(Ecns.cn)—Since every part of the body is believed connected with every other in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the appearance of our finger and toe nails can reveal health problems, according to sina.com.
When we are healthy, our nails are healthy, in other words semi-transparent, light pink, and intact. Most of the time, there should be a white lunula ("little moon") just above the cuticle.
Otherwise they are dry and brittle, and when this happens, it is probably a sign of nutritional deficiency or even illness.
Dry and brittle nails are the result of a lack of vitamin A, and calcium is also a culprit; horizontal and vertical ridges are caused by vitamin A and B deficiencies and also an iron deficiency; curved nail ends and darkened nails appear when intake of vitamin B12 is insufficient; hangnails mean you lack protein, folic acid and vitamin C. The list goes on.
If you display these symptoms, you probably need to pay extra attention to your diet. For example, upon noticing vertical ridges, you should add to your daily food selection those rich in rich in vitamin A and B. Sweet potatoes, red peppers and carrots are a few suggestions - all good sources of vitamin A; eggs, fish and beef are packed with vitamin B. And the liver of any animal is a perfect choice under such circumstances because it's rich in both vitamins.
In worse case scenarios, unhealthy nails indicate a variety of disorders. Thick nails may signify that your vascular system is weakening and blood circulation hindered; lengthwise grooves or ridges are associated with a kidney disorder; brittle nails suggest an iron deficiency, thyroid problems or an impaired kidney function.
Moreover, unnatural color in the nails (which are pink when you're healthy) may also be signs of internal disorders, and these show up long before other symptoms appear. Yellow nails, for example, send the message that you may have a respiratory disorder, problems with the lymphatic system, diabetes or an impaired liver. White nails signify possible liver or kidney disorders and /or anaemia; dark nails and spoon-shaped nails are associated with anaemia; and deep blue nail beds hint at pulmonary obstructions such as accompany asthma or emphysema.
And be really careful about bleeding in the nail bed; it is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
Any disorder-related symptom is certainly worth taking a day off work to see the doctor.
However experts suggest more attention could be paid to daily nail care too. The overuse of nail polish, nail hardeners, and polish remover does significant harm to nails. Don't remove your cuticles, for that makes it easier for infections to develop. And, when you rub lotion on your hands, be sure you get it in the area around the nails.
