What Those Vertical Ridges On Your Nails Say About Your Health

Is the texture of your nails trying to tell you something? Having ridges on your nails may seem like just a cosmetic concern, but it can actually mean you have an underlying medical condition!

That’s right! Our bodies are incredible at showing us signs of our health, and ridges or vertical lines on the surface of our nails can indicate some pretty serious health concerns.

Today we’ll explore what these health issues may be and how to treat nail ridges. Are your kidneys at risk? What cosmetics take care of this? And when should you consult a doctor? We’re discussing all this and more!

So… What Exactly Are Nail Ridges?

Well, Nail ridges are the tiny depressions in the nails that make your nails uneven and rough. They run lengthwise from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. This irregular appearance can affect your fingernails and toenails too. If ignored, the ridges might turn into white spots or dark lines. That’s why timely attention to your nails can prevent them from worsening.

Wondering What Causes These Nail Ridges? 

There are many reasons for nail ridges, and they could tell you a lot about what’s going on in your body. Although your nails are dead tissue, they require nutrients to grow long and strong. Take Calcium, for instance. It is an essential mineral for preserving the structure and firmness of the nails. It is also in charge of maintaining the health of the nail bed. If you start noticing nail ridges forming, it could be because you’re calcium deficient.

Those annoying vertical ridges may also indicate a protein, zinc, or vitamin A deficiency. In this case, it’s best to be sure and get a blood test done to check potential deficiencies.

Most Of The Time, These Ridges Are Due To Aging. 

Similar to skin wrinkles, your nails can also develop bumps over time. Research from 2015 shows a slow cell turnover rate to be the reason for the elderly developing little vertical ridges on their fingernails. Cell turnover is when older, potentially dead nail cells are lost and replaced by newer, healthier cells. Weak and brittle nails can be prone to ridging due to genetics too. Take a look at your parents or siblings’ nails. There is a good chance that you might have gotten it from them. 

Also, Poor Circulation To Your Hands And Feet Can Cause A Lack Of Nutrients And Oxygenated Blood.

Your nails can typically become brittle due to a lack of iron in your blood. And studies have shown anemia or arthritis can cause vertical ridges. In those circumstances, there are usually additional nail changes, such as nail bed discoloration and concave or spoon-shaped nails called ​​trachyonychia. 

If Lack Of Iron Isn’t The Issue, You Should Have Your Thyroid Checked…

You can tell if you have hypothyroidism by looking at your nails, especially if the ridges are horizontal. The same goes for your kidneys; ridges could signify that there’s something wrong. 

On The Positive Side, There Are Ways To Prevent Or Even Eliminate Nail Ridges. 

Healthy and beautiful nails can be challenging to maintain, and ridges make maintenance even more challenging. Thankfully we have a fix. Let’s begin by looking at our nail’s nutritional needs, shall we? 

Follow A Balanced Diet. 

Because what you put inside your body is where everything begins. Eating nutritious meals can help you get your daily recommended vitamins to prevent nail ridges. Healthy fats like olive oil, almonds, and seeds account for 20 to 35% of your daily calories. The following 10- 35 % should come from high-protein foods like lean meats, fish, and beans, and the remaining 45 to 65% should come from wholesome carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

While improving your diet, keep in mind to include milk, cottage cheese, plain greek yogurt, vegetables, eggs, spinach, and mushrooms to encourage healthy nail growth.

But Don’t Hesitate To Turn To Multivitamin If Your Diet Lacks Fresh, Nutritious Foods. 

Have you ever heard of Biotin? The B vitamin biotin supports vitamin inadequacies and helps nourish those brittle nail ridges, with numerous studies backing that  Biotin supports the thickening and hardening of nails. 

Next, try supplementing collagen. It is a protein that synthesizes the keratin required for creating the connective tissue of your nails. One study found that patients who took collagen daily for 24 weeks had better-maintained nail health, including quicker growth rates, less breakage, and enhanced aesthetics.

Zinc also helps your nails to grow quickly and look healthy. It helps in the proper replication of cells. You can typically find foods like oysters, steak, crab, fortified morning cereals, or lobster with significant amounts of zinc. But taking supplements guarantees you get the right amount daily.

Want beautiful nails? But don’t want to worry about how many minerals you should consume each day?

Simply Drink Lots Of Water!

Water can often answer a majority of health problems. And nail ridges are no exception. Consuming plenty of water and maintaining hydration may stop nail ridges from developing. 

Dehydration can make your nails brittle and cause breakage and peeling. Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water or fluids can help. It is that easy, people.

Just like your body needs hydration from within, keeping your nails supple externally also is crucial.

Don’t Forget To Moisturize. 

The ridges in your nails can become a little dry and harsh. But thankfully, lotions and moisturizers can help treat this. Try massaging them with jojoba, coconut, or argan oil to keep them nice and nourished. 

If you frequently have your nails done, the following advice could be helpful.

Give Your Nails A Gentle Buff. 

Lightly buffing your nails can temporarily hide fingernail ridges even though it doesn’t treat the underlying issue—however, a word of caution: Be very selective with your nail buffers. Overzealous buffing can thin the nail plate out, making them softer, overly flexible, and susceptible to damage and breakage. A light buffing once each month might be sufficient.

To prevent nail splitting, use gentle tools, and buff the nail in the same way as it develops, not back and forth.

If You Wish To Use Nail Polish, Apply A Filler First. 

Unfortunately, nail lacquer can highlight ridges, making them appear worse. To get a smooth canvas for your nail polish, add a ridge filler before. Ridge fillers function similarly to a base coat and settle into the crevices of your nails, providing you with a smooth surface.

Also, using a lacquer that contains glycolic acid will help you step up your nail care. These nail polishes can strengthen nail canals and lessen the visibility of ridges.

But do you know what’s even better than getting your nails painted?

A Break From Polish!

Long-term usage of nail polish can cause the nail and skin around it to become dehydrated and weak and make them more brittle. Nail polish remover, exacerbates dehydration by drying the nail surface and altering its chemical composition, causing nail cells to lose the ability to adhere firmly to noe another and start riding. 

Take a three to four-week vacation from manicures if your nails are getting dry, brittle, or experiencing more ridging. The break will give the nails time to grow and regain strength.