What Your Nails Say About Your Health
One of the first indicators to a health problem can be seen in our nails. Here are some of the most common diseases spotted by examining our nails.
Take Off More Than Your Clothes
If you are planning your annual physical or any other exam by your family physician you would do well to leave the make up and nail polish off. It is not just the body that we need to disrobe for our family doctor as there are many clues lurking in our appearance that give our doctor an indication of underlying health issues. By adding foundation to our skin, or color to our nails we may be covering up vital information that should be shared with our health care provider.

In reading some of the articles written by Chan Lee Peng we find that many clues to our overall health are found in our appearance:
- Secrets to a Beautiful Complexion
- 11 Alarming and Critical Conditions of the Eyes
- 26 Signs of Illnesses You Must Watch Out For
By paying close attention to these signs we can learn much about our own health and know when it may be wise to schedule an early appointment with our physician because many diseases are more easily treated in the initial stages.
Nails are Mostly Protein
At Cool Nurse we learn that nails are composed mainly of protein, which is mainly comprised of keratin. The healthy nail grows at the rate of .05 to 1.2 millimeters per week. The nail bed is considered the skin from which the nail grows and should be pink or dark pink, indicating a healthy blood flow. Nails should range in shades of pink to brown or black, depending on the skin color, but one thing we can be sure of the appearance of our nails can help our doctor pin point health concerns. Diets low in protein may slow the growth of the nail, and things like smoking and dying one’s hair, or polishing nails may also discolor them. Nails may become dry or brittle due to detergents and harsh weather.
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What Your Nails Say About Your Health: |
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| Nail Appearance | Associated Condition |
| White nails | Liver diseases, such as hepatitis |


Carolyn Cordon | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Judy, now you’ve got me examining my nails. I think I’m OK!
louie jerome | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Excellent item, Judy.
IcyCucky | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Great article, and very informative..
nobert soloria bermosa | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
very interesting,now i know,thanks Judy
Judy Sheldon | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Carolyn, Louie, Icy and Nobert, thank you for reading and supporting my work. Just trying to help keep my Triond family healthy. lol
Take care and God bless.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Excellent info, keep it up! Take care!
Anne Lyken-Garner | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Superb article with lots of helpful tips. I was actually surprised by some of these.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Chan and Anne, thank you for your support.
Take care & God bless.
ELVIRA | Jun 29, 2009 | Reply
HOW ABOUT HAVING A DARK STRIPE AT THE MIDDLE..ANY IDEA??
THANKS FOR THE HEALTHY TIPS
Joshua Miguel | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
I will bookmark this page. this is really a great reference.
Judy Sheldon | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
Josh, thanks for the support.
Take care & God bless.