3 Signs & Tips to Help You Have Stronger, Healthier Nails

The beauty industry is full of suggestions on improving every aspect of your appearance – the way your skin looks, the silky texture or color of your hair, and your nails. But the truth is – there's more to your nails than you think.

The actual appearance of your nails can give you insight into what's going on inside your body. We're going to break down three common nail signs and what they mean. Plus, we'll include a few remedies to help you grow strong, healthy nails.

1. Brittleness

Brittle nails are one of the most frequent nail complaints and fall within two categories:

  • Dry and brittle. This is often the result of deficiencies in vitamins A and F, calcium, or essential fatty acids. These nutrients are vital for healthy nails.  
  • Soft and brittle. This condition may be caused by exposing your nails to excessive moisture, chemicals such as nail polish or remover, household cleaners, or detergents.

Brittle nails can also occur from:

  • The normal aging process. This can cause the keratin filaments within the nails to weaken.
  • Iron deficiency. If your body doesn't have enough iron, it can lead to low levels of red blood cells or anemia. Anemia can show itself through spoon-shaped or brittle nails.
  • Hypothyroidism. Low thyroid levels can bring on a host of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. It can also take a toll on your nails.

2. Splitting or Peeling

When you have dry hair, you see split ends. When your skin is dry, you may notice tiny cracks. And your nails are no different.

If your nails are peeling, consider the following:

  • Separation of the protein layers that make up the nail
  • Everyday wear and tear
  • Exposure to chemicals, detergent, or water
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Nutrient deficiencies, like low calcium, iron, or vitamin B

3. Ridges

Two types of ridges, or furrows, can form on your nails:

  • Horizontal ridges. These dents go from one side of your nail to the other
  • Vertical ridges. These run from your cuticle to the tip of your nail.

Vertical ridges are more common than horizontal. For many, it's a normal part of the aging process or from improper digestion. For others, it could indicate a deficiency of fat-soluble nutrients or vitamin B.

Horizontal ridges often crop up after you experience physical stress. These ridges could be from an illness, medication, surgery, or malnutrition. It could also be a sign of a more severe condition. If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it's best to get them checked out.

The Do's and Don'ts for Optimal Nail Care

Are your nails showing any of the signs above? If so, here's what you can do:

  • Rule out any underlying health concerns. Give our office a call, and we'll be happy to help you get to the bottom of what's going on.
  • Check for deficiencies in your diet. You are what you eat, and the results can show in your nails. Come in for blood work, and we'll take a look at your iron, calcium, biotin, B vitamin, and fatty acid levels.
  • Take a nail supplement. Biotin or collagen are fantastic options and a quality source of essential fatty acids. Supplements are an effective way to support firmer, thicker nails. If you'd like to add those to your regimen, let us know, and we'll help.
  • Give your nails some TLC. Keep your nails trimmed and filed. Rehydrate your cuticles with jojoba or olive oil. Consider giving them a break from toxic nail polish, which can dehydrate and stain your nails.

What Are Your Nails Telling You?

How your nails look and feel can give you valuable insight into what's going on in your body. Whatever your nail issues may be, keep an eye out and consider supporting them with one of the above tips. Your nails – and body – will thank you.

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Hello! I just want to say that you are truly a healer! After leaving your office last Monday, I was more able to breathe, truly breathe - after having suffered all weekend to take a deep breath due to a "rib out of place" OK - if you say so....all I know is that, though I continued to have a bit of pain in my upper back and neck for a day or two, I could take wonderful, glorious deep breaths thanks to your treatment. Thanks again for all you do! Even if I do make many sound affects while you are treating me - "OUCH!!! Hmmmph!! Ughhh!! Really???" I truly appreciate your healing touch....

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I have had Parkinson's Disease for 8 years.  I have developed arthritis in my back and hips. The stiffness of the Parkinson's and the arthritis has caused me a lot of pain. Because of that unrelenting pain I was unable to exercise. Exercise is an important part of pain management for Parkinson's.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Krapf I am feeling much better and his care has allowed me to begin exercising again, which has improved my overall well being. In the past I have been treated by physical therapists and orthopedists. Dr. Krapf's chiropractic manipulations have had an amazing impact on my health and happiness. I highly recommend Dr. Krapf to anyone who needs excellent chiropractic care and the many alternative therapies he offers. I would say he is magical!

When my friend received excellent care from Dr. Krapf, she recommended him to me. I have had gastrointestinal problems for nearly 50 years that have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease with lactose intolerance. All that, including unrelieved stress had made me unhappy and unhealthy. Today I am a different person with the help of Dr. Greg. The Gastro issues are practically nonexistent, my stress levels have plummeted, and my body is changing. I am so grateful for Dr. Greg and his healing hands.

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Our family have been patients of Krapf chiropractic for a few decades. We have several success stories archived. The most recent event involves our youngest son who is completing his senior year of high school. He has been a patient of Krapf Chiropractic (KCA) since birth. He has been an avid soccer player since the age of four and has sustained numerous injuries over the years. Dr. Krapf has successfully assisted in every recovery.

Most recently, he began complaining of his feet hurting while playing soccer. Both feet hurt - particularly the balls of his feet while running and cutting. He came to Dr. Greg with his complaint as this was seriously affecting his game. Dr. Greg evaluated the situation and decided a foot scan should be done. The finding was dropped arches. My son was fitted for orthotics. They arrived within days and he wore these as directed. Within a few short weeks he is now playing full games pain free.

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I first called Krapf Chiropractic when my back was so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor. It's been a blessing to have Dr. Greg help me with my overall wellness and health! I find this to be a place where you are not a number and everyone cares. Mollie is always cheerful and reminds me to come. Erin is always smiling and helps relax me when I'm in pain. I would not be functioning if I did not have Krapf Chiropractic to keep me going. As I get older my appreciation deepens, especially when I see people around me who are suffering with back problems. If they only knew how helpful this is. I believe Dr. Greg treats the person not the symptoms. Thank you

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I've been lucky to have exceptional health care from the beginning. At the beginning, seventy-six-plus years ago, Hugh Rodgers brought me into the world in mother and dad's second-floor bedroom in our dairy farm home. Hugh's son, Hugh, Jr., practiced with his dad and beyond caring for my parents, he, also, cared for hundreds of others and me. Roughly forty years ago, a friend suggested I make an appointment with Richard Krapf for help with back-pain. Richard treated the pain that, often, was debilitating, and on Richard's death, his son, Greg became the second second generation to help me from one place to another. I'm grateful to Hugh, Hugh, Richard and, perhaps, most of all, to Greg.

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