Brittle nails are quite a common problem particularly for women and there are a number of causes. I will try to address the most common reasons for you.

Firstly, it is a good idea to do a general health check, as brittle nails can be an indication of an underlying medical problem. For example, brittle nails can be caused by a lack of oxygen and if you have a respiratory condition such as asthma this could result in the problem. It can also be an indication of a fungal infection or low thyroid function, so if you have any other symptoms such as fatigue or aches and pains then pay a visit to your G.P. and get him to give you a check up.

If there are no other symptoms then the first step is to make some practical changes to your hand care as soon as possible, followed by a good look at your diet.

There are a number of environmental factors involved such as overheated homes and offices, chemicals in cleaning products and even frequent washing of hands that can damage the structure of the nail.

Nails expand as they absorb water and then contract when your hands are dry which weakens them. A very practical solution is to wear gloves for any washing up or other household cleaning that you do and moisturise after washing your hands.

Trim your nails short and do this after bathing so that the nails are softer and less likely to crack. Use an emery board to smooth the edges rather than a metal file that can lead to more damage.

Put some olive oil in a cleaned out nail varnish bottle and paint the oil on your nails every day, gently massaging it into the cuticles, beneath the nail and across the tops and underside of the fingers. This will stimulate circulation, encourage oxygen into the nail bed and moisturise both the nail and the surrounding skin.

Nutritional deficiency.

Although our bones and nails require a reasonable intake of calcium in our diet, it is in fact a vitamin deficiency that is likely to cause you to have brittle nails

One of the reasons for skin, hair and nail problems is a deficiency in one or more of the B vitamins. Two in particular are important with regard to your nail health. Pantothenic Acid (B5) and Biotin. There is quite compelling evidence that shows that biotin is absorbed into the core of the nail where it encourages a thicker and stronger regrowth.

It is important that you have a natural diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with good helpings of wholegrains such as porridge oats and brown rice that contain these vital B Vitamins. You should notice that your skin and hair condition also improve after following this type of diet for a few weeks.

Pantothenic acid and biotin are found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following:

• Eggs
• Fish such as salmon, tuna, trout and shrimp.
• Liver
• Milk and milk products
• Whole-grain cereals
• Legumes
• Yeast
• Broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables in the cabbage family
• White and sweet potatoes
• Lean beef

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)

This is a healthy type of fat that we are unable to manufacture in our bodies and need to take in through diet. The two most important are Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids.

There are a number of symptoms of a deficiency in EFA’s, which includes dry skin, dandruff as well as brittle nails.

Even in mild cases, you may find that your hair and nails are the first indication that you need to include more EFA’s in your diet and in particular Omega-3 fatty acids.

Make sure that you are eating at least three portions of cold water oily fish per week, use flaxseed oil or olive oil in salads and for cooking and include walnuts, kidney beans and lots of dark green leafy vegetables in your diet.

As a supplement, you might try taking cod liver oil capsules as well as a calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D combination.

My “superfoods” for this condition are salmon and brown rice.

You will find lots of free information about healthy eating, nutrients and superfoods on my website www.justfoodforhealth.com and you can download the January 2007 Emagazine free which contains all the details about the Gentle Detox. If you have any questions you would like answered in coming issues of FOH then please email me on sally@moyhill.com