Nutrition for Dry, Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are usually not associated with a medical disease. Brittle fingernails are

a common condition, occurring in about 20 % of people; more women than men develop

brittle nails. 1 Brittle nails usually break or peel off in horizontal layers, starting

at the nail's free end. Brittleness in the nail may be caused by trauma, such as repeated

wetting and drying, repeated exposure to detergents and water, and excessive exposure to

harsh solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover. Other possible causes include

skin diseases ( psoriasis , lichen planus, alopecia areata) as well as endocrine

disorders, tuberculosis, Sjogren's syndrome syndrome, and malnutrition. The incidence of

brittle nails in the European and North American population is approximately 20%, and

women suffer from nail brittleness twice as often as men.

People who clean on a frequent basis will often have brittle nails, unless they take the

necessary steps to protect themselves from being susceptible to such a nail condition.

Brittle nails are more of a problem for women with lower estrogen levels. Just as lower

estrogen levels are know to cause dry, brittle hair and skin, it has a similar effect on

nails. Dry, brittle nails are a problem that many women face. Nails dry out in the winter

time because of intense hand washing to stay healthy and all the dry air that is around

because of heaters. Health Nutrition help maintain your fingernail health and remedy dry,

brittle nails. A deficiency in B-complex vitamins, especially biotin, will produce ridges

along the nail bed. A diet lacking in calcium contributes to dry, brittle nails. Several

vitamins and minerals have been proposed for the prevention of brittle nails.

A lack of folic acid and vitamin C can lead to hangnails. Insufficient dietary essential

oils, like omega-3, cause cracking. Use nail polish remover no more than once a week.

Avoid nail polish removers with acetone and remove nail polish at most once a week. You

can always touch up your nails during the week if your nail polish chips. cosmetic

moisturizers, which provide immediate relief of dryness but last only while they are

applied. For people with mild or intermittent brittle nails, a cosmetic moisturizer may

be enough to keep the skin from feeling dry. Use a glass file or an emery board instead

of a metal nail file. Also, make sure you file only in one direction. Therapeutic

moisturizers, which have been shown to act as a barrier that keeps water from evaporating

from the nails. Calcium-rich foods include all dairy foods, especially yogurt, dark green

leafy vegetables, almonds, beans, and sardines.

Dry, Brittle Nails Nutrition Tips

1. Use nail polish remover no more than once a week.

2. Avoid nail polish removers with acetone and remove nail polish at most once a week.

3. Wear gloves.

4. Avoiding prolonged exposure to water, such as swimming.

5. Avoiding exposure to chemicals that irritate the skin and nails.

6. Use hand lotion on your nails, too. Rub it in after you wash your hands or take a

shower.

7. Several vitamins and minerals have been proposed for the prevention of brittle nails.

8. Use a glass file or an emery board instead of a metal nail file.

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