The Link Between Nutrition and Splitting Nails: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the relationship between nutrition and splitting nails, we first have to understand the basic anatomy of nails, and what causes splitting. 

Nails are made up of layers of a protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. The visible part of the nail is called the nail plate, and it rests on a bed of skin called the nail bed. The area where the nail plate meets the skin is called the nail fold. 

Now, let's come to nail splitting. Some of the common causes could be overexposure to water or harsh chemicals, nail trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. 

• Water: When your nails are exposed to water for a prolonged period, the nail bed becomes soft and weakened. As a result, your nails are more prone to breakage and splitting. 
• Chemicals: Harsh chemicals, often found in laundry and home cleaning products, can cause long-term damage to your nails by making them weak and brittle. 
• Trauma: If your nail has been injured or you have a habit of picking and biting your nails, this hard impact can result in splitting. Prolonged trauma weakens the keratin layers of the nail plate, making it susceptible to damage. 
• Nutrition: When your body is lacking in essential nutrients like protein, biotin, iron, zinc, and certain vitamins, you may experience splitting nails. 

What is the role of nutrition in maintaining nail health? 

Your nutritional intake impacts your overall health, including nail health. When your diet is rich in nutrients that facilitate nail health, you are less likely to experience nail splitting or any other form of nutritional deficiency-induced damage. 

• The first nutrient you need is Protein. It promotes growth and repairs damaged tissues in the body. A main component of the nail is keratin, which is a type of protein. So consuming a protein-rich diet strengthens your nails and makes them healthy. 
• Vitamin B-complex deficiency, especially Biotin, leads to nail ridges. 
• Calcium deficiency makes nails dry and prone to breakage.
• Vitamin C and folic acid deficiency cause hangnails. 
• Lack of omega-3 can lead to cracking and splitting of nails. 

How to address nutritional deficiencies? 

Health checkup: If you're experiencing splitting nails and you cannot find out any possible cause behind it, take help from your healthcare provider. Ask them to run a routine blood checkup to know if you're having nutritional deficiencies. 

Diet: If the report detects nutritional deficiency, your doctor will be able to guide you with the next steps. They will tell you which food items or supplements you should consume to reverse the deficiency. For instance, if you're low on calcium, you would be required to include dairy, beans, almonds, and leafy greens into your diet. 

Focusing on your overall health: Besides focusing on nutrition, you should also pay attention to your overall health. When you lead a balanced lifestyle, your body remains healthy, and your nails stay healthy as well. 

And if you want to get started with your nail care at home, Magic Pen from Daline Nails is the right solution for you. This nail cream reduces dry cuticles, prevents splitting, treats ridges, and heals damaged nails. Try it for yourself and revive your nail health!