nails – Clever Health Tips

fungal infection, nail disease, nails, Onychogryposis, Pseudomonas

Understanding the nail diseases

Your fingernails and toenails protect the tissues of your fingers and toes. They are made up of layers of a protein called keratin, which is also in your skin and hair. The look of your nails can be a mirror to your health. Good looking nails are typically smooth and consistent in colour. Particular types of nail discoloration and changes in the development rate can be indicators of heart, lung, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as anemia and diabetes.

Signs of Nail Diseases

Some changes in your nails are because of medical conditions that need consideration, such as:

Redness or swelling around fingernails and toenails
Thickening or thinning of the nails
Nail separation from the skin
Bleeding around nails
Brittle or pitted nails
Pain around fingernails and toenails
Discoloration or changes in nail shape

Consult your doctor if you have any of these issues!

Types of Nail Disease

Here are the 3 most common types of nail disease:

Pseudomonas

This is a bacterial infection that can occur between an artificial nail coating and the natural nail plate or between the natural nail plate and the nail bed. It is believed that the classic green discoloration of this type of infection is some type of mold. But mold is not a human pathogen. The discoloration usually is caused by iron compounds and it is because of the infection. Pseudomonas feeds off the dead tissue and bacteria in the nail plate. The moisture levels help it to grow. That’s why the nail plate becomes dark and soft underneath an artificial coating. The infection can also cause the nail plate to lift from the nail bed.

Yeast/Fungal infection

This type of infection is characterized by nail plate division with apparent debris under the nail plate. Usually, it appears yellowish or white in colour. The fungal infection is also characterized by changes in the shape and texture of the nail. Thus the keratin protein (of which the nail plate is madeof ) is digested by the fungus. Organic debris accumulates under the nail plate and this leads to discolouration of the nail. Other infectious organisms may also be included. If left untreated, the nail plate may separate from the nail bed and crumble off.

Onychogryposis

Typical for the disease is the claw-type nails because of the thickened nail plate. If you are struggling with the disease, your nail plate will curve inward, pinching the nail bed. The condition will get worse with time, and can also cause other infections and ingrown nails. Sometimes onychogryposis requires surgical intervention to relieve the pain.

And remember: when you notice the first symptoms of nail diseases, start to take measures before the situation becomes serious and complicated to manage.

Bycleverhealthtips

bones, nails, superfood

Superfoods for Stronger Nails and Bones

Did you know that your fingernails mirror your bone health? Believe it or not, the most important indicators of your bone health are your nails. Researchers found out that individuals with osteoporosis had weaker fingernails than those with normal bone density.

So look at your nails and find out whether everything is alright with your bones.

Dry nails can indicate a lack of calcium… or a lack of hydration.
Curved or rounded nail ends can be an indicator of Vitamin B 12 deficiency.
Spoon-shaped nails (the nail end curves up) can indicate a lack of iron.
Nail fungal infection indicates a lack of the “friendly” bacteria in the gut our systems need.
You need more Vitamin B if your nails are fragile, with vertical and horizontal ridges.
White spots a potential indicator of zinc deficiency.
Very white, pale nails can indicate an anemia.
Frequent hangnails could mean lack of sufficient folic acid, Vitamin C or protein.

Of course, the nail issues listed above, can have many causes and should be checked out by a health practitioner.

Feed your nails and bones

You can support strong nails and healthy bones by increasing your intake of certain foods. “Feeding” your nails and bones with food rich in calcium, selenium, iron, protein, zinc, beta-carotene and copper is essential to your health.

Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon offers bone boosting ingredients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B 12 and Omega 3 fatty acids. So eat up for your nails and your bones.

Oats

Oats include: potassium, magnesium, biotin and other B vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and protein. They are also filled with antioxidants and fiber. All of these promote healthy bones and fingernails.

Leafy Greens

Let’s not forget about the importance of our greens for our bone health. Leafy greens are possibly one of the top foods for your fingernails. They contain copper, magnesium, protein, zinc, Vitamins A and E, along with biotin and other B vitamins. Leafy greens contain raw, easy to assimilate nutrients that feed your nails, bones and skin.

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Tag Archive nails

Understanding the nail diseases

Signs of Nail Diseases

Types of Nail Disease

Superfoods for Stronger Nails and Bones

So look at your nails and find out whether everything is alright with your bones.

Feed your nails and bones

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