Nails Can Point Out Health Problems
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
August 15, 2008 12:04pm CST
I was always told that a doctor could often diagnose some health problems simply by looking at the patient's fingernails, and I have found an article that seems to support this theory. Do you check your nails frequently for signs of changes? I know I do. I have very dry, brittle nails due to a skin condition and I have to frequently apply creams and lotions to keep them somewhat supple. Here is a link to the article on how doctors use your nails to sometimes diagnose an illness:http://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-your-nails-say-about-you.html
6 responses
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
15 Aug 08
This is the first time I've heard of this theory. My nails are exceptionally healthy and long. I am so fortunate in that respect although I do have many other health issues that are controlled with proper medications. Have never worn artificial nails because the need wasn't there. I was told the eyes tell alot about someone's health issues. For example, recently I saw the eye dr. and he mentioned to me that I don't have Diabetic eyes. My blood sugar was somewhat elevated and he assured me that it's probably more diet related and to keep a close watch. Thanks for posting this interesting discussion.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
15 Aug 08
My last trip to the eye doctor he did a photo through my pupils. He was able to tell me a lot about my health from the condition of my eyes. I posted a discussion about it, because it was like having a complete physical, without getting undressed.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Aug 08
The eyes can indeed reveal the condition of a person's health, carolbee. I remember when I was growing up the older people had an expression that was often used. They would say that so-and-so was looking sort of "peaked" about the eyes, meaning they were looking ill.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
15 Aug 08
Thank you my friend I found that very useful and I have bookmarked the page, I have looked at the list and it looks like I have a zinc deficiency as I have white spots on my nails, now the question is what foods etc contain zinc which is obviously what I am lacking. It's good to know for future reference too, our bodies are amazing aren't they and if we took the time to investigate what our bodies are telling us we could curb so many things and feel much more healthier because of it.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Aug 08
I used to suffer from a zinc deficiency myself, wolfie, and if I remember correctly, dark green leafy vegetables are good for correcting the problem. It fit in perfectly with my likes and dislikes because I absolutely love veggies. Of course, we should always take the time to listen to what our bodies are telling us.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
15 Aug 08
Thanks for links. I had just noticed vertical ridges today, and was wondering about them. This article alleviates my concern. It might be iron deficiency, but in my case, I do not think so. I give blood regularly, and they check for that before they let you give. I was low once, but usually my blood drops like a rock in the test solution.(Good iron levels) I just had been wanting to know, though, and this answered my inner question.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Aug 08
My nails show symptoms of psoriasis which is closely related to the eczema that I actually have, GG. I really hate this because I used to love giving myself manicures and applying nail polish. Now my fingers sometimes break out so badly that I no longer use any type of cosmetics.
@bdugas (3578)
• United States
16 Aug 08
i was told this too by a doctor, he said to always look at your nails, if they are not pink then something is wrong. I do watch and see how my nails are all the time, and if they seem to change color, I go to the doctor to see if there is a problem or to take the usual blood tests to see if there is a problem.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Aug 08
That's very wise of you, bdugas, because we are the ones who are responsible for the upkeep of our health in the long run.
@darlene06 (284)
• Philippines
15 Aug 08
yeah, having a sister who is working as a nurse, i was told that through looking at one's nails, one can say what is wrong with him or her.. the illnesses that could possibly be seen through the changes that appear to our nails include lack of some vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, iodine and others..
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Aug 08
That is very true, darlene. It's amazing how something we take so much for granted plays such a vital role in our health.
@lixiaos77 (1030)
• Shijiazhuang, China
19 Aug 08
I ever read articles about that. I believe it is reasonable in a way. You can tell the health condition of the white spot on your fingnails. If it is small, you are in good health. If it is big, it shows there are some problems. And the shape and amount of the white spots show certain information of the problems.
