Nail Problems

Definition

Nail problems refer to any unwelcome changes in fingernails and toenails. Typical changes include, nail thickening, curving, and fungal or bacterial grown. Bacteria is frequently associated with acrylic fingernails. These changes are often indications of underlying metabolic or nutritional dysfunction within the body, but they can also be an indicator of serious disease.

Symptoms and Causes

Bent and thickening nails typically occur in older adults, on the big toe, and are often due to poor circulation and cardiovascular problems. Pitting in the fingernails is a sign of anemia, while pitting combined with thickening is usually a sign of psoriasis. Ridged and curved nails often signal anemia and iron deficiency, while brittle nails might be a sign of a thyroid problem, iron deficiency, or kidney disorder. Vertical lines on the nails generally signify poor nutrient assimilation, iron deficiency, reduced health or poor metabolism. Horizontal lines, show tension caused by stress or disease. Flat nails, may be caused by poor circulation due to Raynaud’s disease. Toenail bumps usually suggest arthritis. Weak fingernails that chip, crack, peel and break are usually due to food allergies, mineral deficiencies, or digestive enzyme deficiencies.

Fungal or microbial overgrowth around the nails suggests a candida albicans (candidiasis) and can be due to the use of acrylic nail polish.

Red skin around the cuticles is a sign of poor metabolism, while darkening of the overall nail bed may be due to vitamin B12 deficiency. White spots can indicate a zinc deficiency.

Note: Despite the above indications, medical diagnosis should be left to the experts. If you have any one of the above indicators, see a medical professional.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: To improve the appearance of fingernails and to reduce fungal/bacterial growth, topically apply tea-tree oil to the nail beds.

Diet: Drinking fresh carrot juice on a daily basis is a superb way to strengthen nails. Carrot juice offers calcium and phosphorus, which both help strengthen nails. In addition, eat foods that are high in iron, and contain quality protein sources. This includes whole grains, seed products, and nuts.

Herbal treatments: Drink an infusion produced from equal parts of nettle as well as horsetail 3 times a day. For fungal infections, apply a combination of aloe vera gel and tumeric to the affected area.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Calc phos., Graphites, Sulfur, Nat mur., as well as Ferrum phos.

Juice Treatment: Carrot, beet, and celery are all excellent juices, which promote healthy nail growth.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are important for healthy nails: Silicon (silica), calcium, iron, vitamin B complex, biotin, free form amino acids, and zinc. Nail problems can result from a lack of stomach acid. You can rectify this problem by taking hydrochloric acidity and digestive enzymes with each meal.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. These professional treatments have all proven to be useful in dealing with nail problems: Detoxification Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Nutritional Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Air Therapy, and Traditional Chinese medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of those alternative treatments.)