Thursday's Healthy {Insert Here} Tip!

Healthy, growing nails!

In the past couple of years, I've become infamous (yes, infamous) in my family for having long, growing nails. I've also gotten a few comments in fotkiland, which have been positive. For today's Thursday's Healthy {Insert Here} Tip, I thought I'd share how I achieve maximal length nails.

1. Stop washing the dishes.
This was by accident, actually. I moved to a place that has a dishwasher, so my years of washing dishes ceased. Around that time is when I noticed an improvement in my nail health, growth, and length retention. It makes sense since constant wetting of the nails can lead to weakening. If you don't have a dishwasher, I recommend purchasing rubber gloves to protect your nails as you wash. Also, when cleaning other parts of the house (tub, sink, etc.), wear these gloves as well.

2. Moisturize regularly.
I carry a travel-size lotion in my purse at all times. If my hands feel dry, I moisturize. After washing them in a public restroom, I moisturize.

3. Eat healthy.
Nails consist of keratin. Keratin is built from amino acids. Amino acids come from protein. Be sure to consume sufficient protein. Nails supposedly also benefit from calcium. I will note that I drink more milk these days than I did in the past.

4. Wear nail polish sparingly.
My nails have also improved from wearing nail polish less frequently. (Acetone-based nail polish removers can be drying and lead to brittleness.)

These are the steps that have helped me the most. Of course, there are numerous other tips, but hopefully this is a good start.

Nail Health 101

Nails are the windows to your body's inner health. Certain changes in their color or growth rate may indicate "various lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia". (Click here to read more about specific nail conditions.) Let's discuss some basic nail care tips ...

STEP 1: EAT RIGHT
Healthy nails begin with a proper diet. Sufficient protein intake is important since our nails are made up of keratin. This is not a problem for the average American, but vegetarians or vegans should be sure to incorporate adequate protein sources. Calcium is also critical to nail health. Several other nutrients are important as well (see links below).

STEP 2: KEEP THEM CLEAN
Dirty nails are an ideal foundation for nail infections. Thus, it is essential to regularly clean your nails. Simple soap and water should suffice. Do not forget to clean under the nails.

STEP 3: KEEP THEM DRY
Moist, warm environments are conducive to fungal growth. Sweaty shoes, shower floors, and prolonged periods in wet gloves should be avoided. Change your socks regularly. Wear flip flops in wet places. Prolonged periods in moist environments may also weaken the nail and make it more prone to damage. Keep your nails dry (but moisturized).

STEP 4: KEEP THEM TRIMMED
Trimmed nails are less likely to get caught on articles of clothing, hair, etc. and risk damage.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Wear comfortable shoes to avoid ingrown toenails. Moisturize your nails regularly to avoid hangnails. These are just a few of several ways to maintain healthy nails. Check out the links below for more.

SOURCES and MORE READS:
NAIL DOS & DON'TS
NAIL DISEASES
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
NAIL CARE
NAIL FUNGUS