Do you want healthy, beautiful nails? To achieve this, nails and skin need special attention. Healthy and strong nails also make our everyday lives easier. Supporting and promoting healthy nails is not that difficult.
A healthy and varied diet and good care are often enough. But you can find out exactly what this can look like here: Nutrition tips for healthy nails and skin.
Causes of brittle nails
If our nails are permanently exposed to high levels of stress, this can affect their growth. Repeated or prolonged contact with moisture can also have consequences. This can be caused by a moist environment in work gloves, frequent contact with cleaning products, regular application of nail polish remover or frequent gluing on of artificial nails.
But no matter which factor it is, they all provide the basis for drying out and splitting of the nails. In the medical field, there are various technical terms for this, such as onychoschisis and onychorrhexis. These differ in their severity, usually in the form of splitting of the nails.
Brittle nails, combined with discoloration or thickening, can also be signs of a nail disease. This also includes nail fungus (onychomycosis). One of the most common causes is filamentous fungi, but yeasts or molds can also trigger this type of infection. The type of infestation is reflected in its severity. In the case of an infestation with filamentous fungi, for example, the nail changes usually start at the free end of the nail and then slowly progress towards the nail root.
Older or sick people in particular are more susceptible to such infections. In general, however, nail fungus can affect anyone who comes into contact with the pathogens and has a weakened immune system. In this case, it is important to consult an expert, as nail fungus does not usually go away on its own. On the contrary, it can spread to other nails and skin.
Malnutrition and the consequences
A positive effect on the growth and health of the nails can be achieved by a lack or even the intake of certain foods. As a nail naturally consists of hard horny substance, keratin, and it has been proven that its formation can also be promoted by a healthy diet, it is worth taking a closer look here.
Thin, brittle nails or slowed growth can therefore be due to a permanent deficiency. Therefore, a critical look at the food in the fridge cannot be wrong. Above all, it should contain trace elements, minerals and vitamins. A balanced diet with important nutrients should therefore always be ensured.
These are found in vegetables and fruit, among other things. Processed foods, on the other hand, are of little value. The German Nutrition Society explains exactly which foods can provide support and what benefits they offer. If you would like to find out more, the following link provides an overview of reference values, how many and which nutrients should be consumed in order to prevent malnutrition.
7 nutrition tips for healthy nails
To combat brittle fingernails, we have summarized 7 tips for healthy nails. If you may have an intolerance, you can check which of the tips are suitable and well tolerated:
- Foods such as walnuts, lentils and cereals contain a lot of zinc. The trace element is said to promote and support the formation of keratin.
- Vitamin A, contained in carrots, kale or pumpkin, for example, not only boosts the metabolism, but also promotes the growth process of many cells. This is also crucial for healthy nail growth.
- Soy, spinach, mushrooms and cauliflower contain vitamin B, which promotes strong nails and hair.
- Biotin or vitamin B7, for example in soybeans, oatmeal or nuts, is involved in many processes in the body. This includes the healthy growth of nails. Biotin also strengthens the nails.
- Iron, for example, is contained in broccoli, pumpkin seeds, sesame or linseed. Iron promotes saturation with oxygen and therefore also gives fingernails stability and elasticity.
- Silicon (silicic acid) is a component of the nail plate and is therefore essential for nail growth. High amounts of this are found in millet, oats, barley and potatoes, for example. Fruits with a high silicon content include strawberries and pears.
- A sufficient supply of moisture or water (approx. 1.5 liters) is also crucial and not only makes the skin look firmer and fresher. It also keeps the nails and nail plate smooth and elastic.
One or two household remedies are also said to promote healthy fingernails and nails, for example olive oil. The nails are simply dipped in a little olive oil for a few minutes and left to work. This is said to promote the supply of moisture. Not everyone has the patience for this process.
Care products that focus on moisturizing the nails are also a good tip. These can be applied quickly and easily. These include Spirularin N nail spray or Spirularin N nail serum, for example. This provides brittle nails with valuable care and moisture.
A pleasant way to healthy nails. A cream, on the other hand, is less suitable for nails. Want more tips and articles on nail health? You can find them in our expert tips from ocean pharma.
Image source: Oscar Brunet / stock.adobe.com
