For a long time my nails were so thin and weak that they hardly grew. And since I've been on the guai my nails are growing long and very strong. But I've noticed that lately they are getting really ridgy... the ridges run from nail bed to nail tip. My nails used to be smooth but now they look kind of like cardboard when you try to bend it round. I kind of remember something about some lack of nutrient or something that makes things happen to nails like this. Does anyone know?

Thanks

(grh)

Hope you can figure it out Shelley. Mine have had ridges for years. Didn't some one mention a thyroid connection?

Hey, Miss Shelley.

My nails are brittle, crack easily from the sides and very ridgy...I've been wondering too, what causes nails to be like this so I am glad you asked. How are you doing?

Patti

Long ridges on fingernails is a common sign of hypothyroidism. Don't remember where that info came from but my nails now have them too. Do you have hypothryoidism?

Yes, being hypothyroid can cause this...and I think I remember it also being associated with chronic illness...mine have ridges...and I am hypothyroid.

Well it's been a few years since I've been tested for thyroid problems, but I've always tested perfect in range. There was a time when my hair was falling out by the handfuls and my skin was super dry, the docs tested me for hypothyroid and it was right in range. The couple of websites I looked at said that having weak or brittle nails were associated with hypothyroid but maybe I should have another look see and just see what it says. I read on a couple of websites that being anemic can cause vertical ridging. I had trouble with that before my partial hysterectomy but maybe I need some more iron. I also read that endocrine problems can also cause ridging... so ??? But that was a much more vague type of website and the others were more medical websites so ...?
I sure wish I came with an instructional manual. I also need one for each kid.
It's funny homeschooling my kids. I seriously don't know how teachers can teach so many different kids....I have my hands full teaching to my two boys that have VERY different learning styles. Like my 12 yr Zach...he is dyslexic and usually is the one that is slower to grasp concepts. But the last 3 days I have been trying and trying to teach a multiplication concept to Nathan (9) and I was just not getting through to him. And he is usually Mr. Zippy with getting things. And I had to just find the right "key" words to unlock the mystery for him....it took me 3 days but the light went on today. whew. Where as Zach had no trouble understanding this particular concept at all. Funny. How do teachers do it with all those kids and all those different learning styles....? :wacko: :blink:
Well I sure went off on a tangent didn't I? ooops

(grh)

Shelley, vertical ridging can be caused by a multiple of things, and is not considered a medical concern. Horizontal ridges exp if there is clubbing of the fingers is serious though as it is indicating heart issues.

Any illness, disease, stress or just aging can cause the vertical ridges, a bit like fatigue can indicate a multiple disorders :) HTH's

If I remember reading correctly, I think it is either Vit D deficiency, or Zind that can caused ridged nails.. I will have too go through my vitamin deficiency paper ( if I can find it ) that my naturopath gave me, and see if my memory serves me correct..