Are you looking for ways to keep your nails stronger and looking healthier? There are many tips out there for taking care of your nails, but what you may not have known is that your diet has a big role in the health of your nails! In this article, we’re exploring the foods that can help make sure that your nails stay strong and nourished. Read on to find out more!
1. Nail Care Must-Haves
Achieving and maintaining the best nail health begins with finding the right tools and nail care items. Here are the top 5 nail must-have items that will help you to expertly pamper your nails and keep them in top shape:
- Nail Clippers. A quality, stainless steel nail clipper is the easiest way for you to nip your nails and make sure they’re kept short, neat, and even.
- Cuticle Remover. Using a cuticle remover or pusher is the key to maintaining healthy cuticles. You can easily push back your cuticles after you’ve trimmed or filed your nails.
- Nail File. Keeping a nail file handy is essential for all around nail care. It will help you smooth out and reshape your nail edges after they’ve been trimmed.
- Cuticle Oil. Using a cuticle oil will improve your nail’s texture, hydrate and nourish dry cuticles, and help keep them healthy and soft.
- Scrub Brush. A good scrub brush is necessary for maintaining good nail hygiene. Scrubbing your nails will help remove dirt, dust, and bacteria from under your nails.
To maintain proper nail hygiene, use the above items regularly. Trim and shape your nails, file off sharp edges, moisturize your nails and cuticles, and clean and scrub your nails before and after you apply nail polish. And make sure to use all these items in the right order and with the right techniques to get nail care just right. With these , your nails will remain healthy and gorgeous for years to come.
2. Nourish Your Nails: Nutrient-Packed Foods for Healthy Nails
Having healthy nails is the foundation of beautiful, groomed nails. And you can start by eating the right nutrients. Here are some yummy foods that can help you keep your nails healthy and strong:
- Beans – They contain plenty of protein, vitamin B, iron, biotin, zinc, and magnesium. All essential elements to keep your nails strong and prevent brittleness and splitting.
- Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are good sources of calcium and vitamin E. These keep your nails from getting weak.
- Meat and Fish – Proteins like lean beef, turkey, chicken, and fish provide sulfur and help your nails grow strong and healthy.
- Shellfish and Eggs – Both provide good amounts of zinc, biotin and iron that help keep your nails hydrated and strong.
- Carrots – They are rich in minerals and vitamins that helps nails stay healthy. Vitamin A plays a major role in the development of nail cells.
- Spinach and other leafy greens – These veggies contain folate and lutein, which promote healthy nails by keeping them hydrated.
Supplements can also be a great source of nourishment for your nails. Taking supplements is a great way to make sure you’re getting all of the micronutrients you need for healthy nails. It’s key to consult with your doctor before taking any kind of supplement.
Last but not least, don’t forget to stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids to maintain the health of your nails! Water is a vital nutrient for good health and stronger nails.
3. Eating Well for Strong Nails
Ensuring your nails stay strong and healthy requires a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the best things you can do to give your nails the nourishment they need.
1. Take Supplements: If you’re not getting enough of the vitamins and minerals your nails need from the foods you eat, consider supplementing with a multi-vitamin specifically designed for nails. This will help keep your nails and skin in top condition.
2. Increase Your Protein Intake: The protein keratin is essential for healthy nails. Eggs, lean meat, low-fat yogurt, and beans are all excellent sources of high-quality, easily digestible protein that will help keep your nails strong and supple.
3. Lean On Leafy Greens: Leafy greens are loaded with vital nutrients that contribute to nail health. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula are all great sources of vitamins and minerals your nails need, as well as protein and iron.
4. Pump Up the Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps improve circulation and keeps nails from becoming too brittle. Try preparing a few meals each week with foods that are high in this vitamin, such as:
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocados
- Tofu
5. Load Up On Iron: Iron helps keep your nails strong and flexible. Good sources of iron are:
- Red meat
- Liver
- Oysters
- Dried fruits
6. Add Zinc to the Menu: Zinc helps nails by stimulating the production of new nail cells, so adding foods rich in zinc to your diet can help keep nails strong. These foods include:
- Cereal
- Beef
- Yogurt
- Chickpeas
4. Nail Care Tips to Boost Your Nail Health
1. Moisturize: Healthy nails need adequate hydration and moisture. Ensure you use a nourishing lotion or cream to massage your nails and cuticles regularly. You can also use natural oil treatments like coconut, almond or olive oil to help keep your nails and cuticles looking healthy.
2. File carefully: When filing your nails, do so carefully using only one direction across the nail. Doing it this way will prevent fraying and causing damage to the nail bed. Also remember to use only a high-quality board to file your nails.
3. Wear gloves: Keeping your hands protected with gloves can help reduce the risk of germs entering the body and is also beneficial for manicuring purposes. Use cleaning gloves to keep you safe when you’re washing dishes, cleaning clothes or scrubbing floors and gardening gloves when nurturing your plants.
4. Take dietary supplements: Nails are made of the protein keratin, so foods rich in protein are essential. Eating foods high in zinc, selenium and calcium, as well as a well-balanced diet, will help keep your nails looking great. These nutrients are also available in supplement form.
5. Cut with care: It’s important to use the right tools to cut your nails. Keep some special nail clippers or scissors on hand for cutting your nails. Cut your nails after cleaning and moisturizing them for best results. Cut lightly and overwork can lead to splitting and uneven edges.
6. Keep it balanced: It’s essential that you keep your nails trimmed, but don’t take too much off the deep part of the nail. This will have you a weak, brittle nail structure. Balance is key to maintaining strong and healthy nails.
Following some of these dietary recommendations can help keep your nails looking strong and healthy. It is important to remember that nail health is a reflection of overall health, so you should always stay on top of your nutrition and wellness. A balanced diet and regular attention to your nails can make all the difference in preventing damage down the line.
