Fingernail Colors

Ever wondered about the signs you see displaying on your fingernails? If you are curious about some of these things, this post should give you some clues where to look.

COLORS

Yes, fingernails DO develop colors, and sometimes the colors can form in patterns! What do these things mean? They actually DO represent other health conditions or weaknesses that might be present in your body! Some examples are:

• White nails may indicate a circulation problem, anemia, liver or kidney problems.
• White spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency or anemia.
• White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease, possible heart disease high fever or arsenic poisoning.
• A half-white nail with dark spots on the tip may indicate a possible kidney disease.
• White nails with a dark band at the end may indicate a serious illness.
• White nails with pink tips may indicate liver problems.
• White square nails may indicate hormonal disorders.
• Pale nails usually indicates poor circulation or anemia.
• Yellow nails can indicate chronic bronchitis, problems with the lymph system, diabetes or liver disorders. Nail polish can also yellow nails.
• Green nails may indicate a bacterial infection.
• Deep blue nail beds may indicate pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• Red skin at the bottom of the nail may indicate circulatory or connective tissue disorder.
• Red "splinters" in the nails may be tiny hemorrhages of the capillaries in the nail bed caused by liver trouble or psoriasis.
• Red-brown pitted spots and frayed and split ends usually indicate psoriasis; Vitamin C, folic acid, and protein are needed.
• Dark streaks across the nail may indicate an under-active adrenal gland.
• Pink half moons usually indicate Candida or parasites in the bowel.
• If the white moon area of the nail turns red, it may indicate heart problems; if it turns blue, then it usually indicates overexposure to silver or lung trouble.

For more information at changes in the nail surface, be sure to get signed up on our e-newsletter and look for the June issue to be sent! If you are not on our email list already, send your request to be added to robinsherbshop@gmail.com .

*Info is an excerpt from ©Footprints On the Path, 2009 edition.

Potassium

The human body needs potassium. The heart needs it, the kidneys need it, reproductive processes need it,... and yet, many of us do not get enough of it. If we all ate a healthy diet constantly, we would likely consume enough potassium to satisfy our needs. However, the call of the fast food industry and processed microwavable meals is frequently more temptation than a lot of people can resist.

What symptoms might be telling you to increase your potassium intake?

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irritability
• Abnormally dry skin
• Insatiable thirst
• Chills
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Periodic headaches
• Constipation
• Glucose intolerance
• Edema
• High cholesterol
• Impaired growth

The average adult needs approximately 4,700mg of potassium daily.

What foods can provide potassium?

• Bananas
• Avocados
• Nuts, like almonds and peanuts
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy, green vegetables
• Milk
• Potatoes

As good as these are, boiling and other cooking methods can actually destroy the potassium content, rendering the food "empty."

There are medications and habits/choices that actually deplete the body of potassium, too. Certain diuretics cause the body to lose potassium through fluid removal. Excessive use of laxatives can do this as well. Alcoholism, anorexia, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, influenza, and many other conditions also can contribute to potassium deficiency symptoms.

It is wise to consult your doctor and become educated about your body's needs. Then look for a supplement or dietary change that can improve your personal situation and give you that healthy glow that just plain feels good!