Nov 26 2008
Nails are a window to your health
Look at your nails. Are they strong and healthy? Or do you see ridges or change in color or shape?
Your fingernails hold clues to your health. Healthy nails should be smooth and shiny.
Normally as a person ages, vertical ridges appear on his/her nails. But are your nails discolored? Do they have a distinct yellow tinge? This could suggest a respiratory disease. Heart attack also has an effect on nails. It causes indentations across your nails. Your nails will be pale when you are anemic.
Tips:
1. Do not bite your nails. These damage the nail bed and can lead to infection.
2. Moisturize your nails often. Using a vitamin rich lotion is the easiest option.
3. Trim or cut your nails regularly.
4. Protect your nails by using rubber gloves while cleaning or washing dishes or even while gardening.
5. Do not use nail polish remover more than twice a month.
Common misconceptions:
- Adding protein to your diet strengthens your diet.
- Soaking your nails in gelatin makes them stronger.
