Three common causes of brittle nails
1. Diet deficient of collagen
Are you getting enough collagen in your diet? Collagen is the main structural protein found in animal connective tissue and is a main protein content of the human body. Many people consider it to be the “glue that holds the body together.” Many of us need more collagen in our diets (especially vegetarians). An easy way to get more collagen in your diet is to take gelatin. We always suggest Great Lakes brand of gelatin (find it at the clinic!) because they carefully source all their ingredients and offer less processed, yet absorbable forms of gelatin.
Go here to find Dr. Brad's delicious gelatin snack recipe!
2. Thyroid insufficiency
Another factor that can contribute to brittle nails is a thyroid deficiency. A person can have a type of low thyroid or a hypothyroid and that does not show up in lab tests, which, unfortunately means thyroid problems often go undiagnosed in western medicine. We often see patients with thyroid deficiencies here at Hope Clinic and with the help of supplements and Chinese herbs a person struggling with thyroid issues is usually helped immensely.
3. Blood deficiency
The last common contributor to brittle nails is a blood deficiency. A blood deficiency is when a person doesn’t have enough blood volume in their body. If there isn’t enough blood to reach your nail beds, then the nails will dry out, causing them to be brittle and break. For many women, their nails can become brittle and dry after pregnancy. Once again, the only way to treat a blood deficiency is through supplements and Chinese herbs.
There’s hope for brittle nails
If you are looking for a solution for your dry and brittle nails, please give us a call here at Hope Clinic and we’ll see how we can best support your body.