Nail Identification

Indications of imbalances in the body present in fingernails

• nail changes may signify a number of disorders elsewhere in the body. These changes may indicate imbalances even before the rest of the body does.
• Black bands from the cuticle outward to the end of the nail can indicate early signs of melanoma.
• Black, splinter-like bits under the nail can indicate possible heart or a blood deficiency.
• Brittle nails can indicate thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, circulatory problems or iron deficiency.
• Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon can indicate a possible overactive thyroid.
• Dark and/or thin nails which are flat and spoon-shaped can indicate vitamin B-12, iron deficiency or anemia.
• Deep blue nail beds can be an indication of pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• Downward curved nail ends can indicate possible heart, liver or respiratory problems.
• Dry, brittle nails can indicate possible vitamin A and calcium deficiency.
• Flat nails can indicate possible Reynaud’s Disease.
• Hangnails can indicate lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C.
• Lengthwise grooves or ridges can indicate possible kidney deficiency. These grooves may also be associated with aging and/or iron deficiency.
• Nail beading (development of bumps on the surface of the nail) can be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Nails the chip, peel, crack or break can indicate nutritional deficiency and possibly insufficient hydrochloric acid, minerals and protein.
• Nails that separate from nail bed can indicate thyroid disease and/or possible fungal infection due to lack of friendly bacteria in the body.
• Pitted red-brown spots and frayed and split ends can indicate a need for vitamin C, Folic acid and protein.
• Raised nails at the base with small white ends can indicate possible respiratory disorder. This nail condition is hereditary.
• Red skin at the bottom of the nail can indicate possible connective tissue disorder.
• Ridges can indicate possible infection.
• Ridges running up and down the nail can indicate a tendency to develop arthritis.
• Ridges, horizontal and vertical with fragility can indicate possible vitamin B deficiency
• Ridges, horizontal can be an indication of severe stress, either psychological or physical.
• Ridges, vertical can indicate poor general health. Poor nutrient absorption and/or iron deficiency.
• Thick nails can indicate the vascular system may be weakening and blood may not be circulating properly.
• Two white horizontal bands that do not move as the nail grows can indicate a protein deficiency in the blood.
• Unusually wide, square nails can indicate a possible hormonal disorder.
• White spots on the nail can indicate a zinc deficiency.
• Yellow nails can be an indication of internal disorders, in advance of the appearance of symptoms such as a lymphatic system, respiratory, or liver deficiency.