Brittle nails: Herbal remedies, causes, symptoms, prevention

What is Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails are a condition when your nails turn out to be rough, brittle, broken and split up, and edges and folds may appear. This happens when there is an insufficient intake of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are very much vital to building robust bones and the nails of our fingers and toes are a by-product of bone formation. So appropriate nutrition for building bones is therefore important if you intend to get healthy nails.

What are the Symptoms of Brittle Nails

Typical: There are a number of health conditions that may affect the shape or texture of your fingernails; however, brittleness of the nails is when your nails can easily be cracked or chipped or may be split or peeled off. If someone experiences these symptoms, they should see a doctor or should start the treatment.

What are the Causes of Brittle Nails

There can be various causes of Brittle Nails but mostly it means that there is less moisture in your fingernails. When someone washes their hands very frequently, they may lose moisture if not moisturized properly after washing. Overexposure to harmful chemicals of detergent powders or household cleaners may cause this condition as well. Over usage of nail polish remover can also be the reason for brittle nails.

Brittle nails can also be caused by some other factors like age, or some ailments like hypothyroidism where the thyroid level is low. Also, Raynaud’s syndrome may affect nail health. When your body doesn’t get enough iron and you have a low red blood cell level, you may develop brittle nails.

When to see a Doctor?

Brittle nails are not essentially a major reason for worry. Though, a person may want to go to see a physician if they observe other associated indications. For instance, tiredness could be a sign of iron insufficiency or anaemia. Weight gain or loss might signal a thyroid issue. A person might as well choose to see a doctor if home treatments to bolster their nails are not working. They may be able to recommend additional medications or find out the source of the brittleness.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Brittle Nails

Prevention of brittle nails is possible if it is not caused by any underlying ailments. Eating healthy and maintaining hygiene is the key when it comes to preventing this condition. Eating lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains will certainly help in improving overall health including bone health. If someone has iron or calcium deficiency, they can take supplements or Biotin supplement is also helpful.

When it comes to hygiene one should always keep their nails trimmed. Avoiding biting nails and picking cuticles is advised to prevent any problems with your nails. Do not frequently use nail polish to change nail colors just to avoid overuse of the nail polish remover.