There are a lot of reasons to take care of your nails, including the fact they can tell you a lot about your health.

Your fingernails and toenails are made up of the same material as your hair, so they go through the same kind of growth cycle. This type of tissue is constantly being replaced with new cells, which is why nails grow at all.

The nail bed is actually skin that contains nerves and blood vessels, just like the rest of your body. It is important to pay attention to any changes in your nails because they may indicate things like infections or even cancer.

Every nail has a cuticle at the base forming a seal with the finger. The cuticle protects the new nail as it grows from the base outward. Nail polish often covers the cuticle, giving it an unnatural color that can be mistaken for nail problems or discoloration.

Nails should be smooth and have a slight curve over each finger tip. If you notice any unusual changes in shape or texture, see a doctor for an exam and treatment if necessary. Here are six ways nails can determine your health:

1)Changes in Texture – Ridges or dents in nails can indicate health concerns such as nutritional deficiencies (iron, calcium, etc

When it comes to our health, we often overlook one of the most important and obvious places: our fingernails.

Nails can tell us a lot about our health and hygiene, just as much as skin or hair. In fact, some doctors believe nails are a better indicator of health than hair.

If you’re not taking care of your nails–or if you have bad habits that are ruining your nails–you may be putting yourself at risk for more serious conditions, like anemia and heart disease.

Here are six ways that nail health can signal underlying health issues:

Having healthy nails and cuticles can actually tell you a lot about your overall health.

1. “Clubbing,” or when the tips of your fingers enlarge, can be caused by low oxygen in the blood, which may be a sign of lung disease.

2. Vertical ridges in the nail bed may indicate poor nutrition, circulation problems, or simply the natural aging process. Horizontal ridges may indicate an injury to the nail bed and are usually temporary.

3. Discoloration of nails may be due to fungal infections or even something serious like heart disease or diabetes.

4. Psoriasis can appear on the nails as pitting (small dents) and separation from the nail bed.

5. White spots could be a sign of zinc deficiency, although they are more likely a result of minor trauma to the nail bed.

6. A dark streak down your nail could be melanoma, though it’s more likely to be a benign hematoma that occurs when blood pools beneath a nail after an injury but does not clot properly, according to WebMD.

The world is full of junk — and the cosmetics industry is no exception. Airbrushed magazine ads and television commercials have promised us that our cuticles will be soft and pink, our nails will be long and free of chips, and we’ll have perfectly manicured hands for all eternity.

Unfortunately, this isn’t reality. Just like the rest of our bodies, our nails are living things that need proper care and attention to stay healthy.

A woman’s fingernails can tell a story about her health — everything from the appearance of your nail beds to the presence of clubbing (or “drumstick fingers”) can offer a glimpse into what’s going on inside your body.

Below are six common conditions associated with your nails and what they could mean for your health.

1. Nails are more important than you may think

Your nails can tell a lot about your body and how healthy (or unhealthy) it is. The condition of your nails can be the first sign of many health problems, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or cancer. As we age, our nails grow more slowly and become more brittle. If you notice any changes in your nail health consult a doctor immediately.

2. Keep your nails clean

Properly washing and scrubbing your hands, including underneath your nails will help keep all kinds of bacteria away. This is especially important if you have an infection or injury to the nail bed as this could cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream through the open skin which can lead to a serious illness.

3. No biting!

Avoid biting or picking at your cuticles as this can cause damage to the nail bed which will leave you prone to infection. Also avoid using sharp tools on your cuticles such as scissors or any cutting devices. These items can also cause damage to the area around and under the fingernail that could lead to infection and could possibly spread bacteria from person to person.

4. Keep them dry!

Bacteria can easily travel under moist fingernails so it is very important to

Just like the hair on your head, your nails can reveal things about your health. While both the hair and nails are made from keratin, a protein that’s also found in skin and connective tissue, their differences give insight into your overall wellness.

Even though your nails (and hair) grow about half an inch every month, it’s possible to notice changes in their appearance in as little as three weeks.

“Nails are one of the most important areas to look at when checking for early signs of systemic disease,” says Dr. Adrienne Haughton, a NYC-based podiatrist who specializes in nail health. Here are a few things your nails can tell you about your general health:

1. Discoloration:

Brittle, discolored nails that have horizontal ridges may be a sign of anemia or thyroid disease. A whitish hue could be due to kidney or liver trouble, while yellowing could signal malnutrition or lung disease. “If the nail has yellow streaks under it, this is usually caused by smoking,” says Dr. Haughton. Nails that begin to turn green may indicate bacterial infection from overuse of acrylics or gels.

2. Thickening:

Thickening of the

The health of your nails is a significant indicator of your overall health and well-being. Many people are unaware of the importance of nail care, especially because they tend to neglect it in their daily beauty routines. However, if you want to keep your nails healthy and strong, it is important to know how to treat them properly and what signs may indicate certain illness or diseases.

Here are the most common nail problems and what they may mean:

Brittle Nails – Brittle nails are usually caused by a lack of moisture or too much moisture. Dry hands and cuticles can also lead to brittle nails as well as dehydration, eczema or thyroid disease. Those who use cleaning products often, especially without gloves, may also suffer from brittle nails. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve this nail problem. If you tend to wash dishes without gloves, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh soaps and chemicals. You can also apply moisturizer after every hand washing.

White Spots – White spots on the nails are usually harmless but can be caused by minor injuries such as banging the nail on something hard like the door or floor. If you notice repeated white spots on your nails, it could be due to an allergy or infection that requires