What Your Nails Say About Your Health

When most people think about their health, they check their weight, blood pressure, or maybe even how tired they feel day to day. But did you know your nails can be little messengers about what’s happening inside your body? That’s right, what your nails say about your health can be surprisingly accurate, offering subtle clues about nutrition, circulation, or even hormone balance.

I often tell my patients, “Don’t just look at your nails as decoration, look at them as information.” Those tiny changes we sometimes brush off, like ridges, brittleness, or discoloration, can actually be important clues about our overall health.

Let’s talk about a few common nail changes and what they could mean.

1. Brittle or Weak Nails

If your nails chip or break easily, it might not just be because of polish or household chores. Often, brittle nails can point to:

• Nutrient deficiencies – especially low biotin, iron, or zinc.

   

• Thyroid imbalance – sluggish thyroid activity can slow down nail growth and make them fragile.

   

• Frequent handwashing or chemical exposure – sometimes it’s just our environment!

   

💡 What you can do: Nourish from the inside out with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, consider a quality supplement like Vita Hair Support, and protect your hands with gloves when cleaning.

2. Ridges on the Nails

Vertical ridges (running from cuticle to tip) are actually quite common as we age, think of them as “wrinkles” on the nail. But deeper, more pronounced ridges or sudden changes may indicate:

• Nutrient absorption issues – your body might not be absorbing protein, iron, or B vitamins effectively.

   

• Health conditions – such as autoimmune changes or thyroid imbalances.

   

💡 What you can do: Make sure you’re digesting and absorbing nutrients well. This is where gut health plays a huge role, so don’t ignore digestive symptoms like bloating or irregular bowel movements.

3. White Spots or Discoloration

Those tiny white marks are often just from minor trauma (like bumping your nail). But if you notice persistent spots, streaks, or overall discoloration, it may suggest:

• Zinc deficiency

   

• Fungal infection

   

• Or in rare cases, circulation or liver issues.

   

💡 What you can do: If it’s just the occasional dot, no worries. But if you notice consistent discoloration, it’s best to have it checked.

4. Slow Nail Growth

Healthy nails usually grow about 3 mm per month. If your nails seem to grow unusually slow, it could be a sign of:

• Poor circulation

   

• Low metabolism or thyroid issues

   

• Nutritional gaps

   

💡 What you can do: Supporting your circulation with movement (even a short walk daily) and ensuring proper nutrition can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Cristy

Your body is always talking, you just have to listen. Nails are like little health diaries, quietly recording what’s happening on the inside. If you notice subtle but persistent changes in your nails, it may be your body’s way of asking for a little extra care.

And remember, health isn’t about perfection, it’s about paying attention.

If you’ve noticed changes in your nails and wonder what they might mean for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes the answer is as simple as adjusting nutrition, but other times it can be the key to uncovering deeper imbalances.