DR. NANCY SNYDERMAN: Hello, I’m Dr. Nancy Snyderman with this week’s Healthful Hint.
Whether long or short, your nails say a lot about your sense of style. But that’s not all; your nails can also say a lot about the state of your health.
If you have thin or brittle nails, you might not be getting enough of the vitamin biotin. Cauliflower is one of the best sources, along with lentils and peanuts.
But thick isn’t always better when it comes to nails. If yours are starting to turn rough and yellow, you might have a nail fungus. Over the counter sprays and ointments can help.
Besides being unsightly, nibbled down nails are a health problem waiting to happen. That’s because the rips caused by nail biting leave the skin wide open to bacterial invaders.
Another non-no? Exposing your nails to very hot water or harsh chemicals. So remember to wear vinyl gloves when washing the dishes or scrubbing the floor.
While it might seem easier just to go artificial, fake nails have their own set of risks. The acrylic material found in nail extensions or sculptured nails can cause allergic rashes, eye irritation, and even breathing problems for some people – a high price to pay for looking stylish.
With Healthful Hints, I’m Dr. Nancy Snyderman.
