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What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health


Whatever happens to your health on the inside of the body will show through on the outside in one way or another, and one of the ways it can show is through the condition of your fingernails. So your fingernails can actually tell you a lot about the condition of your body and your health.


Healthy Nails

Healthy nails should be pink in color, with lighter pink “moons” near the base, and a smooth surface.









Absence of Moons

When there are no “moons” at the base of the nail this can indicate any or all of the following . . .

* Low immune system function

* Poor circulation

* Weak digestion


Note: It is normal not to have “moons”on the little pinky fingers.





Extra Large Moons

When the “moons” at the base of the nail are extra large this can indicate any or all of the following . . .

* Renal failure

* Liver disease

* Diabetes

* High blood pressure





White Spots

When there are white marks present on the nails this often indicates a mineral deficiency, especially zinc, magnesium, and calcium, though there can be other causes as well.


White marks on the nails  “moons” at the base of the nail can indicate any of the following . . .

* Mineral deficiencies (especially zinc, magnesium, and calcium)

* Kidney or hormone imbalances

* Vitamin A deficiency

* Prostate or impotence problems

* STDs



Vertical Lines or Ridges

Vertical lines or ridges that run the length of the nail can indicate malabsorption of nutrients or a poor distribution of nutrients throughout the body. This problem can be caused by any of the following . . .

* Thyroid issues

* Candida or fungal infection

* Parasites

* Viruses

* Heavy metals




Horizontal Grooves or Indents

Horizontal grooves or indents in the nails indicate a strong illness or infection during the time in which that specific part of the nail was growing. Multiple lines indicate a recurring or chronic condition.






Pale Coloring of Nails

A pale coloring of the nails indicate a case of anemia which can be caused by any of the following . . .

* Excessive blood loss

* An iron, folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency

* Malabsorption

* Ulcers

* Parasites

* Viral infection

* Certain medications

* Certain chronic diseases such a cancer or autoimmune conditions



Discoloring

Discoloring of the nails can indicate a lot of different conditions all depending on what color is showing in the nails . . .

* Black is a sign of nutrient or good bacteria deficiencies, chronic kidney disease, adrenal gland problems, cancer, and trauma


* Green nails are a sign of bacterial infection, allergies, fungal infection, serious emphysema


* Red streaks in your nail bed are a warning of a heart valve infection. Red coloring may also indicate brain hemorrhage, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, stroke, carbon monoxide poisoning


* Blueish nails signal low oxygen levels in your blood, liver disease, drug reactions, heart or artery issues, lupus, prior strokes, rheumatoid arthritis


* Purple may signal oxygen deprivation, circulatory problems, congenital problems


* White nails may signal liver disease, such as hepatitis


* Brown or Copper may be a sign of heavy metal poisoning or fungal infections


* Grey may be a sign of arthritis, edema, malnutrition, glaucoma, lung problems, emphysema, or cardio-pulmonary disease


* Dark stripes at the top (Terry’ nails) are associated with aging and congestive heart failure



Thick Nails

Thick nails are often more noticeable on the toes instead of the fingers . . .

* Thickened nails that are otherwise normal can indicate lung disease

* Thick and rough-textured nails can indicate fungal infection

* Thick and separated nails may mean thyroid disease or psoriasis

* Unusual thickness may indicate circulation problems



Split Nails

A nail that is split can be an indication of . . .

* Nutrient deficiencies (especially folic acid, Vitamin C, and proteins)

* Chronic malnutrition







Rounded or “Clubbed”Nails

Rounded or “Clubbed” nails can be an indication of . . .

* Lung disease

* Liver disease

* Inflammatory bowel disease

* Hyperthyroidism

* AIDS



Concave (Spoon) Nails

Concave nails can be an indication of . . .

* Iron deficiency or Hemachromatosis (a liver disorder where your body absorbs too much iron)

* Heart disease

* Hypothyroidism





Deformed

A deformed nail can be a clear indication of a yeast infection in the body.










Pitted Nails

Nails that are “Pitted”, having multiple grooves or indents that create a very rough nail surface, can indicate any of the following . . .

* Psoriasis

* Connective tissue disorder

* Alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder)





Dry Brittle Nails

Dry and brittle nails can indicate any of the following . . .

* Calcium deficiency

* Hormone or thyroid Issues

* Bacterial or fungal infection

* Impaired kidney function

* Iron or protein deficiency

* Vitamin A or Vitamin D deficiency

* Malnutrition







Soft Thin Nails

Soft thin nails can indicate any of the following . . .

* Adrenal gland problems

* Leg cramps

* Poor nutrition

* Protein deficiency

* Vitamin C deficiency



Red or Inflamed Cuticles

Red or inflamed cuticles is usually a sign of parasites, a viral infection, or both.










Loose Nail (Nails Separate from Nail Bed)

A nail that is loose, or separates from the nail bed, may be caused by any of the following . . .

* Injury

* Infection

* Thyroid disease

* Poor circulation

* Allergic reaction to medication



Specific Finger(s)

If any of the above issues is seen only on some but not all of the nails, this can indicate that the problem is located in those specific parts of the body . . .

* Thumb: Reflects what is going on in the brain, excretory system and in the reproductive organs.


* Index Finger: Reflects what is going on in liver, gall bladder or nervous system.


* Middle Finger: Reflects what is going on in the heart and circulation.


* Ring Fingers: Reflects what is going on in the reproductive organs and the hormonal system.


* And the Little Finger: Reflects what is going on in the digestive system.