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Using Observation to Better Asses Physical Health! Nails
Saturday, November 12, 2022 10:30 AM
Another Post by Jocelyne Gross NTP A.C.N.
Photo by Jessica Delo on unsplash.com
Excellent indicator of overall health. Growth of entire nail takes up to six months. Provides an accurate health snapshot of prior six months.
Healthy nails should be shiny, slightly pink, and transparent, have a smooth finish and a slightly rounded arch. No spots, lines, or other discolorations. Lunula should be seen on eight of ten nails.
Nail is much more permeable than the skin. Composed of 7-12% water. Nail polishes pose an extreme health risk when applied regularly. Nail polishes are known as the “Toxic Trio”
• Formaldehyde
• Toluene
• DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate)
Try to keep your nails without polish for a few days in between application and use a nail oil to lubricate and nourish. Use a nail polish brand that is free of the “Toxic Trio”. O.P.I is a brand that since 2006 is a 3-Free brand meaning it does not contain those 3 toxins.
Here are some signs found on the nails and what it may indicate.
Missing lunula – if fewer than eight, circulation should be suspect, may have fatigue or generally low energy, cold hands and feet, numbness, or memory loss. Is no lunula at all, can indicate severe anemia, depression and/or low blood pressure.
Small lunula – poor circulation, lack of oxygen to the tissues, poor diet, impaired digestion, or compromised immunity.
Peeling cracked or split nails – can be caused by exposure to detergent, water, or other chemicals. Can be linked to thyroid disease. If combined with a yellowish hue, is more likely due to a fungal infection.
Brittle Nails – always correlated to deficiencies in Vitamin A and F and/or essential fatty acids. May also be correlated with thyroid dysfunction. If deficient in Vitamin F, may also have dry skin and hair. If deficient in Vitamin A, may have skin rashes, mucus membrane problems or vision problems, especially night vision. Consume raw cream, egg yolks, cod liver oil, chlorophyll complex.
Hangnails – linked to digestive insufficiency (missing hydrochloric acid and/or protein). Avoid refined foods. Consider Protefood, Zypan, Digest Forte, Cataplex C
White spots – thought to be caused by zinc deficiency, possibly calcium and magnesium as well. May be caused by excessive consumption of refined sugars. Damage or trauma to the nail can cause transient white marks. Other contributing factors could be chemical or drug use, toxic bowel, chronic loose stools.
Nail beading – appears as small droplets or “beads” on the nail surface forming a vertical line. May be correlated with hormone imbalances including, thyroid disorders, type II diabetes, Addison disease. B vitamin deficiency is often present. Can be associated with arthritis or RA.
Vertical ridges – decreased blood circulation with age, fewer nutrients to the fingers and toes
Nail fungus – indicates a systemic fungal infection, may have geographic tongue or yellow coating. Can also indicate poor circulation, especially when on the toenails. Gingko, is recommended to increase circulation. Topical consideration; use white iodine twice daily. Consider tea tree oil or white vinegar. Open Gut Flora Complex perle and apply directly.
General nail discoloration – most common cause is nutritional deficiency, excessive smoking, regular use of toxic nail polish, fungus, or bacterial infection in the hands.
Nail separation – most associated with fungal infections, poor capillary circulation allowing fungus to invade.
Nutrition for nail health;
• Protein is vital for healthy nails (ensure digestion is sufficient to break down the protein)
• Vitamin A – helps link and secure proteins in the nails
• Vitamin B – help make nail stronger
• Vitamin C – help with production of collagen
• Vitamin D – help with calcium absorption
• Flaxseed oil – source of essential fatty acids
• Hydrochloric acid – help protein digestion
• Zinc, copper, calcium, iodine, selenium
• Key supplement – Linum B6
Mention which signs you may have at your next visit, and we can test which supplement will help remedy the situation, if any.
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