Diet For Long Nails

Before reading further, take a pause and look at your nails, have you been taking good care of them? Do they look healthy? When we talk about taking care of the body, we tend to neglect our nails. Taking care of your nails does not only mean going for expensive manicures, applying nail pain, or immersing yourself in nail art. It means staying healthy too. So how can you stay healthy and have the perfect cuticles? It’s simple. You must eat good food for nail growth.

Did you know that different types of nails indicate different health problems?

What is one of the most common nail issues one faces? Brittle nails. One of the main causes of these is nutritional deficiencies.

You might be wondering how do you make the nails grow or what foods make your nail grow? Correct nutrition will help in making your nails strong and long. A common misconception is that our nails grow from their cuticles. Although, they actually grow from a nail root that is located under the cuticle. As the root cells of your nail grows, it pushes the old nail out.

We have listed down these foods for your nails only.

Start by including these foods in your diet to achieve nail nourishment, the correct way.

1. Proteins: Proteins are considered to be building blocks of the body. Wondering about how does protein make your nails grow? The nails are made of a protein called Keratin. You need to include good proteins to help to improve the production of keratin which will further help to strengthen your nails. Sources: Eggs, Lean chicken, Fish, Pulses, Sprouts.
   
2. Biotin: It is important to include biotin for nail growth as it helps in Protein and Fat metabolism which will result in the formation of Fatty acids and amino acids. A deficiency of Biotin results in brittle nails. Sources: Eggs, fish, sweet potatoes, meats, nuts, and seeds
   
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: It helps to nurture nail bed cells. It also helps in reducing the inflammation of the nail bed which further increases nutrient absorption, making the nails stronger. It also helps in making nails look shiny as it helps to lubricate the nails. Sources: Fish, walnuts, eggs, flaxseeds, chia seeds.
   
4. Iron: Iron helps to carry oxygen to your nail beds. Oxygen is essential for keeping nails strong and healthy. Sources: Chicken, green leafy vegetables, seeds, red meat, nuts, and dried fruits.
   
5. Vitamin B 12 and Folate: It is amongst the important vitamins for nails and cuticles, as it helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps in iron absorption thus making the nails strong. In case of vitamin b12 deficiency nails turn bluish black or you could see streaks developing on the nails running lengthwise.
   Sources: Green leafy vegetables, red meat, fish, eggs, citric fruits, dried beans.
   
6. Magnesium:  Magnesium plays an important role in quite some functions of the body. It helps in the synthesis of proteins and helps to carry the vitamins to the nails which will further help in their proper growth. Sources: Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains.
   
7. Zinc: It helps to replace degenerated tissues. It helps in cell growth so it is needed for nail growth and strengthening the nails. Sources: Whole grains, fortified breakfast cereal, lobster, crab, dairy products.
   
8. Vitamin A: It does not help directly in nail growth but it helps in the transportation of Iron through the bloodstream. Sources: Orange and Yellow colored vegetables, Green vegetables, Eggs.
   
9. Vitamin C: It helps to strengthen the nails and assists in nail growth by helping in the formation of a protein called collagen which gives shape and strength to the nails. Sources: Orange, lemon, broccoli, Bell peppers.

Including these nutrients regularly in the diet answers your question about how to thicken your nails naturally and avoid easy breakage. If due to any circumstances you are not able to consume these nutrients, you can also add them through commonly available supplements so the nail nourishment is taken care of.

Other than the internal, it is also important to take external care of the nails. Here are some quick tips:

1. Avoid biting your nails
2. Trim them regularly
3. Massage the nails with Coconut oil, Petroleum Jelly or Olive oil for nails to grow strong. Massage for 10 mins and wash hands.
4. Rub Garlic for nails to look strong and healthy, you can also use garlic oil to massage the nails.
5. Apply homemade mask using honey and lemon on the nails and massage well. Thinking about how is honey good for nails? Honey contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants that help in nail nourishment
6. Wear Gloves when doing some work that might damage the nails or when you know that the nails will be in constant touch with chemicals, soaps, or water.
7. Avoid using low-grade products on your nails.
8. Do not always keep them painted. Your nails need to breathe too.

Take care of the above tips, do invest some time to take care of your nails so that soon enough, they’re the talk of the town!