Nail Health Basics : Lifestyle Habit
Nails just like any other part of the human body are useful and serve several purposes despite their size and we are going to look at nail health basics:
- Protection: nails protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes and act as a shield against injures, impacts or pressure.
- Sensitivity and sensation: The nail bed, located underneath the nail plate, is rich in nerve endings. This allows the nails to contribute to our sense of touch, enabling us to perceive sensations and textures more effectively.
- Assistance in gripping and manipulation: Nails provide support and enhance the precision of our fingers while grasping and picking up small objects while aiding in small tasks.
- Health indicators: Nails can also serve as indicators of overall health. Changes in nail color, texture, or shape can sometimes signify underlying health conditions or deficiencies.
- Personal grooming and aesthetics: with the rise of good groomed nails have been on the hype nails help elevate someone’s look. Manicures, nail art, and grooming routines are common practices for many people to maintain their appearance.
How can I personally take care of my nails?
Sure, taking care of your nails personally is important for their health and appearance and lifting mood overall. Here are some basics:
- Keep and cleanse your nails regularly: Regularly wash your hands and nails with mild soap and water. Dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture-related issues. Hydrate them with nail moisturizes.
- Trim regularly: Trim your nails straight across to avoid dirty and ingrown nails. Use a nail clipper and file the edges gently to smooth them out. And also, to prevent accident happening like scratching yourself.
- Moisturize: Apply hand cream or moisturizer after washing your hands to keep the nails and surrounding skin hydrated.
- Protect with gloves: When doing chores that involve prolonged exposure to water or chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails from damage, drying out and breaking.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins supports nail health. Foods like eggs, fish, nuts, and leafy greens can contribute to stronger nails.
- Avoid harsh products: Limit exposure to nail polish removers containing acetone, as they can dry out and weaken the nails. Go for acetone-free removers or moisturizing formulas.
- Give them breaks: If you frequently use nail polish or acrylics, give your nails a break to breathe and recover. Constant use of these products can weaken nails.
- Proper nail care tools: Use clean and sanitized tools for manicures and pedicures. This prevents infections and damage to the nails.
- Watch for abnormalities: Keep an eye on your nails for any changes in color, texture, or shape. Abnormalities can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
- Seek professional help: If you notice persistent issues with your nails such as discoloration, brittleness, or pain, consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional for guidance and treatment.
Remember, everyone is different their nails will be different. Adjust your nail care routine based on what keeps your nails healthy and strong.
Nutrition for nail health
Believe it or not nutrition plays a crucial role in nail health. Like the saying says you are what you eat and what you eat helps your nails so much. Including certain nutrients in your diet can promote stronger, healthier nails. Some nutrients that help your nails include protein, biotin, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, silica and many more
- Protein: Nails are made of a protein called keratin. Including protein-rich foods like lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts can support healthy nail growth.
- Biotin: Also known as Vitamin B7, biotin is essential for nail health. Foods high in biotin include eggs, nuts (especially almonds), seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes, and dairy products.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids can help keep nails hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails. Incorporate iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals to support healthy nail growth.
- Zinc: Zinc helps with the formation of keratin, contributing to stronger nails. Foods high in zinc include oysters, beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin helps in collagen production, which is essential for nail strength. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are good sources of Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E: It’s an antioxidant that can help protect nails from damage. Include foods like nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados in your diet for Vitamin E.
- Silica: This mineral is thought to contribute to nail health and strength. Foods like oats, brown rice, bananas, and leafy green vegetables can provide silica.
Being considerate about your overall health by maintaining a balanced diet and including the health of your nails is a smart move.
What not to do to your nails
There are several damaging antics you should stop doing to your nails to preserve their health. The easiest one one could think at the top of the head is the nasty biting or picking nails. Let’s discuss more on this down below.
Biting or picking nails: constant biting of the nails or the skin around the nails and picking them damages and weakens the surrounding skin which leads to infections or nail deformities.
- Using nails as tools: Avoid using your nails as tools to open cans, scrape off labels, or perform other tasks that can cause stress or breakage.
- Harsh chemicals: Limit exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning products or nail polish removers that contain acetone, as they can dry out and weaken nails.
- Overuse of gel or acrylic nails: Continuous use of gel or acrylic nails without breaks can damage and weaken your natural nails. Take breaks between applications to allow your nails to recover.
- Ignoring abnormalities: Don’t ignore changes in your nails. If you notice discoloration, unusual thickness, or any abnormalities, consult a healthcare professional for advice.
- Over-filing or buffing: Excessive filing or buffing can weaken nails and make them more prone to breakage. File gently and in one direction to avoid damage.
- Skipping base coats: Applying a base coat before nail polish helps protect nails from staining and strengthens them. Skipping this step may lead to discoloration or damage.
- Cutting cuticles: Cuticles protect the nail bed from infection. Instead of cutting them, gently push them back after a warm soak or apply cuticle oil to keep them soft and healthy.
- Wearing tight-fitting nails: Avoid wearing overly tight or ill-fitting artificial nails as they can cause pressure on your natural nails and lead to damage.
- Ignoring proper nail hygiene: Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Regularly clean under your nails and use sanitized tools for manicures.
Just like any other part of the body nails need proper maintenance and care by following easy measures that can help you have healthy nails. By avoiding any damaging antics that can cause stress to your nails and incorporating nutrients in your meals that encourage nail health goes a long way. If you are suspicious of any nail abnormalities seek the services of a professional to cater to your worries.
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