So what can our nails tell us about our health? Here are the secrets hidden beneath those prettily painted pointers…

Yellow nailsOften, our nails seem embarrassingly yellowish or pale, when they should be pink with health. One reason for this is the overuse of nail polish. And if that’s not the case, it definitely means your nails are infected with fungi or in worse cases it could even be a symptom of diabetes.
Remedy: Scrub your nails with lemon.
White spots and lines
Pale or white spots and lines on your fingernails should never be neglected. They suggest anaemic conditions and a lack of iron.
Remedy: Include iron-rich foods like spinach in your diet.
Soft nails
Soft and flexible fingernails are also a sign of deficiency in your regular diet, especially in vitamins and biotin.
Remedy: Eat egg yolks, avocados and lots of cheese.
Lines on your nails
Horizontal lines on nails are never acceptable. Not only do they spoil the beauty of your nails, but they are a red signal that you are under-nourished and it’s high time you consult a dietician.
Remedy: Drinking enough water and eating zinc-rich food like pumpkin seeds.
Nails that peel
Nails are multiple layers of cells and proteins. Peeling nails need immediate attention. This generally happens when your nails are exposed to cold weather or water.
Remedy: Increase your intake of vegetable oils. Alternatively, keep on moisturizing your nails with cream.
Nails that break
Brittle nails can be a struggle. If your nails break off frequently (which they should not), it’s important to know that your thyroid might be weak and your body lacks sufficient iron content following which you should consult a doctor.
Remedy: Increase your overall intake of iron-rich foods and moisturizing your nails with warm coconut oil.
Nail biting
If you find yourself biting off your nails time and again (quite an undesirable habit, we might add), it is a sure suggestion of your anxious and stressed lifestyle.
Remedy: Change your lifestyle and including stress-free activities for at least an hour a day.
Written by Fleur Xavier and Nethra Raghuraman on 16th Oct 2015