subject: Eat Right For Better Nails [print this page] Nail care cannot be done only through the outside. This means that nails will not remain strong and healthy by just trimming and cleaning them often, as well as using protective equipment when necessary. Eating the right kinds of food is also important if you want to maintain having strong nails that are resistant to breaking.
Just like the rest of your body, nails will require certain vitamins and minerals to keep them strong and healthy. One such vitamin that is of great importance to nails is Vitamin B12. Without sufficient Vitamin B12, nails can become dry and brittle, while the edges become rounded and curved and there is a chance that nails will darken.
Vitamin A works similarly to Vitamin B12 as its deficiency will lead to similar defects in nails. It causes nails to become brittle and dry. Vitamin A is also important for the body as it is needed in processing proteins that are needed by the body in producing nails, as well as for maintaining the healthy state of the skin.
Calcium is an important mineral in the formation of nails and bones. In relation to this, Vitamin D is required for the proper and adequate absorption of calcium into the body. Without this vitamin, it would be hard for the body to absorb enough calcium to help make stronger nails and bones.
Although fats are needed in small quantities, it is also essential so that nails can stay hydrated and not dry out easily making them prone to breaking. Fatty acids also help in preventing inflammation in the area around the nails. This is important especially when infections occur on your nails which will lead to the inflammation process and the consequent breaking off of the nail due to the swelling of the skin.
Aside from the vitamins mentioned above, you can also take in iron and zinc to help strengthen your nails. This is especially helpful for those who have naturally soft and easily breakable nails. Eating foods high in these minerals will aid in increasing the strength of your nails.
Horsetail and gingko biloba are two supplements that you can also take that will help in having better nails. Horsetail can help in the better absorption of calcium, and it also helps make your nails more flexible. Gingko biloba on the other hand, helps improve circulation so that nutrients are better delivered to your fingernails as these are the most distant parts from the heart.
Find out which foods contain these vitamins and minerals so that you can start eating more of these foods, especially if you have weak nails. You should not focus on making your nails look better externally, but also keep in mind that nails should also be taken care of from the inside. This is why nail care can never be complete without taking the foods that you eat in consideration.
