on their own. But, in rare cases, white spots can be a sign of liver or kidney problems.

Horizontal Ridges (Beau's Lines)

Horizontal lines that go across your nails are called Beau's lines. MedlinePlus tells us these lines can show up when your body is fighting an illness, or if you are taking certain medicines. They can also occur after surgery. When your body is stressed, it can affect how your nails grow, and that can cause these lines.

Spoon Nails

If your nails curve up, like a spoon, this can be a sign of iron deficiency. According to the Clinical Medicine 2021 issue, this means your body does not have enough iron. This is called anemia. If you have spoon nails, you may also feel tired and weak. Iron pills can help with this.

Pitting

Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of psoriasis, which is a skin condition, explains MedlinePlus. The nails can also crumble or fall off. If you notice a lot of pits in your nails, it is a good idea to see a doctor.