Stripes On The Fingernails Are Signs Of Health Problems
All women want strong beautiful nails that do not break easily. The problem is that spots or streaks often appear on the nails. Those streaks on the fingernails don’t just destroy the look of the nails. But they are also an indication that there is an imbalance in our body.
In this article you will discover the meaning of those lines on your nails. You will also learn how to naturally remove those streaks on the fingernails.
Horizontal stripes on the fingernails
White and slightly thick horizontal lines on the fingernails can have many different causes. Here we give you an overview of the most common causes.
A serious illness accompanied by a high fever
Someone has experienced a serious illness such as pneumonia or scarlet fever.
In this case, white streaks will appear on some nails at the same time. That’s because the body has prioritized fighting the disease over nail growth.
No treatment is then required. Because the white lines will disappear once the person has recovered from the disease.
- Nails grow about one millimeter per week. This makes it possible to calculate the date on which the body suffered from traumatic stress.
Diabetes
Does diabetes run in your family and do you also show other characteristic symptoms of this disease? Then the streaks on your fingernails could be a result of untreated diabetes.
The first thing to do in this case is to consult your doctor. He will then carry out the necessary investigations and make a diagnosis.
In addition, many cases of type 2 diabetes can be treated naturally by using supplements such as stevia and cinnamon.
Psoriasis
This skin condition causes peeling skin and inflammation. It affects various parts of the body including the fingernails. As a result, horizontal lines appear on the nails.
People who suffer from psoriasis often live with a lot of discomfort. Because the pain and itching can be overwhelming.
In theory, there is no cure for psoriasis. But many people have found that following a balanced and healthy diet will have a beneficial effect on their condition.
We recommend adding fresh natural foods to your daily diet. In addition, eat fewer foods that contain refined sugar and harmful fats.
Disturbances in the circulatory system
Do you suffer from poor circulation? Do you also experience other symptoms such as varicose veins and pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the legs? Then it is possible that this is the cause of the stripes on the fingernails.
To improve circulation, we must lead an active life and ensure a healthy diet with fresh products.
- We recommend eating more red foods (tomatoes, red fruits, cayenne pepper, etc.).
- You can also start taking alternating cold and warm baths. Another tip is to undergo massages with essential oils (rosemary, cypress, hamamelis or witch hazel).
Zinc deficiency
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions. But the body also needs it to form strong healthy nails.
A deficiency of zinc can be the cause of the appearance of streaks or horizontal lines. So they have the function of a warning signal. Because they remind you to take more zinc.
You can take zinc in the form of supplements. But you can also eat the following foods that provide zinc:
- cocoa powder
- dried watermelon seeds
- meat
- oysters
- peanuts
- sesame
- pumpkin (and pumpkin seeds)
- butter
Vertical stripes on the fingernails
The causes of vertical stripes are different from those of horizontal lines.
Become older
The most common explanation for the appearance of vertical stripes on the fingernails is the inevitable aging process.
However, we can delay this process by following a diet that is high in antioxidants. Because this deterioration is caused both internally and externally by free radicals.
These are some foods that contain the highest amount of antioxidants:
- Cacao
- Garlic and onions
- Avocado
- Grapes
- tomatoes
- lemons
- Broccoli
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- nuts
- apples
- Pepper
A deficiency of vitamin B
In some cases, the appearance of streaks on the fingernails can be related to a lack of vitamin B. In other words, we are talking about pernicious anemia.
This can be due to a lack of absorption of this nutrient, but it can also be the result of following a strict vegetarian diet.
The following foods are good sources of vitamin B12:
- Eggs
- Meat
- shellfish
- Dairy products
- Spirulina
- brewer’s yeast
Magnesium deficiency
A lack of magnesium can also cause streaks on the fingernails. Unfortunately, we see that our diet contains less and less of this mineral. This is because the soil has less and less nutrients.
So it is strongly recommended to take magnesium supplements. The most common supplements are chloride (excellent for combating constipation) and citrate (which is more suitable for people who suffer from heartburn).