Brittle nails
Brittle nails and nail changes can be indicators of underlying health issues. While conventional medicine often treats these symptoms with topical creams and nail treatments, functional medicine takes a holistic approach to identify and address the underlying causes of these conditions. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of brittle nails and nail changes from a functional medicine perspective.
Symptom of
Brittle nails
The symptoms of brittle nails and nail changes can include:
- Brittle or weak nails.
- Peeling or splitting nails.
- Discoloration or yellowing of nails.
- Thickening of nails.
- Nails that lift from the nail bed.
Causes of
Brittle nails
The causes of brittle nails can vary from person to person, and can be influenced by a number of factors including genetics, lifestyle, diet, environmental toxins, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Some common triggers include:
- Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as biotin, iron, and zinc can affect nail health and lead to brittle nails and nail changes.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction, can affect nail health and lead to brittle nails and nail changes.
- Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation can damage the nail bed and lead to brittle nails and nail changes.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals, can affect nail health and lead to brittle nails and nail changes.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis and fungal infections, can affect nail health and lead to nail changes.
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Treatments for
Brittle nails
Functional medicine approaches to treating brittle nails and nail changes involve identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Some common treatments include:
- Nutritional supplements: Supplements such as biotin, iron, and zinc can help address nutrient deficiencies and support nail health.
- Lifestyle modifications: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can help improve overall health and support nail health.
- Environmental modifications: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, and using natural cleaning products can help prevent nail damage and support nail health.
- Topical treatments: Natural treatments such as tea tree oil and coconut oil can help improve nail health and prevent fungal infections.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms or treat underlying medical conditions.
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