Healthy nails are an indicator of the overall health of a person. It is important to maintain healthy nails so that one looks clean and healthy at all times. Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Healthy nails are smooth and do not have any pits and grooves. They are also uniform in color and have no spots.  Nails, however, do develop some ridges with age. They may even develop spots and white lines. But all nail conditions are not normal. Some nail conditions that make the nails look unhealthy are:

1. Change in the nail color or discoloration of the nails
2. Change in the nail shape
3. Thinning or thickening of nails
4. Bleeding around nails
5. Swelling around the nails
6. Separation of nails from surrounding skin

How can healthy nails be maintained?

To maintain healthy nails, the following must be ensured.

1. Nails must be kept dry and clean: This ensures that bacteria do not grow under the finger nails. When nails are kept in water for a long time, the fingernails get split causing damage to them.
2. Good nail hygiene must be practiced: To ensure that nails are kept hygienic always, these must be trimmed at regular intervals. Nails must also be manicured regularly to ensure their health.
3. Use moisturizer: Moisturizers should be used in the fingernails and cuticles to keep the nails healthy.
4. Apply a protective layer: When a protective layer is applied on the nails like a nail hardener, it strengthens the nails and prevents them from breaking.
5. Use nutritional supplements: Nutritional supplements like biotin can help to improve nail health and strengthens weak nails. These supplements also prevent nails from breaking.
6. Do not bite fingernails or pick at cuticles: Biting nails or picking at cuticles damages the nail bed. A small cut along the nail bed enabled bacteria and fungi to enter the nails and cause several infections.
7. Never pull off hangnails: Hangnails can be irritating but these should never be pulled as this may rip off the tissues as well causing severe damage to the nails. Hangnails must be clipped properly.
8. Do not use harsh nail care products: Harsh nail care products can make the nails weak and brittle and so these must not be used.
9. Do not ignore any nail problems: When a nail problem that does not go away develops. It must not be ignored and one must ensure to contact a dermatologist.
10. Eat a well- balanced diet: It is important to eat a lot of proteins to ensure that nails stay healthy and strong.

Foods for healthy and strong nails

Strong and healthy nails need proteins, vitamins and minerals. The following foods must be essentially included in the diet for healthy and strong nails.

1. Fruits like kiwi, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, grapes and apricots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to build strong and healthy nails.
2. Vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins including Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants which are essential for strong and healthy nails.
3. Grains, especially yeast and barley contain B-complex vitamin biotin that leads to the development of healthy nails.
4. Eggs contain proteins, food that is essential for nails. In addition, eggs also contain Vitamins A, E, calcium and biotin that help to restore brittle or dry nails.
5. Meat Products contain iron, proteins and biotin which make the nails stronger.
6. Beans are a rich source of proteins, biotin, Vitamin B6 and sulfur amino acids that are essential for strong and healthy nails.

Nail Care Products for healthy nails

A wide range of nail care products are available that can be used to ensure that nails are kept healthy and strong.

1. Cuticle softeners: These soften the skin around the nails and helps to sooth and remove the coarse cuticles.
2. Oil Seal Dryer: This helps the top coat of nail paint to dry in seconds. In addition, it contains cotton oil and Vitamin E that softens and smoothens the rough cuticles.
3. Moisturizers: These strengthen the nails and make them flexible and prevent them from sagging.
4. Nail paints: Nail polishes give the nails an even look. These also protect the nails from everyday hazards and promote nail growth. These also prevent the discoloration of nails.