Finger nails problems (long)

[Guest guest]

I am wondering if anybody else has fingernails problems. I have

always had strong good guality nails, but last new months they have

lengthwise ridges which are cracking at the tips and I have cu cut it

off. From my internet search I have found number of articles about

causes of fingernails problems and hope that others will speak up and

share their experiences with it. I am quoting following article as it

seems important that we should know about it.

..................

Finger Nails & Nutrition

Did you know you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their

nails?

Not just what their shade of polish is, or whether they do heavy

housework and not by the nail length. We're not just looking at

cosmetics here, but rather at unpolished nails and seeing if they

have anything to say about health.

Nails are our protection for the nerves in our fingertips, while

toenails protect toes from damage or injury. They are part of the

skin layer and are made up of a protein called keratin. A healthy

blood supply will create a peachy-pink nail bed. If there is a

deficiency or physical problem within our bodies, the fingernails

will show it.

What are some of the problems that can show up on the nails, and what

are the signs?

Discolored nails: Diabetes, stress, allergies and simple illness can

cause your nails to appear discolored. A greenish nail color,

however, can be a sign of infection, either in the nail bed or in

your system. Bluish nail beds can be a sign of lung trouble, such as

emphysema or even asthma. A simple dark blue line in the nail can be

a sign of skin cancer. Tiny black streaks can indicate a heart

problem, while reddish-brown spots can indicate a deficiency of folic

acid, protein or vitamin C.

Yellowing nails are early signals of various internal disorders, such

as diabetes, respiratory or liver problems. White lines in or across

the nail can signal fever, liver or heart disease, kidney disorders

or, more likely, a lack of iron or zinc in your diet.

We've seen what the color of our nails has to say, but what about the

shape, texture and overall condition?

Nail shapes: Nails that tend to curl under at the tips can signify

respiratory or heart problems, while nails that are raised at the

base can also signal respiratory trouble. Square, wide nails can be a

result of a hormonal disorder while flat, thin nails can be from

insufficient vitamin B12.

The texture of fingernails can tell as much about ones general health

as the color can. Below are some common texture abnormalities and

what they can possibly indicate.

Nail textures: Vertical ridges that appear on the nail can indicate

disorders as simple as iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins

and nutrients, overall poor health or they could indicate something

as serious as kidney trouble. (So, you see why consulting your

physician is so important.) These vertical ridges, as well as bumpy

nails, can also suggest that one is prone to developing arthritis.

Ridges running horizontally across the nail can indicate physical or

mental stress.

Nutrition plays an extremely important role in every function of our

bodies, right down to the tips of our fingers and toes, literally. As

well as signs of other possible disorders, nails can let us know how

we add up when it comes to getting all of our required nutrients.

Since nails are mainly made up of protein, they can immediately alert

us to a lack of it in our diet. White lined bands across the nail

beds can signal a protein deficiency. You can get protein from beans,

oats, seeds, nuts, eggs and lean meats.

Calcium is also important for healthy nails. Without it, the nails

lose their strength and become brittle and dry. You can find calcium

in green leafy vegetables, dairy products, sesame seeds or even a

daily supplement.

As mentioned before, ridges in the nails can be a result of vitamin

deficiency, one of which is the B vitamins. Vitamin B is needed for

strengthening, while vitamin B12 also strengthens while promoting

normal nail growth and healthy coloring.

Vitamin C is another necessary vitamin. Adequate intake can help

prevent hang nails and swelling of nail tissue, and a frequent

occurrence of either of these symptoms is a good indication of a

deficiency.

Probably the most common sight on the nails is the " white spot " .

Although it has been noted that white lines can be symptoms of a

serious disorder, their presence is more than likely a result of iron

or zinc deficiency.

Before worrying about any severe disease, your first step should be

to see your doctor and have him/her test your levels of iron and

zinc. Zinc supplements are easily found in any pharmacy while

additional iron intake needs to be monitored by your physician.

The best way to assure yourself of healthy nails is to eat a well

balanced diet. You'll need plenty of protein as well as fresh fruits

and vegetables.

Sufficient water intake is also important, for as well as keeping the

rest of you healthy it provides moisture for nails. If you feel you

are still not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals it is

recommended that you take a comprehensive supplement.

(As always, it is important to note that this is provided to be

purely informative, and under no circumstances should one take this

information and use it for self-diagnosis. If you are concerned or

suspect you may have any condition, see your doctor immediately.)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/26/02 10:56:54 PM Central Standard Time,

magan@... writes:

<< causes of fingernails problems and hope that others will speak up and

share their experiences with it. >>

---------------------------

I'm not sure what was the cause of my fingernail problems. My hair loss was

bad, and my nails were terrible. 16 mos post-op I am just now able to say my

nails have grown past the quick. Before now, they were peeling horizontally

(someone on here I think, described this as having onion-skin nails--good

description) and that made them thin and weak, and the least little bump or

routine usage of my hands to do any kind of work would make them split off in

jagged pieces. And they would often split and break down below the quick.

Painful. One time my real nail developed a split underneath my acrylic nails

(I resorted to those as " protection " hoping they would keep my own nails from

breaking while they grew back in). PAINFULLLLLL !! Had the acrylics removed

(more PAIN) and decided to do without them for now.

Now, I have been very diligent, religious even, about taking all my

supplements and protein (120g shakes/day) and drinking my water and eating

lots of food protein--i.e. trying to do everything " right. " Nothing seemed to

help my nails. Until I tried 2 things: I started taking 2400mg biotin daily,

split into 3 doses; and I started painting my nails with a strengthener by

OPI called Nail Envy, which was recommended to me by another grad. The latter

does seem to protect my nails so that they don't split and peel. And in the

meantime, the biotin seems to have literally changed the texture, thickness,

and even the color of my nails. I watched week by week as my nails grew out,

and I could easily SEE just where the " old " (pre-biotin) nails ended and the

new ones began.

Don't know if this would work for everyone, but it sure helped me. Can't wait

for the day my nails are actually long enuf to require trimming, and will

again look decent with a coat of nail polish.

Carol A

[Guest guest]

Wow, Magan, thanks so much for sharing the article with us. Good info!!

Mine were always bitten down to the fingertips, but when I increased my

protein (i.e., GNC 100% Whey Shakes), they got real strong and hard!

Good luck with the nails and hope they improve soon.

Bobbie

Anchorage, AK