Nails that fall apart, open up, become white and weaken. Brittle nails are a symptom of something that does not work perfectly. In fact, when there are dysfunctions that compromise the production of keratin, the substance of which the nail is made at 98%.
These signals should not be neglected, but listened: our body is telling us that there is need for amino acids such as cystine, arginine, glutamic acid, minerals, iron, zinc and selenium .
Behind fragile nails can also hide a vitamin deficiency, B vitamins, vitamin A, C, E, H or even a protein deficiency.
Even allergic diseases or fungal infections can compromise nail health. Finally, the nails can become scaled even when the hands are held for too long in hot water or in contact with detergents and chemicals.
Let's see then what natural remedies can help to combat this disorder.
Remedies for brittle nails
The first factor to check is the power supply . Are we sure that the foods we consume daily feed us in a balanced and varied way?
You should never miss from the table whole grains, milk and cheese, peas, beans, eggs. Foods that are high in silica (strawberries, figs, plums and cherries) are remarkably important for strengthening nails, but also for hair and gums.
We also remember that the major contributors of zinc, indispensable for nail health, are: egg yolk, wheat germ, fish, meat and cheese. Vitamin H (or biotin) is equally important for keratin metabolism.
What foods contain vitamin H?
And plants are also nail-friendly
Among the phytotherapics a valid silicon-rich remineralizer is the horsetail, also used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Here's how to make a reinforcing decoction.
Leave 50 grams of horsetail to soak in a liter of water for about six hours. Boil everything for 15 minutes on a low heat and let it rest for about ten minutes. Two cups a day are great for strengthening your nails.
The infusion based on dill seeds and horsetail is also reinforcing from the outside: soak the nails for ten minutes in a bowl with an herbal tea made with a spoonful of dill seeds and one of horsetail.
It is useful, after the herbal treatment, to massage the nails with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and lemon .
Attention: what to avoid!
- Never remove the cuticles that form around the nail with hard or sharp tools, to avoid damaging the arch and the groove and compromising the growth of the nail. Obviously you don't eat nails or cuticles!
- Avoid doing housework and gardening without gloves : even if they bother you, they protect your nails and hands properly. Take advantage of the heat when you wear them by spreading a good nourishing hand cream.
- Do not overdo the reconstructions and false nails: gels and glues sometimes have the unpleasant side effect of weakening the natural nail underneath and which becomes thin and fragile.
- Avoid cutting your fingernails, better file them: in this way a more incisive strengthening action is exercised.
