Discolored Fingernails

Healthy nails are strong, smooth, and consist mainly of keratin proteins. The natural color of the nail is light pink - indicating a rich blood supply - but in some people it may be a little darker. Fingernails can tell us a lot about our health status. When changes occur in color, shape, or texture, that can be a sign of a health problem, but not necessarily a serious one.

• If the fingernail color changes to yellow, it is a sign of internal disease or condition, like lungs or liver problems.
• A greenish nail color is a sign of infection.
• Colorless nails indicate diabetes, stress, or allergies.
• Bluish nails or bluish nail root warns of respiratory problems or diseases such as asthma.
• White nails may indicate cardiovascular problems.

• Dark blue line across the nail can be a warning of skin cancer.
• Tiny black streaks may indicate heart problems.
• Reddish-brown spots are signs of lack of folic acid and vitamin C, or protein.
• White lines across the nail can indicate high fever, liver or heart disease, kidney problems or lack of iron or zinc.
• White spots on nails are a possible sign of zinc and iron deficiency, or can be an allergic reaction to a certain products like nail polish.

The average nail growth is about one millimeter per week.

External factors include exposure to strong cleaning agents, frequent use of nail polish remover and nail sharpener, biting nails, rubbing of nails against rough surfaces, slammed nails, and extremely cold temperatures.

Internal factors are numerous, such as use of certain drugs, diseases and conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.

• Eat iron-rich foods like red meat, grains, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Avoid drinking teas and herbs with high concentrations of tannin, because tannin prevents the absorption of iron in the body.
• The optimal intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals will help in the recovery of cuticles.
• Ensure adequate intake of quality protein, to strengthen your nails.
• Eat plenty of foods rich in sulfur compounds such as broccoli, fish and onions
• Avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals and water. They dry the skin and nails, and make them fragile and brittle.