Constructed of hard proteins such as keratin, the nails form a protective sheath over the sensitive nerve-filled endings of fingers and toes, insulating them from trauma, or daily dings. Otherwise, accidentally stubbing a toe or jamming a finger could lead to more serious injury of this sensitive tissue, aside from smarting a lot more.

Nails also enable us to pick up small objects (with our fingers, anyway). And, without fingernails, how would you tame an itch? There's no doubt about it -- nails are, indeed, useful, and, as tough as they may appear to be, they need a bit of protection from us.

Nutritional nail rescue

Your nails know, and tell, a lot about you and your state of health. Dry, brittle fingernails can be a sign of a vitamin A deficiency. Dryness, combined with ridges, may indicate a lack of B vitamins, and curved nail ends, or darkening of the nail, may mean you need more vitamin B-12. Splitting and cracking nails signal a lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (this is especially implied if you also have seasonal allergies). If you develop a fungus around the cuticle or in the nail bed, it may mean that you don't have enough "friendly" intestinal bacteria working for you, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacteria bifidum. And, finally, insufficient protein, vitamin C, and folic acid may be suggested if you have frequent hangnails. If any of these conditions are present, you may want to consult a dermatologist or nutritionist to help correct any imbalances.

Other nutrients have also been shown to be key players in improving the condition of the nails. Biotin, a water-soluble member of the B-complex group of vitamins, can help increase the thickness of the nail plate in those who complain of having brittle nails. In one Swiss study, 63 percent of 35 adults given daily biotin supplementation showed clinical improvement in their nail structure. Biotin is naturally produced in the intestines, as well as being obtained from foods. While deficiency in biotin is somewhat rare, it sometimes occurs in individuals taking a long-term regimen of antibiotics, or those on a calorie-restricted diet for a considerable length of time.

Studies have revealed that silicon is also critical for healthy nails. In fact, the highest concentration of silicon in the body is found in connective tissue, such as skin and nails. Silicon is found in leafy, green plants and in several grains, but usually in insoluble form. Since silicon is eliminated from the body at a rate of 10-40 mg every day, and overall levels tend to decline with age, supplementation is one way to ensure that you're getting enough. Horsetail is a good herbal source of silicon, although primary-source silicon is also good, some of which features orthosilicic acid.

Real solutions for problem nails

The best course of action for problem nails is to stick to a diet low in fat and high in fiber. And, even healthy nails are better off without being subjected to harsh synthetic hardeners, polishes, and polish removers. These chemical-laden products can be harsh on nails and even result in allergy or chemical sensitivity. In fact, the nail absorbs chemicals faster than does the skin. For a natural conditioning treatment, soak your nails in 1/2 cup of warm olive oil or vinegar with a few drops of essential oil, depending on your particular needs.

In addition, there are several natural alternatives to synthetic nail products available in health food stores, such as nail butters, organic polish removers, and even semi-organic colored polishes.

Essential Oil Guide:

To strengthen nails: horsetail, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary

To soften: evening primrose, carrot, calendula, papaya enzyme

For infections: tea tree, thyme, myrrh, oregano

March 3-5: Nutracon 2004. Anaheim, CA.This tradeshow and conference is for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutrition industry. Contact: Customer Service, New Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: tradeshows@newhope.com. Website: www.nutraconference.com.

March 4: Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace 2004. Anaheim, CA. This tradeshow and conference is for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutrition industry. Contact: Customer Service, New Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: tradeshows@newhope.com. Website: www.expowest.com/organic.cfm.

March 4-7: Natural Products Expo West 2004. Anaheim, CA. This tradeshow and conference is for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutrition industry. Contact: Customer Service, New Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: tradeshows@newhope.com. Website: www.expowest.com.

March 5: Biodiversity and Conservation in Texas Lecture Series: The Last Great Habitat - Biodiversity of South Texas. Austin, TX. Part of a free series of seven lectures organized by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this lecture will be led by Fred Bryant, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M-Kingsville. Ph: 512/292-4200. Website: www.wildflower.org.

March 5-7: SupplyExpo 2004. Anaheim, CA. This tradeshow and conference is for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the health & nutrition industry. Contact: Customer Service, New Hope Natural Media. Ph: 866/458-4935. E-mail: tradeshows@newhope.com. Website: www.supplyexpo.com.

March 6: Herb Gardening and Uses—For Busy People. Ft. Meyers, FL. Sponsored by the ECHO Hamlet Herb Trust, this day of herb education will include a silent auction, garden tours, and more. Ph: 239/543-3246. Fax: 239/543-5317. E-mail: echo@echonet.org. Website: www.echonet.org.

March 10: Garlic: 2004 Herb of the Year. Round Top, TX. This all day (10-3) lecture/demonstration course will celebrate garlic, loved around the world for its contribution to good food flavors and the health of many people. Fondly known as the “Stinking Rose”, we will explore cultivation, harvest and methods of preserving garlic as well as taste great new recipes. Includes buffet luncheon, printed materials, tastings, and/or Festival Hill Plant Treasures. Cost: $60.00 per person, including tax and gratuity. Contact: Gwen Barclay, The International Festival-Institute, P.O. Box 89, Round Top, Texas 78954-0089. Ph: 979/249-5283 (for reservations), 979/248-3129 (general office, for accommodations and tours). Fax: 979/249-3828. E-mail: gwenbarclay_herbs@hotmail.com. Website: www.festivalhill.org.

March 11-13: Nutrition and Health: State of the Science & Clinical Applications. Tucson, AZ. Co-sponsored by the University of Arizona and Columbia University, this conference will provide an overview and practical summary of the latest information on nutrition and health, as well as the scientific basis for the integration of food and medicine in order to practice preventive and therapeutic nutritional medicine. Ph: 520/626-7832. Website: http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu.

March 14-19: Rutgers University's Short Courses in Biotechnology "Biochemical Separations: An Introduction to Laboratory Techniques." New Brunswick, NJ. A two day lecture/demonstration course that will acquaint participants with the wide range of modern techniques available for separating and purifying biomolecules. Contact: Randy Ward; Dept. of Biochemistry and Microbiology; Cook College, Rutger's University; 716 Lipman Dr.; New Brunswick, NJ 08901. E-mail: wward@aesop.rutgers.edu. Website: www.rci.rutgers.edu/~meton/protein.html.

March 15: Abstract Submission Deadline for the First Annual Research Symposium on Energetic and Spiritual Processes of Healing. Colorado Springs, CO. This international event will bring scientists interested in the far-reaching role of energy and spirit in healing together to present their work and connect with others. The one-day meeting will be composed of peer-reviewed scientific presentations and posters on completed or ongoing research. Abstracts may be submitted for oral or poster presentations. Areas for consideration encompass clinical, animal, and in vitro research on energy and spiritual healing; energetic aspects of specific modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, flower essences, and manual therapies; innovations in designs for observational or clinical studies; placebo studies; prayer studies; measurement/detection studies; and methodological advances, including assessment of patient-centered outcomes. Please contact NCNM for further abstract submission guidelines. Contact: Lizzie Woodburn. E-mail: research@ncnm.org. Website: www.issseesm.org.