Nails can Teach You a Lot about Your Health

Changes in your nails can often be one of the first signs of a problem with your diet or a vitamin or nutrient deficiency. Nail changes may signify a number of disorders elsewhere in the body. These changes may indicate illness even before the rest of the body does. The following is a list of disorders that often show up in the nails: Brittle nails signify possible iron deficiency and thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, and circulation problems

Yellow nails can indicate internal disorders long before other symptoms appear. Some of these are problems with the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetes, and liver disorders

Nails that chip, peel, crack, or break easily show a nutritional deficiency and insufficient hydrochloric acid and protein. Minerals may also be needed

White spots on the nails can be a sign of a zinc deficiency.