How to determine the health of your liver, thyroid and lungs by looking at your nails

Yellow stained nails are more common that you think. While they can be easily hidden with a quick coat of nail polish, they can often be a sign of deeper health issues.

If your natural nails have seen better days, and developed a yellow tint, try out these natural remedies to ensure your putting your best nails forward!

What Causes Yellow Nails?

Commonly, yellow nails are caused by nail polishes, with darker polish taking a larger toll on your nails. Nail polishes stain your nails with leftover dyes, and therefore, the easiest solution is to use a base coat to act as a barrier. Not only will a base coat increase the life and prevent nail polish chips, but it also helps to seal and protect your nail plates from unwanted staining.

The next biggest cause of yellow nails is the tar and nicotine from cigarettes. Beyond the detrimental health problems that smoking causes, it will turn your nails an unappetizing off-yellow color – yet another reason to kick that nasty habit!

If you are neither a smoker nor wear nail polish and still have yellow nails, there could be medical factors at play. Dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger says,”Fungal infection is one of the most common causes of yellow nails. Other symptoms include flaking and peeling of the nail, along with an unpleasant odor. As the infection worsens, the nail bed could retract, causing nails to thicken and crumble.” To add, “A change in the color of your nails can also be a sign of something more serious. Thyroid, liver and lung diseases can all cause yellowing of the nails, as well as nutritional deficiencies like low iron or zinc.”

There are many types of fungi that can affect nails, with the bacterial potential to infect the nail bed and results in yellow-colored nails. Skip over-the-counter solutions and head straight to a dermatologist to seek sound medical attention. That way, you’ll assure yourself a more suitable treatment plan.

Fixing Yellow Nails, Naturally!

On top of taking a proactive approach (using a base coat and/or quitting smoking), keep these tricks up your sleeve.

Lemon Juice

Soaking your nails in lemon juice gets rid of yellow stains. To do this, soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the result.

Peroxide and Baking Soda

Directions

Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2-1/2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl.
Next, using a cotton swab, cover your entire fingernail in the thick paste.
Leave the mixture on for three minutes, then thoroughly rinse your nails. This treatment should be repeated every six to eight weeks until you are satisfied with the results!

Tea Tree Oil

If your nails are yellowing due to a fungus-related infection, tea tree oil is the best home remedy to try. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that help fight infection and restore your nails to your natural color.

To use tea tree oil, apply pure tea tree oil to your nail beds using an eye dropper. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice daily until you see improvement.

Light Buffing

The top layer of your nails if where the stains are, therefore, by buffing your nails you will get rid of the top-stained layer. However, while this method may work, it is not recommended due to its likelihood of weakening your nail strength. If you do choose to buff your nails, be sure to use a clear strengthening polish afterward to avoid unwanted damage.

Nail Salon Visit

If all else fails, see this as an opportunity to treat yourself and get a professional salon manicure. Ambassador and Educator of FingerNailFixer, Holly Schippers says, “Usually, there’s a thin film of transparent tissue covering the nail plate, this is the cuticle. Most times, simply having a great salon manicure in which the tech knows the difference between cuticle and eponychium can solve the problem, as when they remove the cuticle the stain goes with it.”