What do Your Nails Say About Your Health & Nutrition? – Dr.Berg

Summary

This video explains how to assess nutrient deficiencies based on the condition of your nails. The speaker details how different nail issues, such as vertical ridges, brittle nails, white spots, and discoloration, can indicate specific deficiencies like hypothyroidism, vitamin B12, iron, biotin, zinc, and calcium. The video emphasizes the importance of B vitamins and minerals for proper nail health, with practical tips on addressing these deficiencies through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. It offers a valuable guide for improving overall well-being by observing the health of your nails.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vertical ridges on nails can indicate hypothyroidism or deficiencies in vitamin B12 or iron.
• 😀 Brittle nails that break easily often suggest a deficiency in folate, biotin, or insufficient vegetable intake.
• 😀 A fungus on the nail, indicated by yellowish discoloration, can be a sign of biotin deficiency, often linked to gut imbalances.
• 😀 Zinc deficiency can cause white spots on the nails, which may also appear after consuming excessive sugar or carbs.
• 😀 Horizontal white lines on nails may indicate a calcium deficiency.
• 😀 Thicker horizontal lines on the nails could point to a deficiency in vitamin B3 (niacin).
• 😀 A slightly brown or grey nail can indicate low vitamin B12, especially in vegans or those with digestive issues like gastric bypass.
• 😀 Clubbed nails, where the tips curve upwards, may suggest liver or kidney problems.
• 😀 Nails with a predominantly white appearance, with just a pink strip at the top, could indicate a B12 deficiency.
• 😀 Nails that are completely white or blue may be a sign of a B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
• 😀 Nail health is closely linked to B vitamins and minerals, which are essential coenzymes for protein function, highlighting the importance of proper nutrient intake.

Q & A

What do vertical ridges on your nails indicate?

Vertical ridges can suggest a slow thyroid (hypothyroidism) or a deficiency in vitamin B12 or iron. Larger ridges may indicate iron deficiency, while smaller ones could be linked to B12 deficiency.

What could cause brittle nails that break easily?

Brittle nails are commonly caused by a deficiency in folate, a vitamin found in leafy greens. A lack of biotin, which is related to gut health, can also lead to brittle nails.

How does taking antibiotics affect nail health?

Taking antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which may lead to a deficiency in biotin, a nutrient essential for nail strength.

What is the connection between zinc and white spots on nails?

White spots on nails often indicate a zinc deficiency. This can occur due to stress, consuming too many carbohydrates or sugars, or digestive issues that affect zinc absorption.

What does it mean if you have horizontal white lines on your nails?

Horizontal white lines on nails are typically associated with low calcium levels, which could be a sign of a calcium deficiency.

What could a slightly brown or grey nail color indicate?

If your nails are brown or grey, this could signal a B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency is more common in people who follow a vegan diet or have digestive issues that affect absorption.

What are clubbed nails and what do they suggest?

Clubbed nails, where the tips of the nails curve downward, can be a sign of underlying liver or kidney issues.

What does it mean if your nails are completely white or blue?

Nails that are completely white or have a blue tint could indicate a B1 (thiamine) deficiency, which can affect energy production and overall health.

Why are B vitamins and minerals important for nail health?

B vitamins and minerals are crucial for the enzymatic processes that support protein production. Since nails are primarily made of protein, these nutrients help ensure proper nail growth and health.

How can stress affect your nail health?

Stress can deplete zinc levels in your body, leading to issues such as white spots on the nails. Zinc is important for many bodily functions, including nail growth and repair.