- For healthy nails, be sure to get plenty of quality protein, and take a protein supplement.
Eat grains, legumes, oatmeal, nuts, and seeds. Eggs also are a good source of protein,
as long as your blood cholesterol levels are not too high.
- Eat a diet composed of 50 percent fresh fruits and raw vegetables to supply necessary
vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Eat foods that are rich in sulfur and silicon, such as
broccoli, fish, onions, and sea vegetables. Also include in the diet plenty of foods that are
high in biotin, such as brewer's yeast, soy flour, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of quality water and other liquids. Cuts and cracks in the nails may indicate
a need for more liquids.
- Drink fresh carrot juice daily. This is high in calcium and phosphorus and is very good for
strengthening the nails.
- Consume citrus fruits, salt, and vinegar in moderation, if at all. Excessive intake of these
foods can result in a protein/calcium imbalance that may adversely affect the health of the
nails.
- Supplement your diet with royal jelly, a good source of essential fatty acids, and spirulina
or kelp, which are rich in silica, zinc, and B vitamins, and help to strengthen nails.
- For splitting nails and/or hangnails, take 2 tablespoons of brewer's yeast or wheat germ
oil daily.
- To restore color and texture to brittle, yellowed nails, make a mixture of equal parts of
honey, avocado oil, and egg yolk, and add a pinch of salt. Rub the mixture into your nails
and cuticles. Leave it on for half an hour, then rinse it off. Repeat this treatment daily.
You should begin to see results after about two weeks.
- To strengthen the nails, try soaking them in warm olive oil or cider vinegar for ten to
twenty minutes daily.
- Soak your nails before trimming them. Nails are most likely to split and peel when they
are dry. Apply hand cream each morning and evening to prevent nails from drying out.
- If you wear nail polish, use a base coat underneath it to prevent yellowing.
- Use nail polish removers as little as possible. They contain solvents that bleach lipids from
the nails and make them brittle.
**** Always consult a doctor before making major adjustments to your diet. ****
Copywright © 2000-2006 Nichole Gonzalez. All rights reserved.
Revised December 20, 2005