All about Nails

United States
January 24, 2008 9:26am CST
What do we know about fingernails? As just another part of our body, do we realize just how important they are? They are small, in fact they are nearly tiny. But, they are such an important part of our body. Did you know that they can tell you (or your doctor) your general well being. I know one of my biggest challenges has been to obtain healthy STRONG nails. There are so many old household things you can try or wives tales that our mothers always told us. Some "natural remedies" are - Soak your nails in Gelatin or take gelatin orally to get strong nails. -To remove stains from nails mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and soak your nails in it for a few minutes -do not use acetone polish removers (this can dry out your nails) -give your nails a break every once in a while if you wear polish let them breathe -Rub petroleum jelly on nails and buff with a cloth for a natural nail polish. A severe iron or protein deficiency can cause your nails to weaken. This is because our nails are made of protein primarily. Take your vitamins (A multi-vitamin should do it). Moisturize. Nails are like our skin because they need moisture. Be sure you get a good hand cream that you apply to rehydrate your nails and cuticles and hands. The moisturizer acts as a barrier for your nais. It helps to protect them against breakage. Now one of my downfalls personally is BITING and picking. Just say no! :) This weakens cuticles and your nail bed. Be sure to file with an emery board and not a metal file. But like any other part of your body. The first step to obtaining healthy nails and beautiful hands. Have a healthy diet. Calcium is very important for strong nails as well as bones and teeth. Good luck!
2 people like this
5 responses
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
26 Jan 08
My nails are horrible. They have no strength and when they grow (if I can keep rthem out of my mouth) they break, split and peel and take a long time to get any length. I've actually been able to grow them long a couple of times and they were quite hard and beautifully shaped...wish I could have them like that always. Another tip I'd like to pass on is WEAR GLOVES!! especially when you wash the dishes or do any cleaning in the kitchen or bathroom. Wearing gloves while gardening is a good idea as well.
1 person likes this
@madlees (1377)
• India
9 Feb 08
Another thing you can do is to apply oil as soon as you finish your chores in the kitchen. Not all of us like to wear gloves while working. As soon as you finish, apply a little olive or coconut oil to your hands before they get dry. Massage it on nicely and then wipe off the extra. Your hands and nails will be soft and shiny all through.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
9 Feb 08
I have read about this somewhere online. you are right calcium is very important for bones and teeth. but I don't know that metal file is bad for filing, thanks for the info! Biting my nails is hard habit to break :) I'll use nail cutter next time
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
26 Jan 08
Say, that was very interesting! I liked the natural polish bit, with the vaseline and buffing, especially as I don't polish my nails, but just cut them short (though I used to polish them years ago, but always have cut them short.. I didn't know calcium was a big nail vitamin.. nor iron.. but they both stand to reason.. (along with all the vitamins of course) ..And I didn't know you shouldn't use a metal file! I've heard white spots signify a vitamin deficiency. All the best!:)
@zeloguy (4911)
• United States
24 Jan 08
It may be worth mentioning... I got this from my manicurist (yes guy and yes get nails done) that overpolishing the nails can wear the nail down and (for women) be more suseptable to breaking. When filing the top of the nail, file down the ridges and that is all. Do not go any further than that. Also do not bite or cut the nail so that it is so short the nail is shorter than the finger which can cause ingrown nails.
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
24 Jan 08
Very good information. I have really never had a problem with my nails. They have pretty much always been strong. I do take an assortment of vitamins and supplements. The winter time they do become a bit more brittle than in the summer. I just need to remember to apply more lotion, which I have been doing lately since my hands are really dry due to this cold weather.