Why Do My Nails Keep Chipping/Splitting? (2024)

Frustrated by Nails that Split, Chip or Break? Here's How to Strengthen Them Naturally

If you're one of the many who find themselves frustrated with splitting, chipping, or brittle nails, you're not alone. Our nails often mirror our body's internal health, and when they're struggling, it can signal that our nails need a little more care and attention. In this article, we'll explore why nails become weak and brittle and what steps you can take to promote stronger, healthier nails. 💅🏼

Common Reasons for Splitting and Chipping Nails

Several factors can contribute to nail brittleness, many of which are related to lifestyle habits, nutrition, or environmental exposure.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Like skin and hair, nails require certain nutrients to stay strong and resilient. Lacking essential vitamins or minerals—such as biotin, vitamin C, iron, and zinc—can lead to splitting and breakage. Biotin, in particular, is a potent B vitamin known for strengthening keratin, the protein that makes up our nails. Low iron levels may lead to thin or spoon-shaped nails, while vitamin C helps produce collagen to support nail strength.

2. Frequent Moisture and Dryness Cycles

Nails are porous, so they expand when they absorb water and contract as they dry. Repeating this process, as with frequent hand washing, dishwashing, or exposure to cleaning products, weakens nails over time, leading to peeling and chipping.

3. Harsh Chemicals and Nail Products

Regular nail polish removers containing acetone or harsh cleaning agents can strip nails of their natural oils and moisture, making them brittle. Even certain nail polishes contain chemicals that dry out nails, causing further damage.

4. Age

As we age, our nails naturally lose moisture and strength. Aging nails may become thinner, drier, and more prone to breakage. Keeping them well-moisturised and nourished becomes increasingly important over time.

5. Underlying Health Conditions

Sometimes, persistent nail issues can signal underlying health concerns. Conditions such as thyroid imbalances, anaemia, or psoriasis can weaken nails. Consulting a healthcare provider may be beneficial if you've tried multiple remedies without improvement.

6. Environmental Exposure

Exposure to extreme temperatures, whether cold, dry air in winter or sun exposure in summer, can dehydrate nails, making them more brittle and prone to splitting.

How to Improve Nail Health and Prevent Splitting and Chipping

Empower yourself by understanding the causes of nail weakness, which is the first step toward healthier nails. Here are some tips to help strengthen and protect them.

1. Focus on Nutrition

- Biotin: Consider biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, beef organs/beef organ supplements and whole grains. A multi-organs supplement is one of the best and most natural multivitamins available and it's 100% pure, natural and bioavailable, much more than a synthetic Biotin supplement! Same goes for iron supplements etc.

- Iron: Include iron-rich foods like lean meats, organ meat/organ meat supplements in your diet. Low iron levels are often linked to nail weakness. Plant iron (non-heme) is not as bioavailable or effective as iron that comes from meat and beef organs (heme iron).

- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (you can find these in fatty fish like cod liver oil/cod liver oil supplements and skate liver oil capsules)

- Protein:Hydrolyzed collagen is a powerful supplement for improving nail health. Collagen is a protein that provides structure to our skin, hair, and nails. When collagen is hydrolyzed, it’s broken down into smaller, more absorbable peptides, making it easier for the body to use.

Incorporating hydrolyzed collagen can help nails grow stronger, faster, and less prone to splitting or breaking. This is because collagen supports the body’s natural keratin production, which is essential for nail strength. Regular collagen intake can improve nail thickness, boost growth rates, and reduce breakage, especially for those with brittle nails.

Studies have shown that daily collagen supplementation leads to noticeably healthier, more resilient nails within weeks. It’s an effective, natural way to give your nails the support they need to stay strong and beautiful.

Deep Nutrition

If you're having issues with nail breakage (chipping, peeling or splitting), you may be lacking some other vital nutrientsin your diet (potentially), that help nails to be strong and not chip/split.

Healthy, strong nails require a variety of nutrients to promote growth, prevent brittleness, and enhance resilience. Here are the key nutrients in more depth that support nail health:

1.Biotin(Vitamin B7): Enhances keratin structure, which is essential for strong nails, and helps prevent breakage and splitting. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains Biotin/B7).

2.Protein: Nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. Adequate protein intake supports nail growth and strength. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains protein and as mentioned, the Perfect Hydrolyzed collagen is a fantastic source of protein. If you're looking for protein on the go, you might also like the Fibre Boost Protein bars (in many delicious flavours).

3.Iron: Supports oxygen transportation to the nail matrix; low iron levels can lead to brittle or concave nails. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains iron).

4.Zinc: Crucial for cell division and growth, zinc deficiency can cause white spots on nails and slow growth. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains zinc).

5.Vitamin E: Promotes nail health by improving circulation to the nail bed and providing antioxidant protection. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains vitamin E).

6.Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen production, which supports the nail structure and helps prevent hangnails and brittleness. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains vitamin C).

7.Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Hydrate and nourish the nail bed, helping prevent dry, brittle nails. (Acai is a great source of omega-3 and so is fatty fish likeskate liver oil).

8.Calcium: Contributes to nail hardness, though protein intake is also necessary for proper absorption and strength. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains calcium).

9.Magnesium: Involved in protein synthesis, magnesium deficiency can lead to vertical ridges on nails. (OurMulti-organssupplement contains magnesium).

So as you can see, our Beef Multi-organs supplement can give you that extra nutrition that may help to build your nail health and make them strong and healthy in combination with the collagen. This supplement is specifically formulated to provide a rich source of the key nutrients that support nail health.

I would suggest trying this for a while (at least 3 months) and gaugeresults. If you still find after that you need extra support, you can try the silica capsules.

Silica can also be great for buildingnail strength. Our silica capsules are designed to provide a concentrated dose of this beneficial mineral, which is known for its role in promoting strong, healthy nails. You might like our blog about thishere: We also stock silica capsuleshere.

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamins-for-nails

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended purely as information, not health advice. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure, and one should always seek expert advice from their trusted health practitioner.

Why Do My Nails Keep Chipping/Splitting? (2024)
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