For alternative health physicians, fingernails are an excellent barometer on how well you are absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. So if you have a poor diet, it stands to reason that your nails won’t be in good shape.

Common problems include white spots, ridges and brittleness and if you suffer from these problems, these steps will show you how to obtain healthy nails.

If you are suffering from a fungal infection (causing abnormal growth, extreme brittleness, discolouration) and want to know how to obtain healthy nails

- it can be difficult to remove from the nail and the nail bed. The initial course of action will be anti-fungal medication from your doctor, then follow up with our suggestions below.

Nutritional deficiencies

If you want healthy nails, first understand that nails in poor condition are an indication of a nutritional deficiency.

White spots can indicate a zinc deficiency, ridges in the fingernails can indicate iron and/or a calcium deficiency and brittle nails can indicate a deficiency of the sulphur-containing amino acids.

A nutritional program for healthy nails

• Supplement with the base line nutritional program of all 90 essential nutrients - vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Out of all of these, plant derived minerals produce excellent results in terms of stronger nails and rapid growth.
• Treat the fingernail problems directly with a supplement containing gelatine – especially important for vegetarians.
• Digestive enzymes before meals to improve the absorption of nutrients.

You should begin noticing results within a couple of weeks!

Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and runs the Global-Longevity.com website. He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com

• Carbohydrate Foods with Protein, Antioxidents, and Iron Levels


• Multi-Vitamin, Health Benefits, and 100% Fruit Juices


• Reversing Autism and ADD


• Hands Up Everyone Who Thinks Acid Reflux is Caused by Too Much Acid!


• Migraine Headache - A Look at the Role of Nutrition


• Zero Trans Fats? Check the List of Ingredients


• Kermit Said It Best, Its Not Easy Being Green!


• Avoiding Cholesterol in Foods Wont Lower Your Cholesterol


• Some Simple Advices about Diet to Fight Rheumatism and Chronic Inflammation


• Fats Explained