Did you know that your fingernails mirror your bone health? Believe it or not, the most important indicators of your bone health are your nails. Researchers found out that individuals with osteoporosis had weaker fingernails than those with normal bone density.
So look at your nails and find out whether everything is alright with your bones.
- Dry nails can indicate a lack of calcium… or a lack of hydration.
- Curved or rounded nail ends can be an indicator of Vitamin B 12 deficiency.
- Spoon-shaped nails (the nail end curves up) can indicate a lack of iron.
- Nail fungal infection indicates a lack of the “friendly” bacteria in the gut our systems need.
- You need more Vitamin B if your nails are fragile, with vertical and horizontal ridges.
- White spots a potential indicator of zinc deficiency.
- Very white, pale nails can indicate an anemia.
- Frequent hangnails could mean lack of sufficient folic acid, Vitamin C or protein.
Of course, the nail issues listed above, can have many causes and should be checked out by a health practitioner.
Feed your nails and bones
You can support strong nails and healthy bones by increasing your intake of certain foods. “Feeding” your nails and bones with food rich in calcium, selenium, iron, protein, zinc, beta-carotene and copper is essential to your health.
Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon offers bone boosting ingredients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B 12 and Omega 3 fatty acids. So eat up for your nails and your bones.
Oats
Oats include: potassium, magnesium, biotin and other B vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and protein. They are also filled with antioxidants and fiber. All of these promote healthy bones and fingernails.
Leafy Greens
Let’s not forget about the importance of our greens for our bone health. Leafy greens are possibly one of the top foods for your fingernails. They contain copper, magnesium, protein, zinc, Vitamins A and E, along with biotin and other B vitamins. Leafy greens contain raw, easy to assimilate nutrients that feed your nails, bones and skin.
