Nail problems

Composed mainly of a fibrous protein called keratin, nails are one of the body's strongest tissues. But they can grow slower than normal, become weakened, or break for a number of reasons. One of the most common problems is a fungal infection: As many as one in 25 people has this ornery, unsightly nail disorder.

Nutrition plays a key role in nail growth and appearance. An insufficient intake of the B vitamins, for example, can produce ridges in the nail, and a lack of calcium can cause dryness and brittleness. And too little vitamin C or folic acid may be partially responsible for the development of hangnails. In addition, nails can change color when the blood doesn't get enough oxygen because of an underlying illness (such as asthma). Also, exposure to solvents can dry them out, making them weak and brittle.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot may infect toenails as well. It thrives in sweaty shoes and socks and can enter any tiny breaks in nails caused by strenuous physical activities such as jogging.

Supplements and herbs

Various supplements can be used as general nail strengtheners. About eight weeks of therapy may be required to notice results. Biotin and other B vitamins, taken together with an amino acid complex and vitamins C and E, have a synergistic effect that helps the body build keratin and other proteins that it needs to make nails strong. A mixed amino acid complex also contains sulfur, which is necessary for nail growth.

Besides strengthening the skeleton, a bone building formula supplies calcium and other minerals that benefit the nails. As for flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil, they are rich in two different types of essential fatty acids, both of which nourish nails and prevent them from cracking.

Nails infected with a fungus, unfortunately, are harder to treat. Oral vitamin C, taken with vitamin E, remains a good option, because it boosts immunity and may aid the body in fighting off the infection. In addition, try rubbing tea tree oil, garlic oil, or calendula ointment onto affected nails twice a day for several months.

What else you can do

• Don't trim cuticles. They protect nails from fungi and bacteria.
• Wear gloves if you're doing household chores or if you're using any type of chemical. Apply petroleum jelly to nails after your hands have been in water.
• Keep nails short. Long nails break easily. Soak nails before trimming to prevent splitting and peeling.

How much to take

Biotin

600 mcg twice a day for 8 weeks.
Take with meals.

Vitamin B complex

1 pill each morning with food.
Look for a B-50 complex with 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 50 mg all other B vitamins.

Amino acid complex

1 pill twice a day.
For best absorption, take on an empty stomach.

Vitamin C / Vitamin E

1,000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 400 IU vitamin E daily.
Vitamin C helps boost the effects of vitamin E.

Bone-building formula

Follow package instructions.
Supplement should supply at least 600 mg calcium, 250 mg magnesium, and 200 IU vitamin D a day.

Flaxseed oil

1 tbsp (14 grams) a day.
Can be mixed with food; take in the morning.

Evening primrose oil

1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Can substitute 1,000 mg borage oil once a day.

Tea tree oil

For fungal infections, rub into affected nails twice a day.
Use pure tea tree oil. Should never be ingested.

For kids

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• If a nail injury becomes infected, apply a green clay and goldenseal poultice to help draw out the infection. Apply the poultice for fifteen minutes, twice a day, until the infection is resolved.
• If your child develops an infection at the site of the injury, give her one dose of an Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula, three times daily, for three days.

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