Your nails are not just an aesthetic feature of your body but are also like a map of what’s going on inside your body. They can indicate health issues, including vitamin deficiencies and other chronic conditions.

Not only that, but they also serve practical purposes like aiding in touch sensation and protecting the fingers and toes from injuries. So, it is safe to say that the health of your nails is as important as any other part of your body.

Our fingernails and toenails are made from skin cells, made of a hard substance called keratin that gives it its rigid structure.”Healthy nails are typically pink with a slight curve at the tip. Changes in colour, texture and shape may indicate nutrient deficiencies, infections, or underlying health issues,” nutritionist Anjali Mukherjee wrote in her Instagram post about how nails can reflect your health.

Without proper nourishment, nails can become brittle, dull and dry. The rate of nail growth varies among individuals, with an average of an inch and a half per year, added the expert.

Age, pregnancy, seasons, and hand vs. foot nail can affect their growth rate.

Abnormal nail shapes: Abnormal nail shapes can provide valuable health insights. Nails curving in the opposite direction at the tip may indicate chronic iron deficiency anaemia. Curling under at the tips can be a sign of respiratory or heart issues, while raised nails at the base may signal respiratory trouble.

Square and broad nails can result from hormonal disorders, and flat, thin nails may indicate insufficient vitamin B12. Including vitamin B12-rich foods like meat, dairy, and eggs, along with iron-rich sources like green leafy vegetables and nuts, while pairing them with vitamin C sources such as citrus fruits, or lemon juice, can enhance iron absorption.

Peeling: Peeling nails occurs when the protective layers of keratin become damaged. Exposure to hot air, water, or cold air without protection can lead to nail peeling.

This condition often indicates a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, flax seeds, almonds, nuts, sunflower seeds, and evening primrose oil into your diet can improve the moisture levels of dull nails.