If eyes are "windows to the soul", then definitely, nails are a reflection and a good indicator of a person's overall health. Because nails are porous, they are sensitive to the environment and to chemicals. So for nails to grow in a healthy way, they must be treated with tender loving care. There are a number of factors which affect nail growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Nails which do not grow consistently or appear unhealthy may be due to nutritional deficiencies in one's diet. For nails to glow, a constant supply of protein, vitamins and minerals are needed to support and nurture nail maintenance. Any kind of nutritional deficiency will show up on the nail. Pale and yellow nails may be an indication of diabetes, whereas dry and brittle nails can signify a calcium deficiency. If that is the case, eat a diet rich in spinach, turnip and collard greens.
White spots under the nails are telltale signs of either some kind of injury or a zinc deficiency. A lack of zinc in one's diet means recovery is not taking place when there is trauma to the nails. Foods which provide this are pumpkin seeds, fish and eggs. When using supplementation for zinc source, copper must also be taken to keep good balance, so 2-4 mg of copper with zinc would be advisable. A zinc deficiency in the body also robs it of valuable calcium, essential for nail growth. As well, a lack of silica may interfere with the growth of healthy nails.
Hangnails can be caused by a lack of protein, folic acid ( B vitamin), and Vitamin C. Dry brittle nails along with white bands show a protein deficiency. Nails with horizontal or vertical ridges may point to a Vitamin B deficiency. Since nails are made of keratin ( a protein), Vitamin A becomes very important, as it enables the body to utilize protein to grow strong nails. The best foods to eat to get quality protein are egg yolks, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
When nails are spoon-shaped or with curled nail ends, dry, thin, or flat, there is usually a lack of Vitamin B12 in the body. Inadequate stomach acid can cause nails to split because nutrients from foods are not being utilized properly, and the health of the nail is not being nourished.
Foods for Nail Growth:
When slow-growing nails signify a silica deficiency, herbal teas can be made from horsetail, nettle, or oatstraw, where the water is boiled very slowly and at low temperature, so the benefits can be drawn from these herbs.
For strong, glowing, pinkish nails, Omega 3 essential fatty acids can be found in such foods as wild unfarmed salmon, walnuts, broccoli, olive oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, cabbage, squash, flax seed. primrose oil and fish oil.
For brittle nails, a little-know B vitamin, biotin, works wonders on horses' hooves, so what's good for horses turns out to be great for human nails as well. Nail thickness can be boosted with biotin by 25% when taken for a six month period. Biotin is absorbed right into the nail matrix where it strengthens and thickens the nail.
Nail Care for Healthy Growth:
Healthy toenails take about a year to attain full growth. On the other hand, fingernails take about six months to completely grow out. Nails grow faster in the summer time than winter, and men's nails grow faster than women's. As well, the hand that is used the most will typically grow nails faster than the other hand, and can mature to one and a half inches.
Trimming cuticles is unwarranted, as cuticles protect the nail from bacteria and fungal growth. Whenever possible, wear rubber gloves before exposing hands to hot water or harsh chemicals. As well, do not use the nails as a tool to open or peel things as this will cause injury or trauma to the nail/finger/toe, which impedes good nail growth.
Nail polish can protect the surface of nails but once they begin to chip, avoid picking at the polish as it will harm the nail. As well, avoid overly excessive use of nail polish remover as harsh chemicals can harm nail health.
Healthy nails need to be moisturized as dehydration is one of the biggest problems for healthy nail growth. Brittle, peeling nails may be a good indicator of this. Also, harsh climates and constant chemical exposure will dehydrate nails. Every time hands are washed, apply a hand moisturizer. Avoid nail-biting, as it can cause damage to the surrounding skin and create infection.
Toenail Problems:
Certain problems may impinge on good nail growth. Cutting toenails too far into the corners or crevices will give way to ingrown toenails which create painful walking. Avoid wearing tight, narrow shoes which irritate ingrown toenails.
Feet are susceptible to fungal infections like Athlete's Foot, where a white smelly discharge may result in the nail separating from the nail bed. Avoid showering in public places without a pair of rubber thongs on, and try to keep the feet as dry as possible when wearing shoes. Use foot powders to take away moisture. Antifungal preparations can be used to address infection.
Minor injuries to nails, especially toenails can cause discoloration or pooling of dried blood , where the nail can fall off completely. It may be months before a complete nail can form again.
Enhancing Nail Growth:
Just like the rest of the body, the nails and fingers need to be exercised and blood circulated. By rubbing the nails on the fingers of each hand against one another for about five minutes, can greatly stimulate nail growth. Applying sunblock on nails in extremely hot sunny days can protect nails from exposure. Moisturize every night before going to bed.
Do not file the corners of nails as too much manicuring can make nails weaker and therefore break. Eat foods which are rich in potassium, iron, calcium, Vitamin B, and Omega 3 oils. Foods which provide this are almonds, garlic, spinach, celery, yogurt, eggs and seafood. Drink plenty of water to prevent nail breakage, and avoid perfumes that have alcohol content. Massage fingers daily, one finger at a time with the four fingers of the other hand to relax and circulate the blood. Use aloe vera gel to counteract urges to bite nails.
Vitamins and Minerals for Nail Growth:
The following vitamin supplements can aid in nail growth - A,C, E, Biotin, inositol, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6 and B12, iron.
The best way to take B vitamins is the entire complex of Bs, to prevent an imbalance of one or the other. Common food sources for this is egg yolk, organ meats, soybeans, cheese, barley, broccoli, onion, peanuts and dulse. These nutrients will restore dryness in nails and build sturdier ones again. So examine nails frequently and their appearance will tell what is needed to restore or nurture them to a healthy luster.
Sources:
Ehow.com
About. com
beauty.indobase.com/nail_care/nail_grooming tips.html
www.ehow.com>...>medical conditions
All Your Health Questions Answered Naturally, by Maureen Kennedy Salaman, MKS Inc. 1998