There are countless information about nutrition and its role in disease treatment and prevention. Recently, nutrition is being recognized as something vital in promoting not only wellness but beauty as well. Thus the coined term Beautrition. There are a lot of tips on skin nutrition. However, not much information can be found on the consequences of nutrient deficiencies in relation to the health of our nails. Nails and nutrients? What do I care? You say.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your fingernails can provide clues to your overall health. Nail pitting characterized by small depressions on nails can be a sign of Psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. Nail clubbing, the enlargement of the nail tips causing it to curve, can be a sign of low oxygen in the blood or lung disease. Spoon-shaped nails have depressions that can hold a drop of water and is a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Beau’s lines or indentations across nails can be a sign of zinc deficiency. White spots on nails can be indicative of iron or zinc deficiency. Detached nails can be a sign of thyroid problems. What i’m actually talking about right now is just the tip of an iceberg.
I regularly have my nails done. A habit I got from my late grandmother. I also love caviar. I eat it regularly. My eye cream and hand treatment have caviar on them too. So I was amazed when I discovered a place in Dasmarinas Village, Makati called St. Nails and their “caviar nails”. Intrigued, I had my nails covered in “caviar” textured nail polish for the first time. I happily went home thinking: “I’m blessed to have healthy and pretty nails!” It may seem shallow but for someone who had nail infection and brittle nails like I did many years ago when I was battling thyroid problems, you’d also be grateful when your nails are healed, healthy and pretty.
So how can we make sure that our nails get the right nutrients? Make a conscious effort to eat nail-friendly foods that are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin everyday. These nutrients are essential in keeping our nails strong and healthy.
Here are some nail-friendly foods:
• Lean meat, fish and chicken
• Egg yolk and egg whites
• Milk and dairy products
• Green leafy vegetables
• Citrus fruits
• Legumes
Aside from eating these nail-friendly foods, it is recommended for you to drink about eight to 12 cups of water every day to help keep your nails well hydrated.
So whether you are a man or a woman and whether you like putting nail polish or not, always take time to thoroughly examine your fingernails. If you notice any peculiar changes or abnormalities, consult your physician. You might just be suffering from nutrient deficiencies. A nutritionist-dietitian can help you carefully make healthy food choices to correct and prevent any nutritional deficiency.
Say good-bye to ugly and unhealthy nails now!
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