A few months ago I noticed that my nails where a little ribbly. If I would pass my finger over them you could feel like they had little speedbumps on them. Yesterday I noticed that my nails are exceptionally smooth and shiny. They are so hard I can poke someone's eye out with them.

I don't do anything to my nails, just file them down to an acceptable length (not to long I need to use my keyboard) and every now and them I buff/polish them. I never use any nailpolish on them or anything.

I can't really say that I drastically changed what I eat, so can anyone explain to me how my nails transformed from ribbed to totally smooth. Ot is this just one of those things that show me that my body is getting better each day (like my menstrual periods still getting less and less painful each time).

I'd say it's another sign of internal healing.

Day by day it's getting better and better...  

I am also healing in ways I never expected to...  Enjoy the ride!

On a website I saw yesterday for iridology, it said it had to do with compromised adrenal function. Good for you! I look forward to the change in my nails, they are quite nice on the right hand but not the left. Are you taking supplements for your adrenals?

healing plus additional sunlight or perhaps were you working with olive oil near your hand and nails.

Just another example of your own growing good health!  The nails seem to be windows into the state of the body's internal balance -- makes sense to me since they emerge directly from inside the body to the outside.  

Whatever the cause, it is indeed a good sign!  

I have searched for years for an explanation about why fingernails have ridges. The one that made the most sense said that it indicated a problem with digesting protein. I have the problem and my mother had it too. Maybe SWAMI is going to FINALLY get rid of these ridges!

SandrArubam, I would think that your sticking with the diet in general finally made the difference. I will never forget the day I noticed that the lines were gone from my fingerprints! Problem is, though, somewhere along the line I started eating more yogurt and the lines finally came back. Or maybe it was just that I was getting older and a greater need for the Explorer diet was beginning to make itself known in different ways. Anyway, your story is encouraging!

Quoted from Dianne

On a website I saw yesterday for iridology, it said it had to do with compromised adrenal function. Good for you! I look forward to the change in my nails, they are quite nice on the right hand but not the left. Are you taking supplements for your adrenals?

I had to look up what adrenal function is and came up this article:

Quoted Text

The adrenal glands, located above the kidney, often become 'exhausted' as a result of the constant demands placed upon them. An individual with adrenal exhaustion will usually suffer from chronic fatigue, may complain of feeling stressed-out or anxious,

And who is constantly tired?? Me! Lets hope this means I will be able to get rid of this exhaustion as well.

I've never been able to figure out the nail ridges.

Calcium. If you cannot afford phytocal O, get calcium hydroxyapatite. Take it with a protein meal.

You can also take horsetail with it, but calcium is more important.

Calcium is also good for stress BTW, especially for O's who have trouble sitting still.

I was once subscribed to Dr. William's Alternatives newsletter in which he devoted some of the content to how fingernail appearance correlates to health issues.  This was probably 25 years ago, but I think I remember that the ridges that run lengthwise are related to thyroid health.  

I took horsetail for years with no difference in my fingernails!  Something to do with calcium might be a problem since I have osteopenia. I think they really don't have this sorted out exactly yet! But good, overall nutrition and stomach health makes plenty of sense! Is there anything that poor thyroid function doesn't affect?

I've been reading up on de adrenals and complaints you may have if they don't work well and it fits my symptoms perfectly. One of the suggestions is to take pathothenic acid (sp and that is in cortiguard, so I am taking that.

There are some other natural remedies such as licorice root to take. So I'll look into those.

I think nonnies have stronger nails, just an observation.

I have been taking either pantothenic acid or pantithine for many years, so I don't think I'm deficient in that. I took licorice root for a long time but stopped when I started the Geno diet. I'm just looking forward now to seeing what this Exlorer diet is going to do! I think I am worn out trying to figure out what in the world is wrong with my nails.

Quoted from Andrea AWsec

I think nonnies have stronger nails, just an observation.

Mine are strong all right. I use them all the time in place of various tools! I very seldom break a nail.

Quoted from Spring

I have been taking either pantothenic acid or pantithine .

Two different things... not interchangeable.

nail ridges indicate malabsorbtion.

When digested, pantethine is hydrolyzed into cyteamine and two molecules of pantothenic acid.

Quoted from AKArtlover

nail ridges indicate malabsorbtion.

I mentioned already a source that indicated a protein absorption problem.

when you are talking absorption problems the following proteins all seem to be in the mix and causing problems, Milk, Soy, Wheat, and Sugar gets a mention too.

sugar depletes the body of minerals and also reduces the immune system.

it's all related, I think you have to aim to get everything right, including iodine. I also think that if you follow swami you have the Best chance, but if you cheat you will suffer the consequences. i know i do.

Well, there is no question about the milk being a no no. I quit drinking milk over twenty years ago.  I don't know about soy. It doesn't seem to bother me at all, but I don't use much of that anyway even though it is a neutral for me now. The sugar I get from fruit is all I get except I did eat one-half teaspoon of honey yesterday which was the first in several years since it was not on my Geno diet. I am violently allergic to ingesting iodine except the amount that is in table salt which I hardly use at all, but putting it on the skin doesn't bother me. I use it that way.  The wheat hasn't seemed to make any difference whether I ate it or not. But as for cheating, I don't make a practice of ignoring what my diet suggests whether it was the BTD or the GENO diet and I certainly don't plan to on SWAMI!  

Quoted from Spring

Mine are strong all right. I use them all the time in place of various tools! I very seldom break a nail.

Mine as well.  They never rip - unless they get crushed or cut.

I'm a nonnie and I've always had rather weak, very flexible/bendy nails.  I have vertical ridges on mine.  Buffing will smooth them out, but I don't bother much about my nails except to trim them.  I prefer mine short.  I've read that the color of the nailbed and the size of the white "moons" are indicative of something, but I forget what.  Now I have to go look it up.  

Nails opaque, white spots/bands = zinc, vitamin B6
Peeling nails =     vitamins A, C, calcium
Ridges on nails, longitudinal =     vitamin A, protein, calcium (anemia, poor circulation, thyroid/parathyroid glands)
Ridges on nails, transverse = fever, infection, inflammation, menstrual problems, period of protein deficiency
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/AN00591

I was always told that the number of white spots on your nails is the number of guys in love with you...  

Apparently - "...vertical ridges are the 'rails and grooves' on which the nail plate rides forward on the nail bed. The 'rails' are on the nail bed and act much like train tracks, whereas the 'grooves' are on the underside of the nail plate and act much like the wheels on a train. This is how the nail plate rides forward on the nail bed - much like the train rides forward on its tracks.
As we age, or if our nail plate does not contain the proper levels of oil and moisture, the 'rails and grooves' will appear on the surface of the nail plate as ridges or 'lines' that run vertically from the cuticle to the free edge.

If they run from side to side 'across' the nail plate, this is a different matter and is usually the result of some sort of trauma to the matrix (where the nail plate cells are born), or is some sort of genetic malformation.

If they run from the cuticle to the free edge, this is easily changed. The nail plate is constantly being 'bathed' by an upward tidal flow of oils and moisture that transmit from the nail bed, up through the layers of nail plate to the surface, and are what create the natural 'matte' shine to the nail plate surface. This same oil and moisture will keep the nail plate cells flexible so they will 'slide' across and over each other under pressure. If the oil and moisture levels are depleted or reduced for any reason or from any outside source, they can be replaced by applying a good quality nail and cuticle oil at least 3 times a day, and ALWAYS at night.

Once the nail oil penetrates all 3 layers of the nail plate, your nails should begin to look better and the lines should begin to reduce in size and depth."
http://www.healthboards.com › ... › Health Issues › Nail Problems
Or obviously supplement internally with the good oils... Come to think of it; when I re-examined my nails just now, the ridges have evened out heaps...They used to be quite pronounced...

Come to think of it, I did increase my oil (almond, flax and olive) intake. I am also taking fish oil capsules these last weeks.

I get plenty of oils/fats in my diet, and my nails are very shiny.  The ridges are quite pronounced, but only on some nails, not all of them.  You know, I always get these things that indicate "thyroid issues", but when I ask my MD to check thyroid function I always get a "thyroid normal" result from the blood test.

Very interesting indeed, Possum.

Quoted from O in Virginia

I get plenty of oils/fats in my diet, and my nails are very shiny.  The ridges are quite pronounced, but only on some nails, not all of them.  You know, I always get these things that indicate "thyroid issues", but when I ask my MD to check thyroid function I always get a "thyroid normal" result from the blood test.

Yes, I suspect some sort of thyroid deficiency myself but the test results always come back normal. I have a normal low body temp consistently--to the point of feeling extremely cold sometimes and feel much better if I use iodine.

pantethine vs pantothenic acid

When my husband saw Dr. D he gave him pantethine and told him to make sure he did not get pantethinic acid.


I believe that it has to do with the enzymatic action that takes place in the body that is important.
I would follow Dr. D's advice he knows lots more about biochemistry then I will ever begin to grasp.

Makes sense as pantethine can serve as a precursor for generation of vitamin B5... but pantethine is considered to be a more potent form of vitamin B5 than pantothenic acid...

Quoted from Andrea AWsec

pantethine vs pantothenic acid

When my husband saw Dr. D he gave him pantethine and told him to make sure he did not get pantethinic acid.
I believe that it has to do with the enzymatic action that takes place in the body that is important.
I would follow Dr. D's advice he knows lots more about biochemistry then I will ever begin to grasp.

Actually, I take both pantethine and pantothenic acid and have for many years. For different reasons. And neither of them have done anything for my nails - I'm looking forward to seeing if SWAMI corrects this problem. Wow. I'm dropping the weight for sure.

Gut health will fix the nails, A's have SIBO and the nutrients  get eaten up by the bad bacteria

Correcting it is simple, Dr. D makes targeted supplements just for this purpose.

Taking both  supplements is probably unnecessary.
  Money would be better spent on other things.

Quoted from O in Virginia

I get plenty of oils/fats in my diet, and my nails are very shiny.  The ridges are quite pronounced, but only on some nails, not all of them.  You know, I always get these things that indicate "thyroid issues", but when I ask my MD to check thyroid function I always get a "thyroid normal" result from the blood test.

Have you checked you TSH in comparison to your T3? A (very) high TSH with a low(er) T3 (but within normal range) is also an indication that something is not right.

Quoted from Spring

Yes, I suspect some sort of thyroid deficiency myself but the test results always come back normal. I have a normal low body temp consistently--to the point of feeling extremely cold sometimes and feel much better if I use iodine.

My body temp runs slightly low, too.  How do you use iodine?  Is iodized salt sufficient?

Quoted from SandrAruba

Have you checked you TSH in comparison to your T3? A (very) high TSH with a low(er) T3 (but within normal range) is also an indication that something is not right.

I didn't even know to ask for such a thing.     I will make a note of it, thank you.

Quoted from Andrea AWsec

Gut health will fix the nails, A's have SIBO and the nutrients  get eaten up by the bad bacteria

Correcting it is simple, Dr. D makes targeted supplements just for this purpose.

Taking both  supplements is probably unnecessary.
  Money would be better spent on other things.

I'm happy with my supplements so I will be sticking with them. A blanket statement like that about A's is rather extreme. I have been taking probiotics, as I have already mentioned, for over twenty-five years, I have no "bloating," or any of those other "gut" symptoms.  I have been on one type or other of Dr. D.s diets since 1999. So, apart from this present allergy complication, I am doing very well considering my age!   What I am counting on now is SWAMI, and Dr. D.'s hard work with that to fix the nail problem. We will see.

My body temp runs slightly low, too.  How do you use iodine?  Is iodized salt sufficient? O in V

I just paint it on my arm somewhere. Whatever comes up on the applicator after the bottle is shaken works for me. People who eat a lot of salt probably get enough, but I have never been fond of salt so I don't eat very much of it. I understand that commercial products are not salted with iodized salt in a lot of cases.

Quoted from Spring

My body temp runs slightly low, too.  How do you use iodine?  Is iodized salt sufficient? O in V

I just paint it on my arm somewhere. Whatever comes up on the applicator after the bottle is shaken works for me. People who eat a lot of salt probably get enough, but I have never been fond of salt so I don't eat very much of it. I understand that commercial products are not salted with iodized salt in a lot of cases.

Someone posted recently about using iodine in the way you describe, with a link to a method to test if you're iodine deficient.  I thought that was interesting, but I haven't tried it yet.  I don't even have any iodine in the house.  If I can remember to pick some up next time I'm in the drugstore I will.  I just bought some iodiezed sea salt today.  I like salt so that may suffice for me.  

O in Va, just regular old Morton salt has 45% of the "daily value" in 1/4 teas.   So, you're right, it might be just fine for you. I wonder if your sea salt gives the amount in it. I read somewhere that a person only absorbs about 10 per cent of iodine painted on the skin. It makes me feel better to do it now and then because I don't get a lot from any source. If it takes longer than four or five hours for the iodine to absorb, I feel like I'm doing all right. I have seen it disappear in less than three! So I paint another day or two to "catch up."

someplace I read that there is something in the salt that hinders the iodine.  Try googleing I want to say I've read it in the Live Right Book. (out on loan) but I really can't be sure. It was stated on a thread you might find info there.

Most iodized salt contains corn-based dextrose to "glue together" the iodine and the salt. Corn is an avoid for Os. I never buy iodized salt, although I do buy sea salt that contains some iodine (far less than iodized salt, though) and I use sea vegetables regularly in cooking. Seaweeds are a good source of iodine, much better than iodized salt.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

Most iodized salt contains corn-based dextrose to "glue together" the iodine and the salt. Corn is an avoid for Os. I never buy iodized salt, although I do buy sea salt that contains some iodine (far less than iodized salt, though) and I use sea vegetables regularly in cooking. Seaweeds are a good source of iodine, much better than iodized salt.

Argh!!     Naturally, I just bought some iodized sea salt as I had run out of my regular sea salt.  Well, anyway, I also have some dried seaweed.  I'm just trying to figure out how I want to eat it.

Spring, maybe I will try the iodine painting exercise to see how quickly it is taken up by skin.  It will be interesting.

This is a great topic...
My nails are still neither here nor there...
But, I started taking flax seeds and sesame seeds one teaspoon every day. It has been a week now. And the results are not as I want them to be-read as : I'm very impatient!
I'm also thinking of taking fish oil. Before the BTD and GTD my nails were non existing.
So I guess I have to patient?!

Healing takes time. When talking about nail health, it generally takes at least a month to see improvement, sometimes 2 or 3 months. That's because nails  grow so slowly.

Are the flax and sesame seeds ground when you eat them? If you're eating the seeds whole, you may not be able to use the good fats found inside them.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

Healing takes time. When talking about nail health, it generally takes at least a month to see improvement, sometimes 2 or 3 months. That's because nails  grow so slowly.

Are the flax and sesame seeds ground when you eat them? If you're eating the seeds whole, you may not be able to use the good fats found inside them.

Yeah, it just danwed on me. I was eating the seeds whole. I'll start eating them grounded. Thanks.

I have ridges and no moons...is that bad? I'm O- and am new to this and am not even sure what a secretor is yet...guess i'll learn all this in good time.

Quoted from Brimstone

I have ridges and no moons...is that bad? I'm O- and am new to this and am not even sure what a secretor is yet...guess i'll learn all this in good time.

Welcome, and you might find some good basics here.

http://www.dadamo.com/knowbase/newbie/1.htm

I have vertically-ridged nails. I read somewhere that it has to do with the stomach not being able to produce enough hydrochloric acid. This is typical of blood type A's.
I suspect that this is the reason that drinking coffee, having a little more salt in the diet is good for us. They stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid. However, nothing I have tried so far has helped.

Oh, I almost forgot. I have been taking probiotics, cod liver oil and silica liquid, as well as following the BTD, for several years. I'm feeling very well but I still have the ridges.

Can someone tell me if krill oil is good for Type A's?