The condition of nails reflect the quality of tissue production in the body as nails are considered to be the waste product of bones (asthi dhatu) Healthy nails are pink,smooth and evenly shaped. Healthy nails are often a sign of good health, while bad nails are often a tip off to more serious problems. Dermatologists say healthy nails are an important part of overall health. The steps in cultivating and maintaining healthy nails are quite simple.

Your nails grow from the area under your cuticle called the matrix. The matrix is the living part of the nail. Your cuticle is the layer of skin that protects the matrix so the cuticle is very important for nail health and growth. As new nail cells grow in the matrix, older nail cells are pushed out toward your fingertips and become hard and compacted. Heredity and health determine how fast nails grow but nails typically grow about 0.1 millimeter a day, which means that it takes a fingernail about four to six months to fully regenerate. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges or grooves. They're uniform in colour and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.

Nails grow rapidly on a person's superior hand. They also grow faster during pregnancy, and in the summer. The middle finger nail grows fastest, with the growth rate reducing on the fourth, second, and fifth fingers and lastly the thumb. Correctly trim and file are healthy nails. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause to dryness, very rounded and curved finish or darkening of nails. If you require healthy, strong and pretty nails that last. Avoid biting your nails, buff away harsh edges when essential and make a few another tiny changes to achieve the correct nails you've always needed.

Do not dig out ingrown toenails, as it can result an infection. If you are liable to brittle nails, do not use any polish or treatment formula accommodating formaldehyde. Give your nails a treat with a 10-minute soak in olive oil or wheat-germ oil. Wipe off and massage the extra into cuticles. As always, keep your stress level as down as possible. Cut your nails properly. Minimize the use of nail polish remover. Millions of women wear nail polish daily and are fine, but it can be problematic for those allergic to irritation. All nail polish removers are harsh on nails. Try not to use remover more than once a week.

One of the vitamins that will promote healthy nails is Vitamin A. This vitamin for nail growth can be found in vegetables that are yellow or orange in color such as carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and the likes. Vitamin A can also be obtained from green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. There are also sources of Vitamin A from animal products such as liver, butter, milk, and eggs. Lack of vitamin A can cause your nails to become dry and brittle that may hinder normal nail growth.

Vitamin B-complex also is one of the vitamins for nail growth. This vitamin can be acquired from many plant and animal sources such as banana, potatoes, lentils, liver and tuna.

Open Toe Shoes or Sandals a Problem?

Do you avoid wearing sandals or open-toed shoes because that would only advertise your little secret to the whole world! Women today have a difficult time dressing up for that special occasion without having some toes exposed. Who doesn't want to go out in the coolest styles?

Will Only Natural Do For You?

Many of today's treatments for unhealthy nails have unnecessary side effects. Just reading the labels on packages or listening to the TV ads for nail treatments is scary and often false. There are effective natural treatments for this condition that will not cause adverse results.

The Signs and What You Can Do

• Dry and brittle nails indicate a vitamin A and/or calcium deficiency. Eat more carrots, sweet potato and spinach.

• White nails may indicate anaemia or a liver or kidney problem. Include wheatgress in your diet.

• Vertical or horizontal ridges can indicate vitamin B deficiency or a tendency to develop arthritis. Eat more wholegrains, oily fish, avocado and dark green leafy vegetables.

• Round or dark nail tips may indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. Include shitake mushrooms, tempeh, trout, yoghurt, miso and sea vegetables.

• Splitting nails indicate a reduced hydrochloric acid production. Eat umeboshi plums.