
Strong, healthy nails are a good indicator of overall health. They can tell you a lot about your body and its functions. For example, nails that are hard and don't break easily suggest that you're in good health. On the other hand, nail issues can indicate vitamin deficiencies, chronic conditions, or poor nutritional intake and digestion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Strong nails are hard and don't break easily |
| Colour | Healthy nails are not discoloured |
| Texture | Healthy nails are smooth without ridges, grooves or spots |
| Health | Strong nails can indicate good overall health |
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What You'll Learn

Strong nails are a sign of good health
Nail health is closely associated with how well your body is functioning in other areas. Dr Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, explains that "for the general population, nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion".
However, nail issues often occur due to injury or overexposure to moisture. Nails separating from the bed can be due to injury or infection, a reaction to a drug, thyroid disease or psoriasis. Once there is space between the nail and the bed, infections can occur underneath the nail. Most times, nails will reattach themselves to the bed within a few months, but if you think you may have a more serious condition, seek your doctor’s guidance.
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema, or a heart problem. If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease.
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Nail health and diet
Strong, healthy nails are a good sign that you're in good health. They should be smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discolouration.
Nail health is closely associated with how well your body is functioning in other areas. Dr Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, says: "For the general population, nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion."
Nail issues can occur due to injury or overexposure to moisture, but they can also indicate vitamin deficiencies and chronic conditions. For example, nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could indicate a lung problem such as emphysema or a heart problem. Rippled or pitted nails may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease.
If you have strong, healthy nails, it's important to maintain good diet, exercise and nail care habits.
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Nail health and ageing
Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discolouration. Strong nails are a good sign of overall health, but nail issues can indicate vitamin deficiencies, chronic conditions or poor nutrition.
Nail health is closely associated with how well your body is functioning in other areas. For example, nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could indicate a lung problem such as emphysema or a heart problem. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease, while cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection. Rippled or pitted nails may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
Discolouration of the nail is common, and the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown. Vertical ridges often become more prominent with age. Nails can also separate from the nail bed due to injury, infection, a reaction to a drug, thyroid disease or psoriasis. Once there is space between the nail and the bed, infections can occur underneath the nail.
If you are concerned about the health of your nails, it is important to seek medical advice.
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Nail health and injury
Having strong, healthy nails is a good sign that you're in good health. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discolouration. Nails can develop harmless conditions, such as vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges often become more prominent with age.
Nail health is closely associated with how well your body is functioning in other areas. Poor nail health can be an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection. Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen and could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema, or a heart problem. If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
Nail issues often occur due to injury or overexposure to moisture. Nails separating from the bed can be due to injury or infection, a reaction to a drug, thyroid disease or psoriasis. Once there is space between the nail and the bed, infections can occur underneath the nail. Most times, nails will reattach themselves to the bed within a few months, but if you think you may have a more serious condition, seek your doctor’s guidance.
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Nail health and vitamin deficiencies
Strong, healthy nails are a good sign that you're in good health. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discolouration. However, nail health can be an indicator of vitamin deficiencies and chronic conditions. For example, nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could indicate a lung problem such as emphysema or a heart problem. If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It means you're in good health! Keep up the good diet, exercise and nail care regimen.
It could be a sign of a health issue. Yellow nails, for example, could be a sign of a fungal infection or ageing. Nails with a bluish tint could mean your body isn't getting enough oxygen.
It could be a sign of thyroid disease.










































