Are your nails rough, chip easily, dry? Or do you have ridges?
In Ayurveda, our excretions provide us with a view into the health of our 7 core tissues. Nails are a by-product of asthi dhatu or our bones. If nails are brittle or have ridges this can indicate malabsorption of calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Here’s 5 tips on how to bring your nails back to good health.
#1. Take a food-based supplement of calcium, magnesium and zinc and do tip #2 too.
#2. Cleanse the colon. If you eat a fairly healthy diet or are taking a supplement but still have brittle nails, this could be an indication of malabsorption. Malabsorption is likely due to ama or toxins in the colon. Triphala is a good tri-doshic herb that can help to gradually remove toxins from the colon.
#3. Eat a handful of sesame seeds a day—this is a good thing especially when the temperature drops as sesame seeds are warming. They are also rich in both calcium and magnesium as well as all those great omegas!
#4. Exercise. Physical activity helps with circulation and carrying minerals to the tissues. As the tissues, like bone, become stronger so will your nails.
#5. If you have tried all of the above and continue to have brittle nails, it might be wise to investigate the possibility of osteoporosis with your physician.
