What causes ridges in fingernails

[Suzi]

I have only just begun eating raw. It has been about 3 weeks and I have eaten a few non raw things. I did however give up sugar and junk food back in November. I have noticed that my fingernails have reallly deep ridges on some fingers. They have always kind of been this way but it has gotten worse lately. Is there some nutrient that I am missing?
Thanks,
Suzi :)

[RawTruth]

I haven't the slightest idea, Suzi. But, if you eat a variety of fresh produce over a longer period of time, I'm sure they will heal.

Congratulations on being raw ... and finding this forum. I hope you'll explore the threads and different "conversations" and journals. There's a wealth of support here.

[Pailani]

If it's growing with the nail, then I would think that what you're seeing is from more than 3 weeks ago. I would think that dietary changes would show up in the nails only after a few months (how long does it take nails to grow?) So the defiency might be from pre-raw, and not a result of raw.

[Pink_Berry]

it's linked with certain vitamin/mineral dificencies.
i think one of them is calcium but im not 100% sure, but i do remember reading about this on another board... just never got to interesed in the whole discussion.. oops.

i hope someone steps in soon and gives us some details :)

after 2 years raw, 1 year basically 100%... i have developed some ridges in my finger nails to... not to deep tho... along with some white little dots..which i know is calcium deficency... yay!

[VeganVixen]

I heard that the oh so controversial b 12 can deficient in your body if you see ridges in your nails ....JUST REPEATING WHAT IVE HEARD ,maybe you should take a vegan supplement?

[Allison]

I posted this same question about a month ago. Here's the link, if I did this right:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2724&highlight=ridges+fingernails

[angelandarose]

I have ridges in my fingernails too but I noticed this over a year ago after I took off some Porcelain nails, I was no where near raw then. I do have a deep gouge in one that actually looks like it's healing. IF it is I attribute it to eating raw. ;) I do think the over all strength of my nails is improving. I've only been raw 2 1/2 months so I know the more I stick with this the better and better everything will get including my nails.

Love,
Angie

[AubreyG]

The ridges in my nails started to go away with the more collagen type veggies I ate: cucumbers, celery, and the like. You might look into this. Dunno if it works for everyone, but works for me!

[Texicalian]

I've had this problem since I was a teenager (and am hoping a raw diet will eventually help). According to Phyllis Balch (Prescription for Nutrtional Healing), it could be a deficiency in B vitamins or iron. Are the ridges vertical or horizontal? She says horizontal lines can occur from severe stress, physical or psychological.

[Tina]

Hi everyone, I am a licensed nail technician and thought I can shed some light on your nail concerns. There are several types of common nail disorders but two types which you may be referring to, are either Furrows or Onychorrhexis. I've additionally, provided information on discolored nails.

Furrows or corrugations are long ridges that run either lenghtwise or across the nail. Some lengthwise ridges are normal in adult nails, and they increase with age. Lenthwise ridges can also be caused by conditions such as psoriasis, poor circulation, and frostbite. Ridges or grooves that run across the nail can be caused by conditions such as injury or high fever, pregnancy, measles in childhood, and zinc deficiency in the body.

Onychorrhexis refers to split or brittle nails that also have a series of lengthwise ridges. It can be caused by injury to the fingers, excessive use of cuticle solvents, nail polish removers, and careless, rough filing.

Discolored nails are a condition in which the nails turn a variety of colors including yellow, blue, blue-grey, green, red and purple. Discoloration can be caused by poor blood circulation, a heart condition, or topical or oral medications. It may also indicate the presence of a systemic disorder.

Hope this helps.

[Suzi]

Thank you everyone for the tips. I think the raw diet will probably improve my nails. I always avoided meat and dairy in the past, but wasn't really replacing it with the right things. Also, I have been nursing for 7 years now! My older son nursed for 3 years and I had a 6 month break and then my second son was born. He is 3 1/2 and still nursing. He has been going through chemotherapy for childhood cancer and I am so glad he is still nursing. Actually he just finished his chemo 2 wks ago. Yeah! Thanks!
Suzi :o