There are many different causes behind developing yellow, brittle nails, and this can occur at nearly any stage of a woman's life, especially during menopause when hormonal levels are already fluctuating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to restore their health and strength. Continue reading to discover the top five tips to prevent and cure yellow brittle nails.
Regular Nail Soaks
In order to make a homemade remedy for yellow, brittle nails, mix three tablespoons of olive oil with one tablespoon of lemon juice, and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Soak your fingertips in it for 3 to 5 minutes, and the olive oil will strengthen your nails while the lemon juice whitens them. Get into the habit of making this part of your weekly routine.
Use Gloves
One of the main reasons behind developing yellow, brittle nails is the exposure to cold weather and water, and if these are mixed with harsh chemicals, the damage can multiply quickly. Stock up on gloves for all occasions. Always use rubber gloves if you are washing the dishes or using any cleaning chemicals, and keep a pair of gloves at hand if it is cold or windy outside. Protecting your nails from outside factors can help prevent them from becoming yellow or brittle.
Massage
By massaging your fingertips once or twice every day, you will help improve the blood flow around the nails. This increased circulation will heighten your nails' ability to absorb nutrients, and it will promote the growth of healthier nails. Massage your nails before soaking them nightly.
Calcium Boost
Calcium is an essential nutrient in the fight against yellow, brittle nails. This nutrient helps your body produce strong, flexible nails so they are not prone to snapping, breaking, or peeling. Although there are many things you can apply to your nails to strengthen them, nothing will be as effective as fixing the problem from the inside out. You can get a daily boost of calcium from dairy products, but also from broccoli, oats, kale, or tofu.
Don't Bite Them
Biting your nails can cause trauma to them, and this can be reflected in their health and sturdiness. It can also leave rough edges behind, which in turn creates the perfect environment for nails to start yellowing and becoming brittle.
Yellow, brittle nails are something many women suffer from, and they can be particularly common during times of hormonal imbalance, such as menopause. Read on how to handle this symptom.
Sources
- Evert, A. (2011). Calcium in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 26, 2013 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002412.htm
- National Health Service UK. (2013). Nail abnormalities. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-abnormalities/Pages/Introduction.aspx