There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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You are working in the office and the heat is on, but your hands are cold. Unless you are outside during winter with no gloves or the air conditioning is cranking, your hands shouldn’t feel frigid. If this is a frequent feeling you experience, something more serious may be the root cause. 

There are many reasons that can indicate cold hands and fingertips. It may be a neurological, endocrine, or even cardiovascular issue, but it may also be a side effect of certain medications. If you have anemia, thyroid disease, nervous system disorders, lupus, or diabetes, you are more prone to having cold hands. An arterial blockage, for example, prevents blood from reaching certain points in the body, which may also induce coldness in the hands. If ever the hands start to go numb or experience pain as a result, then medical attention may be necessary. 

Diabetes

Reports say that up to 70% of American adults with diabetes experience neuropathy, or nerve damage. This can lead to uncomfortable sensations in the hands and feet. The feeling is often described as tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation. Sometimes, however, the condition can cause a stabbing or throbbing sensation. If diabetes is the issue, it’s beneficial to make dietary changes to help control blood sugar and weight. Regular exercise and healthy eating can help slow the progression or sensation of neuropathy.

Underactive Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid, which is a common cause of cold hands. The thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, slowing several of the body’s metabolic functions. This can make a person very sensitive to cold temperatures and cause other symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is easy to address and you shouldn’t neglect it. In most cases, taking synthetic thyroid hormone can help reverse the symptoms so you can feel normal again. 

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

One of the telltale signs of iron-deficiency anemia is cold hands, in addition to fatigue or shortness of breath. One of iron’s primary functions is to produce hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anemia means that there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body, making it difficult for the body to deliver oxygen everywhere. The last places to which blood travels are the extremities, i.e. the hands and feet. You may need to take iron supplements, but you can increase your iron intake by consuming certain foods. Click here for more information.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon, or Raynaud’s syndrome, is a condition that makes the hands feel cold. It causes blood vessels in the hands and fingers to constrict when a person feels stressed or cold, which reduces blood flow. The attacks of this condition tend to strike when a person experiences a rapid temperature shift. Most medical professionals say that it’s the most common cause of cold hands. A person can have the condition by itself, meaning it doesn’t have to occur because of another condition. Repetitive hand motions like typing or playing a musical instrument, or even using construction tools can cause this condition. To help remedy the Raynaud’s syndrome, you have to avoid the triggers that cause hands to become cold. Warm the hands whenever they do get cold and symptoms should subside within 15 minutes. 

You Take Certain Medications

It may seem like an odd reason to have cold hands, but starting a new medication can be the cause. Birth control pills, beta blockers, high blood pressure meds, migraine medications, or over-the-counter cold and allergy pills can trigger Raynaud’s syndrome. If you start new medication and experience cold hands, discuss changing the dosage or switching medications with your doctor. That may alleviate the problem, but if that’s not a viable option then do your best to warm your hands. 

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When people think of iron in relation to food, red meat and seafood come to mind, but these are not the only sources. Many plant-based foods, including legumes, vegetables, and nuts and seeds, all contain iron. Plant-based foods contain non-heme iron, while animal-based foods contain heme iron. Although the body can easily absorb heme iron, it is not essential to the human diet, according to surveys. 

Failure to consume a sufficient amount of iron can lead to shortness of breath, headaches, anemia, fatigue, or irritability. In regards to iron consumption, the recommendation for vegetarians is 1.8 times higher when compared to meat eaters. Iron is a key component of blood production, and the recommended daily intake (RDI) for the average adult is 18 milligrams (mg) per day.

In this article, we’ll detail the best iron-rich foods that vegetarians should eat. Continue reading to learn all about these excellent sources of iron.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, chard, collard greens, and beet greens all contain 2.5-6.4 mg of iron per cooked cup, on average. 100 grams of spinach contains 1.1 times more iron than the same amount of red meat and 2.2 times more than the same amount of salmon. Because raw leafy greens are very light, some people find it difficult to consume 100 grams. For this reason, nutritionists encourage people to cook and eat them for regular iron intake. 

Hearts Of Palm

Most people are familiar with this tropical vegetable in its canned form, but you can purchase it raw. Hearts of palm contain manganese, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, and a surprising amount of iron, with one cup containing about 26% of the RDI. Because hearts of palm are so versatile, it’s easy to incorporate them into your diet. 

Lentils

Lentils are excellent sources of iron, providing 37% of the RDI of iron per cooked cup. Additionally, their protein and fiber content makes them healthful food options. For instance, the same cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, in addition to complex carbs, folate, and manganese. 

Amaranth

Amaranth is a nutritious gluten-free grain that has recently gained popularity in the health world, despite its history as a staple food for millennia. In fact, amaranth was a primary source of nutrition for the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. One cooked cup of amaranth provides 5.17 mg of fiber and 9 grams of protein. Additionally, a 2012 research review found that amaranth exhibited anti-tumor effects and was able to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

Potatoes

This may come as a surprise to you, but potatoes contain significant amounts of iron, with the most concentrations in their skin. One large sweet potato contains about 12% of the RDI of iron, while a large Idaho potato offers 18% of the RDI. Because of their fiber content, many nutritionists recommend people include potatoes as part of a healthy diet. 

Seeds

Although seeds are small, they are mighty in regards to nutritional benefits. Pumpkin, hemp, sesame, and flax seeds are among the seeds with the highest iron content. On average, the iron content in two tablespoons of these seeds ranges from 7-23% of the RDI. Seeds are also rich in other important minerals like zinc, magnesium, and selenium, in addition to essential fatty acids. 

Nuts

From cashews and pine nuts to almonds and macadamias, nuts are great sources of non-heme iron. On average, one ounce of nuts contains between 6-9% of the RDI of iron. Similar to seeds, nuts are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Blanching or roasting nuts may diminish their nutritional content, so opt for raw varieties to get the most nutrients. 

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In today’s day and age, it’s normal for life to move at a hectic pace. Most people may ignore daytime sleepiness and attempt to counteract it by drinking more caffeine. The caffeine may work temporarily, but it inevitably wears off. There may be a more serious reason why your tank feels like it’s empty, though, even if you are well-rested. 

Fatigue is a common symptom of many health conditions. If you come down with the flu or a common cold, it’s normal to experience fatigue. General fatigue, however, is often attributed to nutritional deficiencies. As a matter of fact, vitamins and minerals play a role in metabolism, oxygen transport, and neurological functions. These actions are critical for optimal brain and muscular function. As a result, lacking in some of these nutrients can lead to a general feeling of fatigue. 

The most common reason that you would experience nutritional deficiencies is by consuming foods that are not nutritionally dense. Focus on healthy fats, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and an assortment of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes provide diverse nutrients that may prevent you from feeling tired. Make sure to consume the following nutrients if you feel more sluggish than usual. 

Vitamin D

Bone and muscle strength tend to decline when the body experiences a vitamin D deficit. One study monitored people with low vitamin D levels and they took vitamin D supplements for five weeks. The participants experienced an improvement in fatigue symptoms. Vitamin D is unique in that the body produces it when skin is in direct sunlight. There are not many natural food sources of it, but it does exist in various mushrooms. 

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a large role in the production and utilization of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary carrier of energy in cells. Each ATP molecule binds to a magnesium ion to create a biologically functional form. Magnesium works to regulate the activity of several enzymes, and it is a necessary component of energy production. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it has a lot to do with optimal cardiovascular function, protein synthesis, and blood sugar regulation. Click here to learn about excellent sources of magnesium.

Vitamin B12

In order for the body to produce healthy red blood cells, it needs a sufficient amount of vitamin B12. Low B12 levels make it difficult for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells can become compromised when there is not enough vitamin B12 in the diet. Often times, people don’t consume enough B12 via diet alone, so supplementation is often beneficial. Additionally, it’s harder for the body to absorb vitamin B12 as you get older. Some health conditions can also impair B12 absorption. If you do not consume enough B12, there are many supplements and injections that counteract deficiency. 

Vitamin C

Two dioxygenase enzymes require vitamin C for biosynthesis of carnitine. This is an essential cofactor that helps transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. In simpler terms, vitamin C is necessary for energy production. People who don’t consume enough vitamin C can commonly experience sluggish metabolism or general weakness. Vitamin C also creates amino acids for muscle building and plays a role in collagen development. Failure to nourish the bones and muscles in the body can cause general fatigue. Become more familiar with vitamin C-rich foods by clicking here. 

Iron

Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body. If you don’t consume enough iron via the diet, the body cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin to transport oxygen. Iron deficiency is a common form of anemia, which is a condition that is characterized by a lack of red blood cells. The most common symptom of anemia or iron deficiency is fatigue. You will feel weak if the body’s cells and tissues do not receive nourishment from oxygenated blood. Healthy sources of iron include chickpeas, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oats, cashews, kale, and pumpkin seeds. 

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Iron Formula – Herbal supplement naturally high in organic iron to help strengthen blood vessel walls and heal anemia symptoms.

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Dherbs.com Vitamin C contains plants high in organic or phosphate Vitamin C and is 100% digestible and absorbable in the body due to being an electrical food. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps maintain tissue growth, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums; increases the absorption of iron, enhances immunity (boosts immune system), and helps other nutrients to be metabolized. Our Vitamin C contains the richest amounts of natural Vitamin C from fruit-based food sources such as Camu, Indian Gooseberry, Hibiscus flower, Rose Hip seed, and Acerola cherry. The BEST Vitamin C supplement on the market and sold only at Dherbs.com!

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Even if you are the most health conscious person you know, it’s still possible to experience occasional nutritional deficiencies. The Standard American Diet uses GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, and other processed ingredients in common foods, making it hard to get essential nutrients. For this reason, many people resort to multivitamins to avoid losing out on nutrients. Unfortunately, the multivitamin isn’t a proper answer to a diet filled with unhealthy foods. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 10% of the U.S. population experiences some sort of nutrient or vitamin deficiency. While these deficiencies can vary by age, gender, and race, the common denominator is often the Standard American Diet. On the other hand, consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables gives you a better chance at absorbing proper nutrients. So you may not need the extra multivitamin supplement if your diet is healthy. Even with a diet plan in place, you may potentially experience a few nutritional deficiencies, the most common of which are listed below. 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Believe it or not, roughly 90% of American adults have mild vitamin D deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels. This deficiency is hard to detect because the symptoms are subtle, or they take years to develop. The common signs in adults include muscle weakness or an increased risk of bone fractures. A vitamin D deficiency can also reduce immune response. In order to increase vitamin D levels, try to get 15-30 minutes of sun exposure daily. Focus on mushrooms, but you may need to resort to a vitamin D supplement or a cod liver oil supplement.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium plays many roles inside the body. It’s essential for optimal teeth and bone structure, but it also works to improve sleep, digestion, and even mental health. It assists with DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythm, restless leg syndrome, migraines, and more. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends that adult males consume between 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while women should consume 310-320 mg daily. Focus on whole grains, dark leafy green vegetables, avocados, bananas, nuts, seeds, and raw cacao powder to increase magnesium intake. 

Iron Deficiency

This essential mineral is a primary component of red blood cells. It binds to hemoglobin and helps carry oxygen to cells all over the body. The two types of dietary iron are heme iron and non-heme iron. The former is easily absorbed and found in animal foods, while the latter is found in both plant-based and animal foods. It’s not as easy for the body to absorb non-heme iron. When you don’t have proper iron levels, it’s easy to experience anemia, weakness, reduced brain function, and a weakened immune system. If you want to improve iron levels, start eating more legumes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, broccoli, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens. One last thing to note is that you should consume vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods, because vitamin C increases iron’s bioavailability. 

Iodine Deficiency

Table salt contains iodine, so people think that they don’t need to worry about this mineral. First off, table salt is horrible for you. Secondly, please worry about iodine. Roughly two billion people worldwide suffer from iodine deficiency, which can result in irregular heart rate, neck swelling, dry skin, weight gain, or irregular menstrual cycles. This deficiency is more common in developing nations than in the U.S., where iodine deficiency affects about 10% of adults. Iodine is a fickle nutrient because you need just the right amount. You don’t want too little and you don’t want too much either. The recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 micrograms per day. Foods like seaweed, dulse, kombu, potatoes, navy beans, wakame, and cranberries are great sources of iodine. 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in animal foods. All of the cells in your body require B12 to function, but the body cannot produce it on its own. This is why you have to get it from foods or supplements. B12 deficiency is quite common for people who subscribe to vegetarian, vegan, or raw vegan diets. Several plant-based foods, including nutritional yeast, tempeh, and seaweed, contain vitamin B12, but supplementation is often necessary for plant-based dieters. Signs of deficiency can include pale skin, gas, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, and numbness or tingling. It’s also possible for certain medications and conditions to interfere with optimal B12 absorption. You can get B12 from the plant-based foods we mentioned, but health experts advise increasing wild caught seafood, organ meat, or grass-fed/grass-finished beef to increase B12 levels. 

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Do you experience regular fatigue or exhaustion? What about restless legs, brittle nails, or feeling cold all the time? While numerous health conditions share these symptoms, these are common symptoms of iron deficiency. If you aren’t careful and don’t regularly consume iron-rich foods, you could be at risk of becoming iron deficient. 

Why Does The Body Need Iron?

Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to produce hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient oxygenation, it becomes difficult for the body’s tissues and organs to function normally. When the body doesn’t have enough iron, it’s possible to develop anemia, with iron-deficiency anemia being the most common around the world. The most common reasons people experience iron-deficiency anemia are:

• Increased iron requirements during pregnancy
• Insufficient iron intake (failing to meet daily nutritional needs)
• Blood loss through heavy periods or internal bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Common Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

If you don’t have enough hemoglobin-carrying blood cells in the body, the heart has to work harder to transport oxygen-rich cells throughout the body. When the heart is overworked, it’s common to experience chest pain, weakness, irregular heart beats, or even heart failure. These are obviously the most serious symptoms, but it is possible to experience them if iron-deficiency is not addressed. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency are listed below. 

Fatigue

Now, you may not interpret fatigue or unusual tiredness as out of the ordinary, primarily because tiredness is par for the course of a busy life. The reason that people experience fatigue when iron levels are low is because the body lacks hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. This makes the heart to work harder than normal, making you feel tired. If you experience fatigue for over a month, consider talking to your doctor to see if you are deficient in iron or other nutrients. 

Restless Legs

Restless leg syndrome is defined by the urge to constantly move your legs while resting. For example, you sit down at the dinner table and cannot stop bouncing your legs because you feel a itchy or unpleasant sensation in the feet and legs. Roughly 25% of people who have iron-deficiency anemia experience restless leg syndrome. According to health experts, the reason people develop sharp pains or numbness in the legs (causing the restlessness) is because of neurological connection between iron levels and the nervous system. 

Heart Palpitations

When you are deficient iron or have iron deficiency anemia, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen throughout the body. If the heart is overworked, you’ll feel abnormal heart rhythms, or that the heart is beating too fast. Failure to address this problem can result in an enlarged heart, heart murmur, or heart failure in extreme cases. 

Feeling Cold

Second to fatigue, cold hands and feet is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. People with iron deficiency anemia commonly have impaired circulation, meaning that there’s not enough oxygen in the body’s organs and tissues. Without proper oxygenation in the body’s major tissues, you lose sensation to experience hot and cold, according to health officials. This is especially worse for people who get cold hands and feet with proper iron levels. 

Paleness

Hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its signature red color. This is why people with anemia tend to appear paler. The skin starts to lose healthy color when you are deficient in iron. The paleness is most visible around the gums, nails, face, and inside the lips and lower eyelids. These are the first places a doctor will check to determine if you are iron deficient. A good parameter is to pull your lower eyelid down and see a bright red color. If it’s pink or even yellow, you may be deficient in iron. 

If you find that you experience the symptoms in this article, please talk to your health care professional or consult a nutritionist. You may have to supplement with iron in addition to consuming iron-rich foods. The quickest way to increase iron levels is to eat more iron-rich foods, which include nuts and seeds, beans, peas, dried fruit, dark leafy greens (spinach & kale), and sea vegetables. 

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While you may have ditched your BPA bottles, Styrofoam plates, and plastic utensils, you may still have your toxic cookware at the ready. Choosing safe, non-toxic cookware is just as important as consuming healthy foods and avoiding the foods that make you sick. Most people, however, do not consider the harmful effects of toxic cookware and often purchase products that contribute to toxin accumulation in the body.

The convenience of a non-stick pan has become popular for the average home cook. In fact, some of the most popular and commonly used cookware products are of the nonstick variety. Did you know that nonstick cookware contains a chemical that could be jeopardizing your health? Nonstick cookware releases perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is a carcinogenic chemical, when heated. Additionally, most nonstick cookware contains harmful heavy metals that flake off into your food during the cooking process.

Is Nonstick Cookware Making You Sick?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reproduction, liver damage, and growth and development were affected in laboratory animals that were given large amounts of PFOA. This chemical is considered dangerous because it can exist in the human body for long periods of time. The American Cancer Society has said that PFOA is “…present worldwide at very low levels in just about everyone’s blood.”

Unfortunately, toxic nonstick cookware products are present in many homes, despite the reported health risks of using them. Some people choose to ignore these dangers because nonstick cookware is cheap and easy to clean. Well, let us say that you should not skimp on cookware. Invest in some of the following non-toxic cookware options, so the healthy food you eat actually remains healthy.

Cast Iron

You can’t go wrong with cast iron. Historically used to prevent iron deficiencies and anemia, cast iron cookware has become increasingly popular in the modern culinary world. Cast iron is one of the safest cooking options on the market and it is praised for its ability to retain heat at a lower temperature. It can also withstand a very high temperature that nonstick pans typically cannot tolerate. Free of PFOA and other chemicals, cast iron is a safe cookware option. Learn how to season it and clean it properly by looking it up online.

Porcelain Enamel

Enamel is a form of glass, and most enameled cookware is cast iron with an enamel coating. The most common form of enamel cookware is the Dutch oven or stockpot, and like cast iron, they can handle high heat and retain heat extremely well. Keep in mind that enamel coating can be made from clay, which can leach lead into food. Don’t go the cheap route when buying this type of cookware and make sure that it doesn’t contain lead.

Stainless Steel

Along with cast iron, stainless steel is one of the safest cookware options, especially when high-quality stainless steel is used. Make sure that you are purchasing food-grade stainless steel cookware because there are many grades of stainless steel. Some people view stainless steel cookware in a negative light because it contains nickel, which helps to ward off rust or other corrosions. If you are concerned with the nickel percentage, opt for either 18/8, 18/10, or 18/0 stainless steel, the first number specifying the percentage of nickel and the second number indicating the percentage of nickel. Be sure to use non-abrasive cleaning materials when you wash stainless steel to avoid damaging the lining.

Titanium

Before we delve into the benefits of titanium, you must understand that certain titanium cookware manufacturers coat their titanium with non-stick finishes. Be advised: non-stick coated titanium is not healthy! Titanium is used for medical instruments and joint replacements because it is a biocompatible metal that is non-toxic. Legitimate titanium cookware is lightweight and evenly distributes heat across the non-porous surface.

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Affecting the aesthetic appeal of your hands, brittle nails can diminish a person’s self-esteem and make it impossible to receive most beauty treatments involving the nails. Brittle nails can occur for a variety of reasons, including excessive polishing, dry weather, anemia, hypothyroidism, or as a natural result of aging. Instead of losing control and heading straight for the emergency room, it is possible to learn how to naturally strengthen your nails.

What Causes Brittle Nails?

The nails, which are comprised of a protein known as keratin, protect fingers and toes. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) has broken up, no pun intended, brittle nails into two categories: dry & brittle and soft & brittle.

Dry and Brittle Nails: stem from lack of moisture, commonly caused by excessive washing and drying of fingernails.

Soft and Brittle Nails: stem from too much moisture, caused by overexposure to household cleaners, nail polish remover, and detergents.

On the other hand, brittle nails can stem from an iron deficiency or Raynaud’s syndrome, which is characterized by poor circulation in the extremities, which ultimately affects nail health.

What Can You Do About Brittle Nails?

There is good news and it is that several DIY cosmetic treatments and regular practices can improve nail health. That being said, age-related nail issues may be harder to fix, although it is possible to reduce the risk of cracked, splitting, or brittle nails. To keep your nails strong, employ the following tips.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers have become a staple item in cars, purses, and homes, but the overuse of hand sanitizers dries out the nails and skin. The excessive use of hand sanitizers can contribute to brittle nails, so opt for natural soaps whenever you feel the need to wash your hands.

Protect Your Hands

In the same vein as avoiding hand sanitizers, it is recommended to keep hands dry when you are cleaning. You can do this by wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning the house. In addition to keeping your nails dry, you will also protect your nails from the harsh chemicals in detergents and other cleaning products. Additionally, protect your hands and nails when you head outside in cold weather to prevent the hands from becoming overly dry.

Castor Oil & Vitamin E

The essential fatty acids in castor oil work to moisturize the nails and create a protective layer. Mixing castor oil with vitamin E oil creates a strengthening solution that helps make the nails less brittle. To make this natural solution, mix one tablespoon of castor oil with five drops of vitamin E oil in a small bottle. Using a small brush, apply the oil mixture on your nails once a day.

Paraffin Wax Bath

This is something that may be considered an indulgent remedy, but paraffin wax can help to moisturize the nails and supply them with much needed nutrients. Melt the wax and soak your nails in the wax for about 10-20 minutes. Remove your hands from the wax, allow it to dry, and then peel it off. Do this treatment a couple times a week.

Baking Soda Treatment

The antiseptic properties of baking soda help to inhibit fungal growth in the nails, but they also work to prevent the nails from becoming brittle or breaking down. Baking soda also strengthens the nails. To make a quick solution, stir one tablespoon of baking soda into a warm cup of water. Soak your nails in that mixture for 15 minutes, rinse afterwards, and pat gently to dry. Do this three times a week.

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