What does it mean to have healthy nails?
Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Nails are healthy when they have a strong texture, and show no brittleness, marks or ridges. The color and consistency of the nails should be uniform, that is, whitish-pink and translucent, without the presence of stains or discoloration.
Factors that influence the health of our nails
There are several factors that we can take into account if we want to take care of our nails:
Diet: Restrictive or unbalanced diets, such as weight loss diets, vegetarian, vegan, etc. They can lead to a loss of nail strength and elasticity due to a deficit of cystine, a sulfur amino acid that is the main component of keratin, which is the fibrous protein that makes up the nails and the vitamins of the B group.
Habits: Nail biting or cuticle removal - excessive cutting of the nail can lead to the entry of fungi and bacteria in the body and thus cause infection.
Products: The use of nail polish remover should be limited; acetone-free products should be used instead. Avoid nail polishes containing formaldehyde, which causes yellowing of the nails.
There are several factors that we can take into account if we want to take care of our nails:
Diet: Restrictive or unbalanced diets, such as weight loss diets, vegetarian, vegan, etc. They can lead to a loss of nail strength and elasticity due to a deficit of cystine, a sulfur amino acid that is the main component of keratin, which is the fibrous protein that makes up the nails and the vitamins of the B group.
Habits: Nail biting or cuticle removal - excessive cutting of the nail can lead to the entry of fungi and bacteria in the body and thus cause infection.
Products: The use of nail polish remover should be limited; acetone-free products should be used instead. Avoid nail polishes containing formaldehyde, which causes yellowing of the nails.
How to contribute to having healthy nails
Dietary habits: Incorporate foods rich in sulfur amino acids such as cystine: lentils, broccoli, pork and chicken, and fish like hake, as well as zinc and B vitamins.
Nutritional supplements: There are nutritional supplements on the market that, by means of the synergic action of their components, contribute to maintaining healthy nails. These supplements should mainly provide l-cystine or other sulfur components, silica, zinc, and vitamins of the B group.
Hygiene habits: It is important to pay attention to nail trimming and keep them dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing under the nails.
Check with a dermatologist: If there are changes in the nails, it is advisable to consult a medical specialist.
Dietary habits: Incorporate foods rich in sulfur amino acids such as cystine: lentils, broccoli, pork and chicken, and fish like hake, as well as zinc and B vitamins.
Nutritional supplements: There are nutritional supplements on the market that, by means of the synergic action of their components, contribute to maintaining healthy nails. These supplements should mainly provide l-cystine or other sulfur components, silica, zinc, and vitamins of the B group.
Hygiene habits: It is important to pay attention to nail trimming and keep them dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing under the nails.
Check with a dermatologist: If there are changes in the nails, it is advisable to consult a medical specialist.
