What your nails say about your health

His nails Nails can reveal a lot about your overall health. While we often focus on their appearance for beauty reasons, they serve as subtle indicators of underlying health issues. Changes in nail color, texture, or shape can indicate deficiencies or medical conditions that require attention.

Below are some common nail changes and what they could mean about your body.

Fragile or Weak nails

If your nails are constantly breaking or peeling, it could indicate a nutritional deficiency. A lack of biotin (vitamin B7) or calcium in your diet is often linked to brittle nailsHowever, persistent brittle nails could also reportedly be a sign of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.

Yellow nails

Yellow nails are often a sign of a fungal infection, but they can also indicate more serious health problems. In some cases, yellow nails are linked to respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis. If the discoloration is accompanied by thickening of the nails, it could suggest a condition known as yellow nail syndrome, which could indicate a problem with the lymphatic system.

White spots

White spots on nails are relatively common and usually harmless. Most of the time, they are caused by minor trauma to the nail bed, such as accidentally bumping the nail. However, if white spots appear frequently, they could be a sign of zinc or calcium deficiency.

Bites or Crested

Nails with small indentations or pits may be a sign of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. Similarly, horizontal ridges or “Beau’s lines” may indicate serious stress or injury that temporarily affects nail growth. In some cases, Beau’s lines may be associated with conditions such as diabetes or even a recent bout of a serious illness, such as pneumonia.

Blue or purple nails

When nails turn blue or purple, it is a clear sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This condition, called cyanosis, can be related to lung or heart problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Immediate medical attention is recommended if blue nails appear suddenly or are accompanied by breathing difficulties.

Spoon shaped nails

Nails that curve outward like a spoon, known as koilonychia, may indicate iron deficiency anemia. This unusual nail shape may also result from frequent exposure to harsh chemicals or detergents.