Healthy Nails

Diet and Tips for Healthy Nails

By Kathryn M. D'Imperio

Do you know that your fingernails and toenails can indicate potential problems in other parts of your body? Healthy nails should typically sport a pink hue, but sometimes they may change in tone and texture, signifying a deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

If you keep your nails healthy and strong, you should notice changes in the composition and color of your nails. Keeping your nails healthy holds a twofold benefit gorgeous fingertips and tootsies and a helpful clue to learn if anything might be wrong elsewhere in your body. And while we don't necessarily think of nails as gauges of our health in most cases, we sure do love getting dolled up and showing them off!

To begin your quest for healthy nails, first make a commitment to eating healthier foods. You can still enjoy the foods you love, but you should make a conscious effort to consume healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and eggs, among other nail-friendly foods.

Enjoy these great foods for healthy nails:

• Apples
• Asparagus
• Brown rice
• Cucumbers
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Liver
• Nuts
• Onions
• Salmon
• Seeds
• Soy
• Tuna
• Whole grains

If you want healthy, strong and beautiful nails that last, don't stop with diet. Make some minor changes in your life and you can enjoy lovely nails without the price tag that comes with a trip to the nail salon. Avoid biting your nails, buff away rough edges when necessary and make a few other small changes to achieve the perfect nails you've always wanted.

For great nails, follow these simple tips:

Consume foods containing calcium and zinc. Calcium effectively promotes nail growth. (You know those little white spots that show up on your nails in funny places sometimes? Those spots mean you aren't getting enough zinc in your diet.)

Consume less sugar and less alcohol.

Do not use your nails as tools. No picking, plucking, poking, prying.

Don't bite your nails. Try applying nail polish or painting a bitter-tasting liquid to the nails. Such products have been specially designed to help people quit their nail-biting habits.

Don't remove hangnails by pulling at them. Gently clip them with manicure scissors to prevent damage to your skin and tissue.

Eat fewer saturated fats.

Ensure that you consume enough protein.

Increase your intake of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

Keep your nails short to prevent breakage.

Leave your cuticles alone.

Moisturize your nails often. When you apply lotion to your hands, legs or other areas, be sure to rub a little bit into your nails.

Reduce the amount of dairy in your diet.

Trim nails regularly, as needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming and when a nail breaks.

If you want to have beautiful healthy nails, it may not cost you a trip to the salon. Commit to a healthier diet, better habits and pick up some pretty nail polish for an at-home manicure. With a little time, discipline and dedication, you can enjoy healthy, strong and shiny nails with little effort.