What Your Nails Can Say About Your Health – What Type of Nails Do You Have?

Nails may seem small, but here are 10 surprising things they can tell you about your health. Nails can signal everything from nutritional deficiencies to serious health problems. When it comes to hidden signals in the body, nails don’t just sit there, they can give you valuable clues about what’s going on inside.

Like our skin and hair, our nails are an extension of our body’s health monitor. At a glance, a trained eye can pick up signs of anemia, liver problems and even heart disease. It’s no wonder that paying close attention to changes in our nails can have long-term health benefits.

Though they may look simple, nails are made of layers of keratin and reveal their secrets with the slightest change in color, texture or thickness. With the details hidden in their structure, nails are nature’s own mini health monitors.  

Occasional changes in the color, shape, or texture of your nail are normal and usually harmless. For example, a little yellowing of your nail after applying polish or a small white spot from a blow are normal. However, persistent or severe changes can be a warning sign that there may be a health problem.

Take Beau's ridges, for example. These horizontal ridges appear when there is a temporary physical abnormality, such as illness or injury. They can be noticeable, but are most often caused by a past viral infection or stressful event. Although they may look alarming, they usually disappear as the nail grows.

Sometimes your nail may thicken or become misshapen, but this is nothing to worry about. Normal changes can occur with age or environmental influences, but more severe or long-term changes may require special attention. Our nails have an internal diary of recent health issues.