Your nails can be a window into some health problems like vitamin and protein deficiencies or infections. A healthy cuticle is important to protect the new nail growth. It’s delicate and needs to be cared for so that your nails grow healthy and strong. There are natural remedies using oils packed with protein building amino acids and nutrients that can help cure common nail and cuticle problems.

Read on to learn what imbalances can be uncovered by looking at the nails and how you can improve your overall nail health.

Are your fingernails chipping? Bumpy? Dotted with white spots?

Brittle, dry, crooked, and rough fingernails could be more than a nuisance; they could be an indication of your overall health. In Ayurveda, ​​an alternative medicine system dating back 3,000 years, the fingernails mirror the rest of the body.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, nails are a by-product of the bones, and your bone health can be echoed in the health of your nails. For example, brittle nails could correlate to brittle bones, but we'll get more into that later. Also, if the body is not nourished with proper body, mind, and soul "food," it can manifest in your fingernails.

Nakha Pariksha (Nail Assessment)

In Ayurveda, our external attributes like the tongue, hair, skin, and of course, nails can be a strong indicator of potential health problems. Nakha Pariksha is a physical diagnostic tool that examines the nails to help find imbalances. Fingernail health hints at derangement in the harmony of thedoshas: vata, kapha, pitta.

What Do Your Nails Say About Your Health?

Here's a look at some common nail and cuticle conditions that could be a gateway into your overall health.

Longitudinal Lines/Ridges:

Long lines on the nails usually indicate nutrient malabsorption. The lines typically cover the nail from top to bottom, and the more prominent or deeper the lines appear, the more severe the deficiency.

Horizontal Lines/Grooves:

Horizontal lines, waves, or grooves in the nails suggest malnutrition or metabolism issues.

Red, Puffy Nail Fold (cuticle area):

A red, inflamed nail fold is a sign of infection. The most common reason for irritated nail folds is poor hygiene or an encounter with bacteria..

Yellow Nails:

Yellowish fingernails often tell you there's a fungal infection. Yellow nails may also be a sign of a weak immune system, lung infection, toxins in the body, or side effects from medication.

Note: Sometimes, using dark-colored nail polish can also cause yellow nails due to staining.

White spots:

White spots on the nails are common, and if the marks are a one-time occurrence, it's probably trauma from hitting or banging the nail. If the spots are consistent, it could mean you're lacking calcium, zinc, and/or magnesium.