13 Strategies for Enhancing Nail Health and Strength
In the pursuit of maintaining strong and healthy nails, it's essential to be aware of various factors that can influence their condition. From diet and hydration to avoiding certain products and practices, here's a guide to help you keep your nails looking and feeling their best.
Firstly, a well-balanced, nutritious diet is key to maintaining strong nails. Consuming enough protein, found in foods like legumes, salmon, and eggs, is especially important. Adequate hydration is also crucial, as dehydration from diuretics or prolonged exposure to water can weaken nails.
Maintaining good nail care habits is another important aspect. Avoiding excessive hand sanitizer can help prevent brittle and easy-to-break nails. Using a moisturizing hand lotion can help keep the nails hydrated, and applying sunscreen to hands before a nail salon appointment may protect against potential risks from UV light used in drying gel or acrylic polish.
Not using nails as tools can help prevent damage and improve nail strength. Keeping nails short can also help avoid accidental breakages and maintain their strength. It's also advisable to wear gloves when using cleaning products to avoid potential damage.
When it comes to supplements, biotin, an essential vitamin, helps maintain the health of the nervous system, hair, and nails. Biotin can be found in foods like legumes, salmon, and eggs, but supplements are also available. However, it's important to consult a doctor before taking a biotin supplement, particularly if you're already taking medications or other supplements.
While many nail products can cause damage, ensure they do not contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. Avoiding gel or acrylic nails can help prevent damage to the nails.
However, some individuals may struggle with nail health issues beyond common concerns. Psoriasis can significantly affect the health and appearance of a person’s nails, causing symptoms such as pitting, discoloration, thickening, loosening, and even loss of the nails. These changes can impact both function and appearance significantly, and may also affect a person’s self-esteem and mental health.
If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to speak with your doctor. While there is currently no cure for nail psoriasis, treatments similar to those for skin plaques can help improve nail health.
In conclusion, maintaining strong and healthy nails involves a combination of a balanced diet, proper hydration, good nail care habits, and avoiding products that may cause damage. For those dealing with psoriasis-related nail changes, it's crucial to seek medical advice to manage the condition and improve nail health.
Using household cleaning supplies without gloves may potentially damage nails. Investing in skin-care products that are free from toxic chemicals like formaldehyde can help maintain nail health. A health-and-wellness focus on nutrition should include biotin, a vitamin beneficial for maintaining the health of nails, hair, and the nervous system. For women dealing with womens-health issues affecting nail health, such as psoriasis, consulting a doctor for advice on treatment options is recommended.
