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Brittle Nails:            

Just tell me what to take

Nails are a substructure of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They are composed mainly of keratin, a type of protein.  Healthy nail beds are pink, indicating a rich blood supply.  Change or abnormalities in the nails are often a result of nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions. 

Hangnails: A lack of protein, folic acid and Vitamin C causes hangnails. 

White bands across the nails are an indication of protein deficiencies.

Fragility: A deficiency of the B vitamins causes fragility with horizontal and vertical ridges.  Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leads to excessive dryness.

"Spoon nails" (nails that develop in a concave shape) or vertical ridges:
Iron deficiency.

White spots: Zinc deficiency.

Splitting nails:  a lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

One of the things you could be missing is biotin, a B-Complex vitamin that is necessary for your body to process the fat and protein that you eat.  Biotin can be destroyed by certain food processing techniques such as canning and heat curing. 

You do need to make sure that you aren't exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or using too much polish remover both of which deprive your nails of moisture. 

Omega 3 essential fatty acids also helps.  

Strengthen Nails:

To strengthen your nails, soak them in a strong infusion of horsetail, made by pouring a pint of hot water over a tablespoon of dried horsetail. Horsetail is a plant that is rich in silicon; a natural constituent of nails, hair, and collagen. You can also take an infusion of horsetail by pouring a cup of hot water over two teaspoons of horsetail, letting this steep for 15 to 20 minutes, then drinking the infusion three times a day.

Helpful Nutrition:

Weak nails: Vitamin B Complex. Biotin - 2 milligrams daily Omega 3 follow directions on the label.

Develop strong nails:  Amino Acids, 

Nail growth:  Calcium/Magnesium 

Spoon nails -  Iron with 100 mg Vitamin C for absorption.  Do NOT take Vitamin E.

Top dietary sources of biotin are egg yolks, soybean flour, cereals and yeast. Cauliflower, lentils, mil, and peanut butter.

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Where can I get these products? (Click on links for each vitamins)

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