General Brittle Nails Information Possible Causes of Brittle Nails Possible Symptoms of Brittle Nails Possible Lifestyle Changes for Brittle Nails Beneficial Dietary Supplements Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Brittle Nails Information Brittle nails are characterized by splitting or breaking at the nail tip. The nail can also appear as thin, shiny, dry or translucent. The nails can reveal much about a person’s general internal health, so nail abnormalities in either the fingers or toes can indicate an underlying disorder. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Brittle Nails Brittle nails are often caused by nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions. Dry, brittle nails are often the result of vitamin A, calcium and hydrochloric acid deficiencies. Ongoing exposure to hot water, harsh detergents and other chemicals can also lead to brittle, split nails. Brittle nails can be a sign of an overactive thyroid, iron deficiency, reduced kidney function and circulation problems. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Brittle Nails Brittle nails look weak, thin, shiny, dry, yellowed or translucent. They often break, split or bend easily and have difficulty with growth and strength. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Brittle Nails Eat a diet high in protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, oatmeal, nuts and seeds. Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. Take two tablespoons of brewer’s yeast or wheat germ oil daily. Avoid refined sugars and simple carbohydrates. Apply a mixture of equal parts honey, avocado oil, egg yolk and a pinch of salt to restore color and texture. Treat nails gently and protect them from hot water and harmful chemicals by wearing protective gloves. Do not pick or pull on the nails. Wear a protective base coat to help strengthen nails. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Silica supplies silicon, which strengthens nails, hair and bones. Black Current Seed Oil aids weak, brittle nails. Calcium is necessary for nail growth. Magnesium helps balance calcium in the body. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids fights inflammation in the nail. Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Burdock Root, Dandelion, Gotu Kola and Yellow Dock are rich in minerals. Borage Seed, Flaxseed, Lemongrass and Primrose are high in fatty acids, which nourish the nails. Butcher’s Broom, Chamomile, Ginkgo Biloba, Rosemary and Sassafras aid circulation. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below.