A lot of nail problems are usually caused by abuse, things like picking things and biting them to the over use of nail polish removers, glue and other chemicals. Nails are dead cells but can be an important indication of ones health for example,

* Rounded, club shaped nails may indicate iether impaired circulation or a serious lung disorder.

* Soft, spoon shaped nails that curve upwards may indicate a difiency in iron.

* Thickened and/or discolouration in the nails may be a result due to a fungal infection.

* Too much biting of the nails may cause psoriasis.

* Horizontal ridges may indicate an infection or a disease.

These things may be what a doctor would scan over if he is looking for something in particular. A common cause of nail problems can also be due to them being involved with alot of work and not enough protection.

Healthy nails will commonly show a strong and smooth state with a pinkish cover over it similar to the shine our hair would have. Our nails need moisture for flexibility, without it they become yellowish and can chip very easily. Like everything else nails also need plenty of oxygen and nutrients in order to maintain them.

Common to the nail problem can also be splitted and brittle nail, whichs are usually caused by excessive dryness, be it from alot of exposure to chemicals and detergents and may increase with age.

Regurely try to soak the nails in water then cover with a moistourizer to maintain the nail problem. Doing this can restore the moisture your nails need and prevent more moisture loss. This theory is due to the lack of iron nails usually gain as the blood in our system very rarely reaches the nails to give it to them.

In saying this a very common myth is that Gelatine, calcuim or zinc supplements can aid in the health of nails is not completely true. These nutritional supplements promote as nail hardeners and healers, but may have little effect to the nails when it comes to their health.

In reality gelatine is actually an incomplete protein and lacks the amono acids to give nails strength as for calcium, the nails only contain a small amount of calcium, therefore taking calcium supplements will not enhance their growth or strength and the same can be said about zinc.

So as for the nail problem clean and moisturise regular basis and stick to a healthy diet.

Application of nail hardeners may also help seal in moisture while providing a protective layer over the surface of it. So moistorizers and hardeners are great things to look out for to maintain healthy nails.

As food is an amazing source for our bodies recovery i must also impress some important things to target here also.

Increasing the consumption of iron rich foods like lean meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dried apricots, and enriched cereals, may help.