Nutrition and the Finger Nails (Part 1/2) - Western Nutritional Paradigm

Many of my patients wonder why I look at their nails. The reason is that the finger nail can point to many different patterns of disharmony in the body. This blog post will be the first of a two part series. The first article in this series comes from a "Western"/Naturopathic paradigm. The other is the "Traditional Chinese Medicine" or "Eastern" paradigm. As with all posts on AcuMemphis.com, do not use this to diagnose yourself. Please see a physician,acupuncturist, or other qualified medical practitioner before starting any new supplements.

Here are a list of nail issues with corresponding vitamin/mineral solutions:

Flat angle and or spooning of the nail - Fe deficiency

Soft poor growth - multiple mineral deficiencies, hypochlorhydria

Cuticle Inflammation - Zinc Deficiency

Brittle Nails - hypothroid issue, decreased HCL in body, Protein or Mineral deficiency

Acrodynia (red tips with abnormal nail growth) - Hg toxicity

Ridging - consider decreased mineral absorption, or decreased HCL

Stunted growth with nail deteriorating and thinned out - look for yeast or fungal infection, avoid caffeine, simple carbohydrates, apply topical ointment

 Source: Medical Nutrition from Marz

Please be sure to check back soon for Part 2.