Don’t let shiny nail polish fool you. Your nails can reveal secrets about your health that go beyond the surface. As we age, our nails can develop ripples and ridges that may indicate underlying health issues with our liver, lungs, or heart.

Types of Nail Stripes

Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes, also known as longitudinal striations, are commonly associated with aging. They run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail and can become more prominent as we get older. However, sudden or pronounced ridges may indicate anemia or thyroid problems.

Horizontal Stripes

Horizontal stripes, referred to as Beau’s lines, are more concerning. These indentations can appear after physical trauma or as a result of serious illnesses such as malnutrition, diabetes, heart attacks, or respiratory diseases. They are temporary and usually occur during periods of intense stress or illness.

White Stripes

White, parallel horizontal lines known as Muehrcke’s lines can be a sign of liver or kidney issues. These lines do not indent the nail surface and may fade temporarily when pressed. Multiple Muehrcke’s lines should be examined by a medical professional as they may indicate protein deficiencies or kidney/liver problems.

Taking Care of Your Nails

For most people, ripples and ridges on nails are normal and can be improved with simple lifestyle changes. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc can lead to healthier nails over time.

Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining nail health. She explains, “Nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion.” Brittle, weak, and peeling nails are often a result of a poor diet rather than a systemic disease.

Your nails are constantly providing you with valuable insights into your health. From harmless signs of aging to potential indicators of underlying health conditions, it’s important to pay attention to what they’re telling you!

READ MORE

• The length of your finger shows which personality you have
• Why some people have an ‘M’ on their palm