Brittle Nails
Description
This page has 24 references
"Brittle Nails" are a condition where nails become dry, weak, and prone to cracking or splitting due to environmental, nutritional, or medical factors. Frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, or cold air can strip moisture and damage the nail surface. Deficiencies in biotin, iron, or zinc may also contribute to fragility. Protecting hands, moisturizing nails, and consuming a nutrient-dense diet support nail strength. Addressing underlying conditions is key to restoring resilience and improving nail health.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Causes
Nutrient Deficiencies, Nutrient Malabsorption, Mechanical Damage, Hypothyrodism
Things To Do
To deal with brittle nails, one has to address the potential nutritional deficiencies, which can be corrected through:
eating a well-balanced, whole-foods-based diet. The combination of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein, and fatty acids constitutes the basis for proper nutrition that delivers the biggest diversity of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional compounds that build healthy nails and bodies.
hydration. Drinking enough water during the day enables the proper functioning of various systems throughout our bodies.
consuming whole foods [leafy greens, soybeans, figs, papayas, and oranges] or dairy products that are high in calcium to strengthen your nails.
biotin-rich [vitamin B7] foods, such as cauliflower, legumes, organ meats, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
increasing your protein intake to strengthen your nails. Opt for soy protein, which has been found effective in improving the condition of brittle nails.
drinking a glass of fresh carrot juice every day to enrich your diet with calcium and phosphorus.
eating foods that contain iron and vitamin A, such as organ meats, seafood, eggs, poultry, spinach, kale, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
Other recommendations include:
using hand creams and hand moisturizers. Find one that suits your needs and preferences best. Opt for natural ingredients.
protecting your hands while doing house chores that get them wet, such as washing the dishes. Wear protective hand gloves to keep the skin and nails of your hands dry.
excluding potential health ailments that cause brittle nails, such as thyroid problems, circulation problems, and suboptimal kidney function.
keeping your nails short to prevent them from breaking, cracking, and splitting.
choosing natural skin care products as well as cleaning supplies to protect your nails against harsh chemicals.
warming up olive oil and soaking your nails for 10 minutes.
make sure your manicurist or pedicurist is licensed and knows how to approach the problem of brittle nails.
Things To Avoid
Brittle nails take time to recover from. However, the restoration process can be sped up if we avoid things such as:
processed foods, sugar, refined sugar, sugar-containing foods, and simple carbohydrates.
alcohol.
overcooking vegetables. The longer you cook your veggies, the less nutrients they preserve.
dehydration.
Other things to watch out for include:
nail polish and nail varnish. If you use nail polish, make sure to apply a base coat underneath it. Removing nail polish should be done with varnishes that list acetate as their ingredient. The often-found acetone is too harsh and drying for brittle nails.
wearing artificial nails in any form.
biting, pulling, and breaking off your nails.
smoking, which adds to the problem of brittle nails.
medication, such as diuretics, which can cause or add to the problem of brittle nails.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect brittle nails by providing key structural nutrients, supporting keratin production, or enhancing nail strength and resilience.
Vitamin B7: Vitamin B7 (Biotin) supports healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids essential for protein synthesis, promoting the growth of strong, healthy nails.
Collagen: Collagen, specifically type 1 bioactive peptides, supports nail structure by promoting growth, reducing nail breakdown, and improving overall nail strength.
Silicon [Orthosilicic Acid]: Silicon promotes collagen and keratin synthesis, strengthening nail structure and reducing brittleness.
Zinc: Zinc supports nail matrix growth and repair by aiding protein synthesis and cellular regeneration.
Iron: Iron improves oxygen delivery to the nail bed, supporting healthy growth and preventing thinning when deficiency is present.
Methylsulfonylmethane [MSM]: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplies sulfur, an essential component of keratin, which supports the formation of strong nail structures and promotes overall nail health.
Cysteine: Cysteine, a key component of keratin, supports the formation of strong nails. Adequate levels of cysteine help maintain healthy nail structure and resilience.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target nail health directly but may support hormonal balance, circulation, or nutrient absorption that indirectly benefits nail integrity.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may promote stronger nails by supporting mineral balance, improving tissue hydration, or aiding protein synthesis.
Gelatin: Gelatin is used anecdotally to strengthen brittle nails by supplying amino acids that support keratin structure.
Sea Salt: The anecdotal use of sea salt helps soften cuticles and improves nail texture through mineral absorption.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support nail strength by nourishing connective tissue, reducing oxidative damage, or enhancing nutrient delivery to nail beds.
Horsetail Extract: Horsetail provides bioavailable silica and minerals that strengthen nails and improve resistance to splitting.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on nail health but may help support metabolic function, detoxification, or overall skin and tissue integrity.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support nail health and growth by improving internal nourishment, enhancing tissue repair, and reducing systemic strain.
Hand Massage: Hand massage is used anecdotally to enhance nail health by stimulating circulation and improving nutrient delivery when combined with nourishing oils.
Books That You May Want To Read
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that support various functions in the body, including precursor activity, antioxidant activity, regulation of mineral uptake, coenzyme activity, and regulation of blood clotting.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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