Brittle Nails: Causes And Remedies To Treat Them Naturally

A reflection of our good health is often reflected in the beauty of our hair and nails. If we do not take care of ourselves inside, if we do not eat well, one of the symptoms that we can suffer is brittle nails.

Discover in this article what are the causes of damaged and brittle nails. We also share the best natural remedies to solve them.

The nourishment of the nails

Our nails are made up of an essential protein that helps us to their correct growth and formation. This is keratin.

In addition, a good supply of vitamins A, B and C is needed to keep them in good condition. We also require an adequate amount of minerals and sulfur amino acids that we can find, for example, in vegetable fats.

Brittle nails and other problems

• Brittle or brittle nails:  That is, when they break easily. It is due, sometimes to the passage of time and aging. But most of the time, brittle nails are caused by certain diseases and conditions.
• Beau’s lines : They are small depressions that appear on the nails. They usually appear after an illness when we are weak and low in defenses.
• Sometimes when we expose our hands to moisture or even when we are very fond of using nail polish. This can cause the nails to peel or flake and become brittle.
• Appearance of fungus : Our nails change color, shape and texture.
• Bacterial infections can cause pain under and around the nail. They are very annoying processes that can end the loss of the nail.
• Nail color changes due to heart or liver problems.
• The thyroid can also cause us to have brittle nails.

• White spots on the nails, also called leukonychia: There are many false myths about these white spots. For example, the one due to a lack of calcium. It is not true. It is due to small lesions of the nail that appear when an inflammatory process or trauma has previously occurred in the nail matrix. This causes the keratinization to be abnormal. It is harmless.

Diet to strengthen brittle nails

Essential vitamins

• Vitamin B: Basic for the health not only of your nails but also of your hair. In this case, beer yeast and wheat germ are always highly recommended. You can also consult with your doctor to obtain vitamin B capsules, highly recommended for these cases.

• Vitamin A:  Thanks to beta carotenes, you will recognize them immediately by their reddish, yellow and orange pigments. These are present in fruits and vegetables: carrots, strawberries, berries, tomatoes, peppers or pumpkins.

Essential minerals

If we include legumes in our diet we will achieve strong nails. Legumes are a source of iron, calcium, and iodine. Hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts are also very beneficial and remineralizing.

The potatoes and eggplants are rich in zinc. These nutrients are essential for the synthesis of collagen and nail formation. Therefore, do not stop including them in your diet.

Home remedies for brittle nails

Olive oil and lemon juice

Massage your nails with a simple preparation based on a teaspoon of olive oil mixed with a few drops of lemon juice:

• To start, bathe a cotton ball and moisten the nails with that liquid.
• Repeat at least twice a week and at night.
• It will help you transform your fragile nail into a healthy nail.

Sea salt remedy

Try this excellent remineralizing and nourishing remedy: 

• Mix two teaspoons of fine sea salt with 2 drops of lemon juice.
• Also add a tablespoon of wheat germ (great for nail health).
• Then mix it with a little warm water (less than half a glass).
• Soak your fingers for 10-15 minutes.
• Do it twice a week and you will notice its results.

Beer and apple cider vinegar remedy

An also effective remedy for brittle nails that will be of great help, rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

• It is very simple. To start, heat a quarter cup of olive oil, mixing it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of beer. The ingredients are essential for the health of the nails.

• Once prepared, soak your nails in this mixture for about 15 minutes to obtain the basic nutrients. It is a simple and excellent remedy.

You can follow the advice that is easier for you or that you like the most. The important thing is to be constant and do it at least twice a week and always at night.

If you add to this a correct diet and avoid incorrect habits such as biting your nails, you will see how little by little you will improve. Your brittle nails will gain strength and look perfect.

Image courtesy of Beauty Treatments