Nails say a lot about how you take care of your health. And we all love our perfect manicures and nail art so keeping nails strong and beautiful is a must! If nails are weak, brittle and they break too often, then it’s not a healthy sign. Unhealthy body is a sign of poor eating habits. Today’s post is about how we can have beautiful, glossy and healthy nails.
Nails are made of keratin, which even contains sulphur. They also contain fat and water, which forms layers on the nails, so if you are dehydrated they peel.
Nails do tell us the story of your health; 
Horizontal ridges in nails are sign of health problems, illness and infections.
Vertical ridges indicate poor diet. If you eat lots of junk foods, you may develop these.
Pale nails signs of anaemia or low haemoglobin.
Brittle nails indicate calcium deficiency.
If you have white spots on your nails, then you have zinc deficiency.
Here is some info that can get them stronger and healthier with the help of proper nutrition and Vitamin & Mineral supplementation.
Vitamin A – helps grow healthy nails. Avoid alcohol and caffeine since they reduce vitamin A and rather include vitamin A rich foods like kale, sweet potato and carrots in your diet. Vitamin B – A deficiency in Vitamin B can make nails thin and cause breaking. Lack of folic acid, which is a B vitamin results to it so include asparagus, papaya, beans that will help.
Vitamin C – Lack of vitamin C is known to cause hang nails and dull nails. Citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C as well as supplements.
Vitamin E – It has antioxidant properties, but Vitamin E is also good for blood circulation, which improves nail growth. You can add olive oil, nuts, spinach and tofu to increase Vitamin E intake. Zinc – A lack of zinc can cause a change in nail shape and/or white spots on nails. Grab a Bananas as they are great sources of zinc.
Calcium – Dairy products provide calcium and help maintain healthy nails. Eating more calcium rich foods as well as lots of protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, and legumes). Iron (green, leafy vegetables like spinach and dates) will help you shine your nail. Biotin: It encourages the growth of nails and hair as it improves the keratin infrastructure. You can get biotin from foods like eggs, whole grains, carrots, tomatoes, salmon, almonds, cauliflower, cucumber, milk, soybeans, strawberries, lentils, oats and walnuts.
Water – The Most important so ensure to drink lots of water every day, as it can save your nails from becoming brittle and make them shiny.
Natural remedies to promote nail health:
Olive Oil: It contains vitamin E which improves blood circulation, helps repair damaged nails and promotes nail strength and growth. Before going to bed, apply or soak your nails in warm olive oil for 15 to 30 min to your nails and cuticles and massage gently for 5 minutes.
Coconut Oil: It contains important nutrients to keep your nails moisturized and strong. Plus, it helps cure hangnails, cuticle infections and fungal infections.
How to prepare a nail soak: Mix 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey and 4 drops of rosemary essential oil. Warm the solution and Soak your nails in it for 15 minutes. Follow this remedy one or two times a week.
Orange Juice: Its vitamin C content encourages the production of collagen and keeps your nails healthy. Also, it has folic acid, which is essential for nail growth. Soak your nails in fresh orange juice for at least 10 minutes. Rinse them off with warm water, pat dry and apply some moisturizer.
Lemon: It contain vitamin C that is essential for nail growth. Also, it helps treat yellow nails and gives your nails a nice shine.
Prepare a nail soak with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Slightly heat the solution in the microwave and then soak your nails in it for 10 minutes.
We all like to have beautiful and strong nails be it men or women, as healthy and shiny nails are sign of healthy body. These simple suggestions can help to achieve and enjoy good nail health!