NEW IDEA
June 2003

‘Healthy nails should be red-pink in colour with at least some half moons (these can be covered by your cuticles). They should be strong and smooth in texture not soft nails. If you're having nail problems, keep reading below.

To achieve healthy nails, try to eat organic fruits and vegetables, which have a higher mineral and vitamin content. Absorption of minerals and vitamins is important, so if a person is having problems doing so, digestive enzymes may be appropriate.

Soft, brittle nails need calcium, iron and silica as supplements, until they are strong again. These minerals can be found in nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

To prevent fungal infections appearing on your nails, stay away from yeast such as brewer’s and baker’s yeast. Also avoid wine, beer, vegemite, sugar and vinegar, as these also encourage the growth of yeast.

To treat fungal infections topically, apply tea tree oil to the area every day – this will kill the fungus within a week. Internally, herbs such as Myrrh, Thyme, Citrus seed and Pau D’arco are highly recommended.

White spots on the nails can indicate low levels of zinc, calcium and/or silica in your body. Boost your intake of brazil nuts and oysters, as both these foods are high in zinc.

A beading or pinhole effect on the top of the nail surface indicates anaemia and poor cell oxygenation. Increase your intake of iron by eating foods such as spinach, eat bananas for potassium and get more exercise.'