Fingernails are made of a hard material called keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up hair and skin. It is simply thicker and harder. The moon of the nail, also called the matrix, is where the nail forms. These moons are an indicator of health. If you have half-moons called lunula on each nail, there is a good supply of blood flowing into your nail. A lack of half-moons indicate a poor blood supply or even heavy metal poisoning.

Nails generally grow at a rate of 0.1 mm per day. If you are right-handed, your right nails will grow faster than your left and vice versa.

The state of your nails indicates the state of your health. When your fingernails first show signs of changing, please check the list below. Some health problems can be easily corrected by a change in diet or increasing the amount of water that you drink each day. Other problems need to be checked by a health professional.

Discolored nails: Diabetes, stress, allergies and simple illness

Greenish or yellowish nails: sign of infection, either in the nail bed or in your body, respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, or from swelling of your hands, lymphedema

Bluish nail bed: sign of lung trouble, such as emphysema or even asthma

Dark blue line in the nail: can be a sign of skin cancer

Tiny black streaks: can indicate a heart problem **See your doctor

Reddish-brown spots: can indicate a deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C

Yellowing nails: early signals of various internal disorders, such as diabetes, respiratory or liver problems. They may also mean a fungal disease is present.

White lines in or across the nail: can signal fever, liver or heart disease, kidney disorders or, more likely, a lack of iron or zinc in the diet.

Brown nails: may indicate chronic renal failure

Bluish nails: may indicate circulatory, heart and lung problem

White nails: may indicate liver disease

White marks: caused by everyday accidental bumps

Beau’s lines (indentations that run across the nail): serious injury or trauma, heart attack, physical or mental stress

Nail shapes: Nails that tend to curl under or down at the tips can signify respiratory or heart problems, as can nails that are raised at the base. Square, wide nails can be a result of a hormonal disorder. Flat, thin nails can be caused by insufficient vitamin B12. If your nails are just flat, it can indicate an iron or protein deficiency. A spoon shape may be a thyroid condition or anemia.

Nail textures: Vertical ridges that appear on the nail can indicate disorders as simple as iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients, overall poor health or they could indicate something as serious as kidney trouble. They can also indicate thyroid problems or even liver difficulties. These vertical ridges, as well as bumpy nails, can also suggest that one is prone to developing arthritis.

Pitting in the surface may be Psoriasis and Alopecia areata. Very thin nails may be caused by a diet lacking in sulfur. Splitting at the top edge may be caused by immersion in water for long periods, or too much exposure to nail polish removers.

White lined bands across nail beds: can signal a protein deficiency

Dry, brittle nails: calcium deficiency

Hang nails and swelling of nail tissue: Vitamin C deficiency

The best way to have healthy nails is to take care of your health. Use your nails as a barometer for your health. Click here for nutritional advise. If any serious medical problem is indicated, please see a doctor.

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