6 Main Reasons of Vertical Streaks on Your Nails

6 Main Reasons Why Vertical Streaks May Appear on Your Nails

Today I want to talk about the health of your nails. In particular, we will discuss why vertical stripes may appear on them.

If you look closely at your nails, you will see small lines running from the base to the tips. This is normal, but sometimes these lines can become larger and more noticeable. This change in nail texture can be a sign of a health problem.

In this article, we will look at the possible causes of these protrusions based on scientific data and their connection with the general condition of our body.

Many of you may think that this is a minor issue, but in fact, our nails can provide us with valuable information about our health. Let’s dive into this topic and learn more!

Warning:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

The author is not a doctor and does not recommend self-medication or using unproven treatment methods. I remind you that contacting a doctor and following the recommendations of evidence-based medicine are the only correct solution in the fight against various diseases.

Additional sources of information used to write the article will be indicated in the pinned comment. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Interesting facts:

Our nails are inextricably linked to various parts of the body – nerves, blood vessels and bone marrow. When the body does not work quite right, alarming signs often appear on the nails.

Changes in texture, color, or shape can indicate nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. If we ignore these early signs, more serious problems can arise later.

Let’s look at some common causes of vertical grooves on nails. Consider which of them may be related to your lifestyle so you can identify the source of the problem and take appropriate action.

1. Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. An estimated 1.62 billion people are iron deficient.

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When iron levels in the body drop, red blood cells cannot effectively deliver oxygen to your nails, skin, and other tissues.

This disorder can cause the tissues of the nail bed to shrink and compress, resulting in deep vertical grooves in the nails.

In addition to these external signs, iron deficiency may also cause other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, pale skin, restlessness in the legs, and shortness of breath.

Many women lose significant amounts of iron during their menstrual cycle. Iron deficiency can also be caused by frequent blood donations. People who follow a plant-based diet may not get enough iron-rich foods.

To increase your iron levels, eat more beef, oysters, lentils, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. If your iron stores are depleted, you may want to consider taking supplements under the guidance of a nutritionist.

2. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Now let’s talk about another important nutrient that is directly related to oxygen circulation and nail health: vitamin B12. This vitamin has many important functions in the body. It helps form red blood cells, supports the nervous system, and is involved in DNA synthesis.

Low levels of vitamin B12 can damage nerves, preventing normal neurological communication with the nail matrix, the area where nails grow. This, in turn, leads to decreased blood and oxygen flow to the nail tissue, which in turn causes pronounced vertical ridges to appear on the nails.

Vegans and vegetarians are especially at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency because it is found primarily in animal products. Other risk factors include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, certain medications, and pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12 from food.

Anyone at risk of deficiency is advised to take it in the form of methylcobalamin, doctors say. Nutritional yeast fortified with vitamin B12 may also be helpful.

Now that we’ve covered the two main nutrient deficiencies, let’s discuss some other potential causes of vertical ridges on your nails. As we move on to the next step, consider how your lifestyle may be inadvertently affecting the texture of your nails.

3. Thyroid dysfunction

Research shows that ridges on nails are often associated with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. This gland plays an important role in regulating many processes in our bodies, including metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and nail growth.

When the level of thyroid hormones in the body decreases, it can lead to various symptoms such as dry skin and hair, weight gain, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Additionally, changes in the texture of the nails are a common sign of hypothyroidism.

There are several main causes of hypothyroidism, including autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, inflammation, and certain medications. Blood tests can measure levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine) to determine if thyroid dysfunction is the cause of nail changes.

To naturally balance your thyroid, it is important to manage stress, limit inflammatory foods, exercise regularly, and possibly take iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D as directed by your doctor and in accordance with your lab results.

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4. Chronic stress

Chronic stress is another hidden factor that can negatively affect nail growth and cause vertical stripes.

When we experience prolonged stress and anxiety, our adrenal glands produce large amounts of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol has many health consequences, especially when too much of it is released.

Cortisol inhibits the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients needed for healthy nails, such as biotin, zinc, and methionine. It also impairs thyroid function and constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to the nail bed.

High cortisol levels also promote oxidative stress and accelerate aging. Nails, being a visible part of the body, are often the first place to notice signs of aging.

If you feel that emotional stress is getting out of control and you notice grooves on your nails, it is important to take steps to relax. Try relaxation techniques, positive thinking, and counseling to help you cope with stress.

5. Poor digestion

The next reason has to do with the absorption of nutrients, not their consumption. Even if we eat a lot of foods rich in iron and vitamin B12, if our digestive system is not working properly, these nutrients may not be absorbed properly.

Signs of poor digestion include acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and irregular bowel movements. These symptoms indicate problems with stomach acid production and enzyme activity. When our stomach acid and enzymes are not working well, we are unable to break down and absorb minerals like iron and vitamins like B12.

To improve nail health, it is important to improve digestion, and your doctor will tell you how to do this.

6. Nail injury due to biting

Finally, let’s discuss the consequences that can result from physical damage to your nails and cuticles.

Regular nail biting can lead to the destruction of the nail plate and changes in the texture of the nail. When we bite and tear the cuticle, we damage the protective layer that protects the growth center of the nail. This opens the way for bacteria and viruses to penetrate, which can cause inflammation.

The pressure created by biting can also damage the nerves under the nail. As is known, nerve problems affect the blood flow to the nail tissue, which can cause changes such as growths, streaks, etc.

To break the nail-biting habit, it’s important to understand what triggers it, like stress. Replace the habit with a relaxing activity that will help you take your mind off it. Some experts also say bandages and bitter-tasting nail polish can be helpful in discouraging the urge to bite

Let’s summarize what has been written:

We have looked at six of the most common causes that can lead to the formation of abnormal vertical stripes on the nails. Among them:

• Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency;
• Thyroid dysfunction;
• High cortisol levels;
• Digestive problems;
• Nail biting.

While they may seem minor at first glance, they actually indicate deeper imbalances in the body that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems.

By paying attention to your nails and making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can help restore their normal growth and structure. Your nails, like the “alarm in a coal mine,” are an early warning sign of potential health problems.

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on what might be causing vertical stripes on your nails, please let us know in the comments. Remember, taking care of yourself is the key to good health!

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Additional sources of information used to write this article:

[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24459-ridges-in-nails

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/ridges-in-fingernails

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319867

[4] https://www.news-medical.net/health/Longitudinal-Ridging.aspx

[5] https://www.news-medical.net/health/Potential-Causes-of-Longitudinal-Ridging.aspx

[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/nails/faq-20058541