[I will do this as sort of an informative post Cassandra, since there have been many posts related to nail strength, chipping, brittle, and such nails. I cant help with the bitting problem, which is more of a self-control/stress issue. All of this post can be negated however if in any type of work/hobby that can cause trauma to nails (aka you cant prevent nails from being broken if they are in a rough environment). Half of this information comes from a widely used nail advice list of common nail problem with no apparent documented origin stated, that is listed on hundreds of websites. So I can surmise that it is now common nail care knowledge. Before taking any nutrition or vitamins, consult with your doctor of course. I intermingle some information from my cosmetology book, and a few things that I remember just from reading about nail care from past articles and books]
Nails are mainly made of Keratin (same main protein make up of skin and hair, hence all the hair/skin/nails supplements) and are 10 to 30 percent water. Nails are also porous. Although they look solid, they are not entirely. Water evaporates also off of them. Alcohol , polishes, and harsh agents decrease the amount of water in nails. Having too little water (nail hydration) can lead to hard, inflexible, and brittle nails which can be countered by drinking plenty of water and using nail/skin conditioners/oils and sealers.
Nail chip, peel, break, brittle problems
Nails that chip, peel, crack, or break easily shows a general
nutritional deficiency and insufficient hydrochloric acid and protein.
Minerals are also required.
Brittle nails signify possible iron deficiency, thyroid problems,
impaired kidney function, and circulation problems.
Brittle, split nails Nail dryness; nails in contact with irritants; silica deficiency
Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon may indicated an overactive
thyroid.
Nutrition
Vitamin D (helps in calcium absorption to prevent brittle and dry nails), calcium (needed for healthy nail growth {coral calcium is easy to absorb}), vitamin B (low can result in fragile and brittle nails), vitamin A (low can cause dry brittle nails)[Carotenoids work with A]), magnesium (many good calcium supplements have magnesium also), and zinc (is needed to help absorb minerals and enzymes).
Essential fatty acids Aid in the health of skin and nails. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. The fatty acids work well with the amino acid called L-methione.
Gelatin is a very good source of nail strengthening ingredients.
Ginkgo biloba is a herb that helps with circulation problems and is also good for brain and memory function. This is a blood thinner so careful if you are already taking related or aspirin daily.
Steps you can take to improve nails
- drink distilled water (6-8 glasses a day)
- wear rubber gloves if in contact with harsh chemical cleaning agent
- keeping them hydrated (oils, moisturizers, and sealer/protectors)
- eat foods (and/or take supplements) rich in vitamins/minerals above
- massage hands and arms to improve circulation of nutrients to the hands and nails
- constant quick dry polishes, removal agents, and hardening agents may weaken and dry out nails. Take a break from them and go natural for a while
- file instead of clip if possible. File from the side to the tip. Any chips or cracks should be filed before they spread. Clippers should only be used to take large chunks of nail off (following major breaks), followed by filling them. Metal ones are the least effective files, where as the ones more sand paper like(emry boards) are better (files smoother), the common double sided 2 different sided grained ones are very good
- try a more squarish shape of nail shape to give it more strength
No I didnt drop off the face of earth lol. I visit the forums almost daily or every other day. I dont read everthing, just those things related to me, or that seems interesting. I reply when I have something to add. I have been playing the online games a lot recently so havent been doing any projects of late (since finishing the apron). Havent done any project since the hurricane since we are still trying to get fully situated and everything repaired. Finally got our insurance money for repairs, and just got the old torn off, replaced needed plywood, tar paper, and today hopefully shingles put on. There is a lot going on family and friend wise, which I might write about in a future post.
