It is possible that we have ever looked at our hands and noticed that we have some lines on our nails. This almost always makes us curious and leads us to ask why they come out. What can be done to make them disappear?
The lines on the nails can be a sign that we are not eating as well as we should or that we may need to take care of our manicures a little more, among other issues.
Below we will tell you more about why the lines appear on the nails, how they can be eliminated, and some useful tips to prevent their appearance in the future. Take paper and a pencil to write down some tips.
Contents
Lines on the nails: signs of nutritional deficiency?
The lines on the nails can appear at any age, and, most of the time, they do not require a specific treatment but rather an improvement in life habits, especially diet. This is because the cause behind its appearance is usually nutritional deficits. See below the main nutritional deficits related to lines on the nails.1. Zinc deficiency
Zinc is an essential nutrient for many functions of the body . For this reason, when we do not obtain it in the necessary quantities, spots or lines appear on the nails, hair weakens, etc.
We can take zinc as a supplement (if the doctor recommends it) or include the following foods in the diet.
- Oysters.
- Meats.
- Butter.
- Seeds and nuts (such as peanuts, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds).
2. Vitamin B12 deficiency
In some cases, the appearance of the lines may be related to a lack of vitamin B12, that is, with pernicious anemia. It is important to establish a medical diagnosis of the cause of this vitamin deficiency, as it may be due to a strict vegan diet (which would improve with supplements) or poor assimilation of this nutrient due to more serious intestinal diseases. We find good sources of vitamin B12 in the following foods:- Meats.
- Eggs.
- Seafood.
- Spirulina.
- Dairy products.
- Beer yeast.
3. Magnesium deficiency
A lack of magnesium can also cause lines on the nails. To counteract this, the following foods must be included in the diet:
- Avocado.
- Nuts.
- Blue Fish.
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale, etc.).
Other causes of nail lines
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, one of the main causes of the appearance of lines on the nails is aging. The cells tend to multiply erratically and lose more water over the years, which can manifest itself through skin and nail changes. Another factor related to the deterioration of the nails is the lack of hydration (both internal and external), which is why it is so important to get used to applying cream all over the body (including hands and nails) regularly and drink enough liquid daily. On the other hand, the lines in the nails could also be the consequence of an impact. Therefore, care must be taken when carrying out certain activities and handling objects. The decrease in the growth of the nail is another frequent cause of the appearance of lines. This can be associated with certain infections, chronic diseases, and even low temperatures. The appearance of black lines on the nail surface is also striking. These lines are due to trauma in most cases. However, if you have not received any blows, you should see a specialist as soon as possible since it may be a symptom of a type of cancer.What to do to have healthy nails?
To avoid the appearance of lines on the nails and their deterioration in general, it is advisable to take the following into account:- It is important to apply moisturizer regularly. A good trick is to apply the cream before going to sleep; there will be enough time for it to absorb and benefit both skin and nails.
- Eating and hydrating well daily is necessary since this greatly influences appearance. The best thing will always be maintaining a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.
- When using varnishes, it is advisable to take breaks between one application and another, at least 24-36 hours, to let the nails ‘breathe.’ During this same time, providing them with good (external) hydration with vegetable oils (such as coconut, olive, or almond oil) is advisable.
- It is essential to always maintain a good manicure, not only for matters of appearance but also for hygiene.
- If your doctor has told you that you have brittle nail syndrome, follow his recommendations to care for and maintain them as well as possible.