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Fingernail Health Clues to Internal Health. What Do Yours Say?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:03:35 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Is it possible that your fingernails hold the secrets to your health? Can they show you nutrition deficiencies, underlying systemic issues, injuries, or toxic loads from medications? Amazingly, they hold clues into the mysteries that make up your overall health. While your fingernail health is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, it can help you recognize potential issues that can be further investigated. What do your nails say about your overall health? Find out today! What Fingernail Health Says About Your Overall Health 1. Soft or Weak Nails Soft or weak nails often bend before snapping. Like brittle nails, soft nails may be a fingernail health sign that points to overexposure to moisture or chemicals like detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish remover. However, weak nail may also be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Other signs of vitamin B deficiency include pins and needles tingling in hands and/or feet, fatigue, pale skin, fast heart rate, mouth pain or swelling, red smooth tongue, and/or depressed moods or mental health changes (1, 2, 3). How can you improve fingernail health when they are soft and weak? Reduce the amount of chemical exposure to your nails. Give your nails a break from polish and/or remover. If other sign point to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, try to increase your intake. 2. Pitted Nails When you look at your nails, do you see evidence of pitting? Nail pits are small round depressions or notches appear in the nails. Nail pitting is common in those with skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. It can coexist with psoriatic arthritis, or may be related to alopecia areata — an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss (4). How can you improve fingernail health if you see nail pitting? If you see nail pitting, it’s worthwhile to talk to your medical provider. Often, this is associated with inflammation or disorders of other connective tissue including skin and joints. You may talk about ways to decrease overall inflammation while supporting connective tissue health. 3. Peeling Fingernails Peeling fingernails can be tricky. It is often due to external trauma. However, it can also be caused by having a low iron status internally. So, which is it for you? One way to figure it out is to look at your toenails. If they are peeling as well, it’s more likely to be an internal, possibly iron, issue. Other iron deficiency symptoms include unexplained fatigue, dark undereye circles, spooned nails (see below), heavy, rather than springy, legs when you walk or run, or newly formed paleness. Iron-deficiency can be assessed and diagnosed with laboratory tests including serum ferritin (5). How can you improve fingernail health when they are peeling? If caused by external trauma, refrain from using your fingernails as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or using acrylic polish on nails. If caused by iron deficiency, talk to your medical provider about testing serum ferritin levels and/or adding iron-rich foods or supplements. 4. Brittle Nails If your fingernails are rough or splitting, you may have what’s called onychoschizia. It’s actually quite common. Typically, it does NOT point to an internal health problem, but a drying out due to repeatedly wetting and drying your hands and nails, such as when washing hands, doing dishes, etc. How can you improve fingernail health when they are brittle? Try using hydrating lotions on your hands and nails to protect them from wetting and drying. Consider wearing gloves while washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks. 5. Fingernail Ridges Do you have thin vertical ridges that run from the tip of your fingernail down to your cuticle? If so, don’t fret, these are usually not a cause for concern or an indication of a health issue. If you have horizontal ridges, it may or may not be an indication of a health condition or a side-affect of treatment. For example, this horizontal grooves, call Beau’s lines, are often caused by chemotherapy and show up across all 20 nails in accordance delivery of the medication. In addition, Beau’s lines have been associated with systemic issues such as measles, mumps, malaria, typhoid fever, scarlet fever and hand-foot-mouth disease – in these cases people are typically diagnosed with the issue and then notice the ridges (6). How can you improve fingernail health when you notice ridges? If you notice vertical ridges, you can ignore them or gently buff the surface of your nail with a fingernail buffer to smooth them. If you notice horizontal lines, you may attribute it to a known medication or medical issue, or you can see a healthcare professional to find the underlying cause. 6. Thick Yellow Nails Yellow nails are actually relatively common. They can be caused by an infection or a reaction to a product, such as nail polish. Yellow, thick nails are a different issue. If you notice your fingernails or toe nail are thick, peeling, and discolored, it could be a nail fungal infection, known as Onychomycosis (7). In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a thyroid condition, skin conditions, or blood sugar abnormalities. How can you improve fingernail health when they are yellowing and/or thick? Suspect a nail product as the culprit? Discontinue use and monitor changes. If not thickening, but also not due to a product, talk to your medical professional about potential causes. If your nails are thickening and yellowing, talk to your medical professional about possible fungal infection and treatment. 7. Black Lines on Nails Black lines on nails are also called a splinter hemorrhage. These black lines, which can appear brown or dark red, may look like splinters, and there may be more than one. Typically, these black lines are caused by trauma to the nail. As the nail grows out, they should disappear if due to injury. When they don’t and in rare cases, the lines could be a sign of an underlying issue, including skin, heart, or nail cell issues (8). How can you improve fingernail health if you see black lines on them? If form trauma, give it time. The lines should disappear as your nail grows out. If there’s no change over a few weeks, talk to your healthcare professional and monitor any other symptoms, such as inflamed skin, night sweats, or bleeding in the nail. 8. Nails with White Spots If you see scattered white spots on your nails, it can be a sign of zinc deficiency. It may also be an allergic reaction to a product, fungal infection (see thick yellow nails), or injury to the nail. Other signs of zinc deficiency include unexplained weight loss, wounds that won’t heal, lack of alertness, decreased sense of smell and taste, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and/or open sores on the skin. How can you improve fingernail health if you see white spots? First, give your nails a break from polish or other products and allow the nail to grow. If the spots remain or reappear, or you have other signs of low zinc status, talk your healthcare professional about possible zinc deficiency and supplementation. 9. Spooned Nails Spoon nails are soft nails turned up around the edges, creating “spoons.” This condition also is called koilonychia and are often are a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by inadequate iron intake or absorption, bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. As mentioned above, other iron deficiency symptoms include unexplained fatigue, dark undereye circles, peeling nails (see above), heavy, rather than springy, legs when you walk or run, or newly formed paleness. Iron-deficiency can be assessed and diagnosed with laboratory tests including serum ferritin (9). How can you improve spooned fingernail health? Since this is often caused by iron deficiency, talk to your medical provider about testing serum ferritin levels and/or adding iron-rich foods or supplements. General Recommendations to Take Care of Fingernail Health Fingernails are an epithelial skin appendage. They are made of a hardened nail plate surrounded by specialized epithelial surfaces. The nail plate (the portion of the nail you see on top) is formed of keratinised epithelial cells. Fingernails are incredibly dynamic and grows distally at a rate of over 3 millimeters per month! As described above, fingernails can display signs of connective tissue health, nutrient deficiencies, and systemic issues. It stands to reason then, to support connective tissue health and adequate nutrient intake. From there, if your fingernails still show abnormalities, you may find evidence of other underlying or systemic conditions. To take care of fingernail health in terms of connective tissue support, reduce inflammation, and adequate nutrient intake, consider adding: Collagen Powder (supports connective tissue) A Food-Based Multivitamin/Multimineral Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Supplements Strategies to Increase Needed Minerals and Glutathione In addition, consider giving your nails regular breaks from harsh polishes, glues, and other chemical agents that may harm them. Bottom Line Your fingernail health may hold clues to your internal health. While they are not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, they can be the first indication of an issue. Take care of your fingernails and monitor any signs or symptoms of abnormalities. What are your fingernails telling you? To read the original article click here.

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Discover How B Complex Vitamins Promote Healthy Skin, Hair and Fingernails

AHA Publisher — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 07:00:55 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – While radiant skin, thick, shiny hair and perfect fingernails are inherently attractive, paying attention to their condition isn’t just a matter of personal vanity. The appearance of complexion, hair, and nails can often provide important clues as to the overall state of health – and even indicate issues such as thyroid problems, anemia, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies. If you suddenly develop dry, scaly skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails, you should promptly consult your integrative doctor or dermatologist to rule out illness. But – in the absence of a medical condition – you can often address minor beauty “glitches” such as fragile nails, thinning hair, and dry, dull skin with proper nutrition (including adequate amounts of B complex vitamins). In fact, in a recent systematic review, vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) impressed researchers by causing improved growth of hair and nails in virtually all study participants. So let’s see what else the B complex vitamins can do for your well-being and appearance. B Complex Vitamins, Such as Biotin, Promote Skin and Nail Health Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for keratin production, an important component of fingernails and hair. Biotin has long been a popular beauty supplement – and now scientists are finding evidence of its clinical effectiveness. In a review of studies published in Skin Appendage Disorders, investigators evaluated 18 controlled trials and case studies to assess the effectiveness of biotin for participants with alopecia (thinning or missing hair), “brittle nail” syndrome, and poor hair or nail growth. The review authors reported that patients with brittle nail syndrome displayed improvement in nail growth. And participants with alopecia saw their symptoms resolve. (In all cases, however, the patients had an underlying biotin deficiency). The Institutes of Medicine lists the adequate intake of biotin for adults as 30 micrograms a day. Clearly, it can’t hurt to ensure adequate dietary intake – which you can do by nibbling on nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Grass-fed beef liver, organic egg yolks, and wild-caught salmon are also great sources. Biotin is available in supplementary form as well. However, check with your integrative physician before trying this nutrient to promote hair and nail health. Vitamin B5 Precursor Protects and Moisturizes Skin and Hair Panthenol is a provitamin or precursor, meaning that the body converts it to a specific vitamin (in this case: vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid). And the conversion occurs even when panthenol is applied topically to the skin or hair. Experts say that panthenol is both a humectant – a substance that helps draw water to the skin – and an emollient that helps seal moisture into the skin. This means that panthenol protects and promotes the healthy skin barrier function that keeps out toxins, pollutants, and pathogens that can cause infections. It is also anti-inflammatory – allowing it to reduce redness, itching, and swelling – and helps to support speedy wound healing. In addition, according to board-certified dermatologist Suneel Chilukiri, MD, panthenol’s various properties help the skin maintain elasticity, suppleness, and softness. (Panthenol also extends its “favors” to hair, promoting healthy condition, shine, and gloss). All in all, panthenol sounds like a “win” for supporting healthy hair and skin. You can find panthenol in skin care creams, moisturizers, conditioners, and shampoos – sometimes in combination with other skin-pampering ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. (Pro tip: Panthenol has many “aliases.” If you want to make sure a product contains panthenol, check labels for its alternate names: provitamin B5, butanamide, and d-pantothenyl alcohol). Don’t Forget the Other B-Complex Vitamins Experts say that getting adequate amounts of the B complex vitamins is key for hair and nail health. Deficiencies in vitamins B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B5 (pantothenic acid) can all cause undernourished follicles, which can slow hair growth, while shortfalls in vitamin B9, or folate, can cause nails to be brittle, thin and discolored. Finally, vitamin B12 is needed for iron absorption. Low iron levels, in fact, can directly impact nail health and appearance, with white, thin, fragile nails serving as a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. As this important micronutrient is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, vegans and vegetarians often need to seek out B12-fortified foods or take supplements. Consult your integrative doctor or dietitian for guidance. Promote Healthy Nails, Skin, and Hair With Proper Nutrition It’s not only deficiencies of B complex vitamins that can contribute to brittle nails and dry skin. Shortfalls in vitamin C – which facilitates the production of collagen – can contribute as well, while deficiencies in vitamin D are linked with skin problems such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. Also, getting adequate amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids is essential. In addition to getting proper nutrition, many experts advise wearing gloves to protect nails from excess moisture and harsh chemicals. Also, avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, which nutrition experts say can worsen skin inflammation, irritation, and breakouts. Good sources of B complex vitamins include grass-fed beef, cage-free poultry, pastured eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, cereals, and nutritional yeast. If you want to supplement, many natural health experts advise taking a high-quality B complex formulation. Check with your trusted integrative doctor to find a formulation that’s right for you. There’s really nothing “complex” about it. Avoiding B vitamin deficiencies can help you keep your skin glowing, your hair shining, and your nails growing. Sources for this article include: Healthline.com Byrdie.com Karger.com Heathline.com FoodInsight.com To read the original article click here.

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Collagen Chocolate Caramels for Whole-Body Wellness

AHA Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 07:00:01 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you could quickly make delicious collagen chocolate caramels with only 2 grams of net carbohydrates, would you put it on your schedule? If you knew the collagen in them could support your hair, nail, skin, and joint health, would you drop everything and do it now? Yes, indeed. These fat-bomb collagen chocolate caramels are a great fit in the Keto Zone and will satisfy chocolate cravings with good-for-you ingredients. Get out your food processor and whip some up today! Collagen Chocolate Caramels Ingredients 1 cup raw walnuts 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or raw cacao powder 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 2 scoops chocolate collagen hydrolysate 1 tablespoon sugar-free salted caramel syrup (such as Torani) coarse sea salt (optional) Instructions Place walnuts in a food processor and grind until they resemble a sticky dough. Add cocoa powder, collagen powder, and Torani syrup. Pulse to combine well. Move mixture to a bowl. Add coconut oil. Stir/mix until well combined. Spoon mixture into all 12 sections of an ice cube tray. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes 12 squares. Try also: Use other nuts such as macadamia, pecans, or cashews. Nutrition info (per 2 squares): 186 calories, 18 grams fat, 2 grams net carbs (3 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber), 5 grams protein (87% of calories derived from fat) Whole-Body Wellness From Collagen Chocolate Caramels Not only do these collagen chocolate caramels taste amazing, but they also promote whole-body wellness. First, they provide healthy fats from walnuts and coconut oil. Then, they deliver potent antioxidants from cacao. But, the real star of the recipe is the collagen. In fact, these squares offer an easy way to ingest great-tasting hydrolyzed collagen day after day. In fact, if the collagen is derived from both marine and chicken sources, it can provide three different types of collagen important to human health. These three types of collagen do different things in the body. Here’s the breakdown: 1.Type I Collagen: Type I Collagen makes up 90% of our hair, skin, and nails and supports their structure and elasticity. If you’re looking to improve your appearance, Type I is the right type for you. The most optimal Type I Collagen source is from marine animals (1). 2. Type II Collagen: Type II collagen supports many areas of the body: hair, skin, and nails, immune health, digestive health, and joint health. First, like types I and III, type II collagen is present in hair, skin, and nails. Next, it supports immune health and promotes healthy digestion. Type II collagen is a major part of your gut lining and helps it act as a barrier between the substances we consume and our bloodstream. This affects both digestion and immune function. Lastly, Type II Collagen is a major building block of cartilage, which is why it’s beneficial to joint health. 3. Type III Collagen: Type III Collagen is present in all skin, tissue, and organs of your body. It’s often combined with Type I and/or Type II in collagen supplements. Studies on Collagen for Skin and Joints Since all three types of collagen are found in skin, nails, and hair, much of the research has been conducted on the health of these tissues. What’s more, joint health is often a focus of collagen research. Here’s a sampling of what researchers have found: 1. Skin Health A 2019 analysis of 11 studies stated that “Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.” Of note, the studies in this analysis used 2.5-10 grams of collagen per day (2). A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (3). When the skin’s elasticity is improved it can stretch and rebound better, without sagging. This increases a youthful appearance. Another 2014 study concluded that collagen supplementation lessened the appearance of wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (4). What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that collagen supplementation not only improved skin moisture but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (5). In a 2017 lab (animal) study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. It also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (type I and type III). This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (6). 2. Joint Health Support In a 2008 study from Pennsylvania State University, athletes who took a hydrolyzed collagen supplement for 6 months had less joint pain when they were active and at rest (7). This is great news for any athlete with aching joints. A 2016 study found type II collagen helped support knee health in those with osteoarthritis (8). Furthermore, a 6-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 2012 study suggested collagen hydrolysate could help improve lower back joint pain (9). Other Areas of Study Scientists are finding that collagen may support other areas of health as well. For example: Bone Mineral Density: A 2018 study concluded that intake of hydrolyzed collagen increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women who had an age-related reduction of bone density. In fact, the results indicated that bones were both increasing in their formation and decreasing degradation (10). Muscle Strength: Scientists are also looking at muscle strength and collagen ingestion. One 2015 study of 53 male subjects with sarcopenia found that collagen peptide intake in combination with resistance training (weight lifting) led to improved body composition, muscle mass, and muscle strength while decreasing muscle loss (11). Bottom Line Collagen is a well-researched food that has been found to support hair, skin, nails, joints, bones, and muscles. If you want to get in on its benefits, it’s a good idea to find delicious ways to incorporate it into your diet. Try our Collagen Chocolate Caramels. They may just be your new favorite collagen treat. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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