A healthy diet is an important factor in overall health, impacting everything from our skin, hair, and nails. What many don’t realize is just how much the food and beverages we consume on a day-to-day basis have an effect on our nails.
From vitamins and minerals, to antioxidants, fatty acids, and proteins, our nails largely depend on the nutrition intake provided by the foods we consume in order to stay healthy. When we regularly lack nutrients in our diets, it may be reflected as a sign through weak, brittle, or breakage of nails.
Vitamin and Mineral Implication
A deficiency of some essential vitamins and minerals can lead to the growth of nails that are thin and appear to be forming ridges. Nails without a balanced nutrition intake are unable to receive the necessary nutrients to keep them strong and hard, this can also lead to an increased risk of splitting or chipping nails.
A deficiency of some essential vitamins and minerals can lead to the growth of nails that are thin and appear to be forming ridges.
One of the most important vitamins for nail health is Vitamin A. Not only does this vitamin help fight unhealthy nail conditions, such as hangnails or splitting nails, but also helps the body absorb essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and 6, which promote healthy and strong nails. Other vitamins that are important to maintaining healthy nails include Vitamin C, Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and Vitamin B12.
Specifically, Biotin is often associated with strong, healthy nails and hair growth. In addition to this, Folic Acid works to boost blood cell renewal which may provide an indirect way of improving nail health. Zinc, copper and calcium are also considered important minerals which can be found in various sources of food including dark leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and legumes.
Specifically, Biotin is often associated with strong, healthy nails and hair growth.
Essential Fatty Acids
In terms of dieting for nail health, it is important to adhere to the necessary intake of essential fatty acids. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are known to tackle further health issues such as easing joint pain, fighting depression, and reducing inflammation. These fatty acids also play a major role in nail health because of the fact that omega 3 and 6 help form cell membranes which in turn supports healthy cell growth and structural integrity. If our bodies do not maintain a healthy balance of this fatty acid ratio, our nails could become thin and brittle over time.
In terms of dieting for nail health, it is important to adhere to the necessary intake of essential fatty acids.
Protein Intake
Not getting enough protein in your diet has an extremely negative impact on nail health. Protein is the staple food source necessary to build scaffolding in nails. If nails don’t get the right amount of necessary proteins, they can become weak, thin, and break easily.
Protein is the staple food source necessary to build scaffolding in nails.
Including protein is your diet may be the single most impactful way of actively reducing the risk of weak, thin, and breakable nails. Animal products such as fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, and nuts all contain enough protein to nourish and maintain strong nails.
Hydration For Nail Health
It is just as important to stay hydrated as it is to adhere to a balanced diet when it comes to nail health. Dehydration can lead to ridges and splitting as well as dry and brittle nails.
Dehydration can lead to ridges and splitting as well as dry and brittle nails.
When the cells in our bodies become too dry and unable to absorb the right amount of vitamins and minerals, our nails suffer greatly. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a great way to ensure that our nails stay hydrated and receive the right amount of necessary nutrients.
Conclusion
Overall, nutrition plays a very large role when it comes to maintaining healthy nails. A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, vitamin and mineral rich foods, and hydrating fluids can help to improve and maintain strong, beautiful nails. Keeping a close eye on what kind of food and drinks you intake can make all the difference for both your general health and that of your nails. By taking small steps to ensure your diet is healthy and balanced, you can achieve beautiful looking nails in a relatively small amount of time.
