The condition of the nails can often indicate problems in other parts of the anatomy. Therefore if the look and feel of the nails change, it is advisable to visit a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems (see the section 'Nails - Indicators of disease'). If there are no serious problems, then changes in the nail may indicate nutritional deficiencies or infections.
What is it? - Fungal infections can turn the nails white or slightly discoloured. There can also be some nail deformity and nail thickening, which occurs when the immune system is weakened. If there is a fungal infection in the nails, then there will be a fungal infection in the digestive tract, hence the whole body should be treated. Fungal infections are difficult to overcome and can take up to 6 months to improve.
Causes - The most common infection is caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that also causes thrush. If the yeast is allowed to spread and mature it changes into the fungal form, which is very difficult to get rid of.
Advice - The best course of action is to go to an anti-candida diet and use antifungal treatments both internally and externally. The diet involves vastly restricting intake of sugar, as this is the food that candida and all yeasts thrive on. The following should be avoided; sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, such as cakes, sweets, biscuits, white bread, white rice and white flour. Most fruits and root vegetables. Obviously, with such a restricted diet there needs to extra quantities of other vegetables eaten to 'top-up' valuable nutrients. Eating protein foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and fish are important for immune health, whilst oily fish nuts and seeds will provide fatty acids for skin and hormone health. In addition, a strong multivitamin and mineral should be taken to correct any remaining shortfalls in this difficult diet. Natural, live yoghurt will provide friendly bacteria that help fight off the candida yeast.
Alcohol should also be avoided as the liver will already be having to cope with the ethanol produced from the yeast (sugar + yeast = ethanol + carbon dioxide).
Try to eat lots of garlic as this is a powerful antifungal. In addition, crush two cloves of garlic into a bowl of warm water. Add two tablespoons of cider vinegar and soak the nails in this mix for at least five minutes every day. Garlic can also be taken as a supplement along with other natural remedies if the condition has been there for some time:
If nail infections are difficult to overcome or recurrent, it may be a good idea to see a registered naturopath. He or she will assess the situation and will employ methods that focus on supporting liver, immune and digestive functions, in order to treat this difficult problem. The liver can be supported using the herbs milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke, while the immune system can be helped with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and herbs such as echinacea and astragalus. The digestive system can be improved and cleansed using soluble fibres like linseed, psyllium, oatbran, marshmallow and slippery elm, and enhanced with herbal bitter tonics such as centuary and gentian.
The biochemic tissue salt, 'Combination L' can be used for nail infections. It contains homoeopathic concentrations of three vital mineral salts for this type of problem. Use as directed.
Tea tree oil can also be used to treat nail infections, as it is a powerful antifungal agent. It should be diluted by 50% with water and applied to the nail and surrounding area 2-3 times per day. Neem oil or white distilled vinegar can be used as alternatives. If the nails itch, they can be soothed by soaking them twice a day with calendula solution or applying calendula ointment or cream to the affected area.
Brittle nails
What is it? - Brittle nails or weak nails occur for various reasons and it is recognised easily as they break or split with the smallest amount of impact.
Causes - Brittle nails can occur due to nail biting or when the hands are submersed in water for long periods on a regular basis. Iron deficiency is also a common cause of nail brittleness, however iron supplements should not be used unless a blood test indicates that you are low in this mineral. Lack of zinc or B-vitamins, especially biotin will also cause weakness of the nails. Nail polish remover can also strip the nails of moisture, making them drier and more brittle.
Advice - Generally, it is a good idea to avoid foods that are full of sugar, salt and saturated fats, as they all deplete valuable nutrients needed for nail health. This means restricting intake of junk foods, fizzy drinks, white bread, biscuits, sweets, cakes, crisps, pies and pastries. Caffeine and alcohol should be restricted or avoided, as they also can cause nutritional deficiencies. Obviously, if there is an iron deficiency then there should be a general attempt to eat more iron-rich foods including: liver, fresh dates, red meat, watercress, cashews, molasses, dried beans, yeast extract and black pudding. Protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs and poultry should be eaten at least once a day, so that the body can make the nail protein, keratin. Try also to eat more nuts, especially walnuts, Brazils, hazelnuts and seeds such as sunflower, linseeds and pumpkin. These and additional oily fish will supply the important essential fatty acids which nourish the nails. There are some important supplements to take for brittle nails:
The biochemic tissue salt, 'Combination K' is specifically formulated for brittle nails. It contains homoeopathic concentrations of three vital mineral salts for nail health. Use as directed.
While you are waiting for the supplements and various remedies to work, the nails can be helped by soaking them in luke-warm olive oil at least twice a week. Some people also find that massaging the nails regularly with jojoba or almond oil is very effective and can help speed up the growth of nail tissue. Other people paint them with a nail strengthener to help avoid breaking. This is especially useful if the nails are to be kept long, if not the best option is to keep the nails short until the new stronger and healthier nails appear after a few months.
A split nail can be repaired by tearing a little paper from a teabag or coffee filter and glued onto the the affected area with nail glue. After it has dried, it can be gently smoothed ready for the usual nail varnish.
Ridges and white spots
What is it? - Ridges on the nail appear horizontally and vertically, but also sometimes both. If ridges occur, they happen on all of the nails. White spots occur more randomly, and can vary in size.
Causes - If there are no underlying illnesses, these problems are almost always a result of nutritional deficiencies. Ridges that are vertical usually indicate a lack of stomach acid or digestive problems, whist horizontal ridges are often due to a deficiency of calcium and/or magnesium. White spots are commonly a sign of a zinc deficiency.
Advice - To avoid deficiencies it is important reduce the foods and other substances that deplete nutrients from the body. The main ones are sugar, alcohol and caffeine. This means reducing intake of junk foods that are based on sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, such as cakes, sweets, biscuits, white bread, white rice and white flour. Obviously, a good well balanced diet is important at preventing deficiencies and it is vital to be eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. This should give a good supply of nutrients, however, if there is a zinc deficiency extra nuts, seeds, seafood, eggs, lamb, oats and rye should be eaten. Calcium and magnesium can be topped up by eating more green, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. A good diet should ensure that sufficient stomach acid is being produced, however digestion can be improved by consuming foods rich in protein-digesting enzymes, e.g. pineapple and papaya. Sufficient fluids should also be consumed to ensure there is enough water to make gastric juices. There are also some useful supplements:
Massaging evening primrose or olive oil into the nails and cuticles on a regular basis with help speed up the growth of the nail tissue.