Health Tips: Most women and men pay more attention to taking care of their face, hair, hands, and feet. But hardly anyone pays attention to their nails. The only thing people do is cut their nails when they grow long. But changes in nail color and the appearance of spots on them can indicate what kind of problems are occurring in the body. Often, many changes are seen in the nails when there is a deficiency of certain nutrients in the body. But these changes in the nails are considered normal and are ignored. This neglect can later prove costly. So today we will see what changes in the nails indicate.
According to a Healthline report, if your toenails or fingernails start turning yellowish, become thick, or brittle, it indicates a fungal infection as well as a deficiency of zinc and vitamin E in the body. When zinc is deficient, the nails become weak, and their growth also slows down. In such a case, include nuts, seeds, green vegetables, and legumes in your diet to get zinc and vitamin E.
- White spots on nails: If white spots appear on the nails, it often means there is a deficiency of calcium or zinc. Many people consider this to be the result of an injury, but if these spots appear repeatedly, it is necessary to be cautious. Due to calcium deficiency, not only bones but also nails start breaking easily. Milk, yogurt, paneer, sesame seeds, and green leafy vegetables help to compensate for calcium deficiency.
- Thinning nails: If your toenails are very thin or appear curved inwards, it could be a symptom of iron deficiency. This is called koilonychia in medical terms. Iron deficiency can lead to a lack of blood in the body, causing fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. In such cases, it is necessary to include beetroot, pomegranate, spinach, jaggery, and lentils in the diet.
Long vertical lines on the nails
The appearance of long vertical lines on the nails is considered normal with age. However, if they appear at a young age, they may indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B complex or Vitamin B12. A B12 deficiency can also cause pale skin and tingling sensations in the hands and feet, in addition to affecting the nails. Milk, yogurt, eggs, and fortified foods are beneficial in such cases.
Blue or purplish discoloration of the nails
If the nails appear bluish or purplish, it could be a sign of oxygen deficiency or poor blood circulation in the body. This condition can also indicate heart or lung-related problems, so it is important to consult a doctor if you notice such changes. Additionally, very dry and brittle nails indicate a deficiency of water and essential fatty acids in the body.