Did you know that your nails often provide some key information about your overall health? Most people experience a few of these nail issues throughout their lives, like brittle nails, or discoloration. A lot of these common issues can be resolved by getting proper nutrition and incorporating the right vitamins and minerals into your diet. There are, however, several fingernail issues you should never ignore. Read on to find out what your nails are trying to tell you about your health!
Discoloration
Healthy nails are pink with a white half-moon at the base. If your nails are green, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection. White nails are a sign of issues with the liver. Dull nails, on the other hand, are simply a sign of vitamin deficiency. If you see red streaks in your nail bed, you should call your doctor, as these might be associated with serious heart conditions.
Nail Pitting
Nail pitting is when you notice a dent or little “ice pick” spots on the nail. Nail pitting is common for people who have psoriasis. You may also have a zinc deficiency. In rare cases, pitted nails is sometimes an indicator of a connective tissue disorder.
Nail Clubbing
Nail clubbing is when the tips of the fingers are enlarged, and the fingernail wraps around the finger. Clubbed nails happen over years, but if you notice you have clubbed nails, definitely call your doctor. This is a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood, which can be a sign of multiple diseases such as cardiovascular, lung, liver, and even inflamed bowel.
Beau’s Lines
Beau’s Lines are spots or indentations that run across the nails. This can signal something as harmless as a calcium deficiency, but in other cases, can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.
Yellow Nail Syndrome
If your fingernails are thick, have slow growth, and are yellow in color, you suffer from yellow nail syndrome. It’s important to understand what the underlying cause might be. In some cases, yellow nail syndrome is a sign of a resperatory illness such as bronchitis.
Brittle Nails
Broken and brittle nails are very common. A lot of people think it’s due to cheap nail polish or chemically treated nails. While this may be the case for some, it’s important to note that brittle nails are also caused by thyroid disease. If your nails are flakey or peel away, you may have a protein deficiency, or suffer from malnutrition.
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