Ilah Jarvis, Nutritionist
Dry brittle nails are a symptom of malnutrition. Weak, brittle nails can signal deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and in the C and B vitamins. The short answer is to choose whole, unprocessed foods like whole grains, beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables, along with free-range organic meat and such cold-water fish as sardines, mackerel, and salmon. In addition, take a high quality multivitamin every day.
Our nails, lungs, intestines, tendons, joints, hair, and skin are all made from collagen. If your nails are weak, it is likely these other parts may be weak as well. Adding collagen to your diet will strengthen all of these systems.
Collagen is stored in the bones and joints of all animals. Bony cuts of organically raised meats will make a delicious collagen- and mineral-rich broth if they are simmered very slowly, with the bone still attached, in several cups of water, adding one or two tablespoons of an acid such as lemon juice, wine, or balsamic vinegar to help release the nutrients and add flavor. It’s important to use organically raised meat, since any heavy metals the animal was exposed to will be present in the broth.
Ilah Jarvis, NC, is a counsel member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. She leads detoxification and weight loss programs through her company, Eat Better, Feel Better. Eat Better, Feel BetterLynne Goldberg, MD, Dermatologist
Nail fungus, unlike dryness, is usually characterized by thickening and discoloration of the nail plate, or separation of the nail from the nail bed. Your first course of action should be having your nails assessed by a qualified professional to rule out skin disease.
Assuming the problem is dryness, what do you do? Are your hands frequently submerged in water or exposed to harsh household cleansers or other chemicals? A repeated wet-dry cycle, for instance, dries the skin and sucks moisture out of your hands and nails. The number one cause of dry, brittle nails is repeated exposure to water. Nail polish can help seal water in, but polish removers that contain acetone are very drying. If you regularly use nail polish, decrease the frequency of removal and application.
Changing your habits can also help. Apply moisturizer directly to your nails, just as you do to your hands. Stop exposure to water and wear gloves when you wash dishes or clean. Protect your hands with an emollient, such as olive oil or other thick barrier product. This protects the nail plate and prevents moisture loss.
Lynne Goldberg, MD, is associate professor of dermatology and pathology at Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University school of MedicineJane Reside,Naturopathic Physician
Nails are an extension of the epidermis of the skin, and like the skin, are almost always a reflection of nutritional status and overall health. External factors that can cause damage should always be ruled out first, such as chronic exposure to chemicals, extreme weather, or just plain old physical labor. In these cases, a topical application of vitamin E oil or natural ointments like calendula can help to restore the tissue. However, from a naturopathic perspective, chronic abnormalities of the nails are best treated internally.
In the case of dry and brittle nails and a failure to grow, consider low calcium intake or absorption. Good fats in the diet may also be lacking (olive oil, flax oil, avocado, and fish oils), which may in turn lead to low levels of fat-soluble vitamins. At a deeper level, there may also be an association with low thyroid function, especially if the skin and hair are also dry. If the nail beds are very pale, iron levels may be low. Both of these would be treated accordingly, and therefore lead to restored nail health. Also consider chronic stress, as this in itself can manifest in nail changes, and in turn usually results in poor eating and absorption of nutrients. Depending on a person’s age, health, and digestive function (therefore absorption), supplements may be useful, but first and foremost to optimal nail health is a good, healthful diet that includes excellent sources of absorbable calcium (yogurt, goat cheeses, sesame seeds, kale, chard, and kelp and other seaweeds), and lots of those good fats.
Jane Reside, B.Sc., ND holds a degree in biochemistry and a diploma of naturopathic medicine. She practices in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Doctor Jane
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