Brittle Nails No More

by Shannon Larsen — April 16, 2008

The condition of your nails, like your hair and skin, say a lot of about what's going on inside of you. Healthy nails are smooth and strong, without ridges, peeling, or discoloration. Preventing splitting can be as easy as remembering to use gloves when you do household chores involving harsh soaps and chemicals, but for the most part, it's an internal makeover that your nails are begging from you.

Vertical ridges are common, no doubt, since most Americans are chronically dehydrated and that is exactly what causes them. White spots on the nails are also a common occurrence, but not necessarily a healthy one. Many studies have linked this to a zinc deficiency, which can also account for rough skin, delayed wound healing, acne, and stretch marks. The solution is simple enough: A diet rich in dairy products, cereals and whole grains, meat, poultry and shellfish, soy foods, and green beans will give you all the zinc you need. Nettles tea is another one of grandma's secrets that every woman should know about. Loaded with silicon, beta carotene, iron, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins A, C, and E, one cup of tea a day will do more for your nails than any miracle nail supplement at the vitamin store. Add a tablespoon of organic coconut oil to your cereal or salad every day, and watch how soon you'll need the toenail clippers on your fingernails.

To moisturize the cuticles, all you need is to rub some olive or Vitamin E oil in once a day. If possible, try to avoid dark polishes since continued use will stain them yellow until they grow out. Even more important, though, is that you don't remove the polish every week. The acetone from the remover is murderous to your nails, so rather, apply touch-ups to chips as needed.

For a little princess pampering, try this cuticle treatment: Warm olive oil to a comfortable temperature and stir in 5 drops of frankincense and 2 drops of lemon essential oil. Soak your fingertips in the mixture for 10 minutes, wash, and feel amazing.