Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails

« WellTellMe • Forum • Remedies & Therapies • About the Body • Skin, Nails, Hair & Scalp • Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails »

(Read 2661 times) [1] 2

Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« on: May 30, 2006, 09:01:15 PM » by MadeAUTurn

Hi All

I have very weak nails. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on supplements or diet changes that has helped you grow strong nails.

TIA
Dona

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2006, 09:05:04 PM » by jenny4wen

The Supermom vitamins have helped my hair and nails grow wonderfully! I actually think they are making my nursing boys nails to grow faster too! I now have to cut his twice a week! I also have noticed since I started taking the vitamins, I need to make sure I use sharp nail clippers, because my nails are stronger! You should try them!

Logged

I'm smiling! Cheesy

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2006, 03:17:05 PM » by sunshine4th

I've always had weak nails and Supermom has helped!

But, something else that worked was when I was drinking protein shakes and my nails grew very nicely. Maybe some extra protein will help.

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2006, 03:38:03 PM » by Julie G

Just have a baby! Grin

Ha ha ha! Okay...I'm just kidding! Wink

But seriously when I'm pregnant and nursing my nails are transformed, maybe the extra hormones. Huh

I have very weak nails normally and I use to supplement with Biotin. I've also heard gelatin is good for making nails stronger.

Logged

Ellie: (when she was 3 years old) "Mama, you sure got a big butt to sit with!"

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2006, 04:36:16 PM » by ALittleMore

Gelatin (as found in animal bones) is proven to be very good for making strong nails. The best way to get gelatin (that I know of) is making your own broth. (Not to mention, homemade broth is SOOOOOOO delicious in EVERYTHING.

)

Here are Sally Fallon's (author of Nourishing Traditions - http://www.bulkherbstore.com/NT?id=h3quEMhT) recipes for homemade chicken and beef stock:

CHICKEN STOCK
1 whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings*
gizzards from one chicken (optional)
2-4 chicken feet (optional)
4 quarts cold filtered water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
1 bunch parsley

*Note: Farm-raised, free-range chickens give the best results. Many battery-raised chickens will not produce stock that gels.

If you are using a whole chicken, cut off the wings and remove the neck, fat glands and the gizzards from the cavity. Cut chicken parts into several pieces. (If you are using a whole chicken, remove the neck and wings and cut them into several pieces.) Place chicken or chicken pieces in a large stainless steel pot with water, vinegar and all vegetables except parsley. Let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bring to a boil, and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6 to 8 hours. The longer you cook the stock, the richer and more flavorful it will be. About 10 minutes before finishing the stock, add parsley. This will impart additional mineral ions to the broth.

Remove whole chicken or pieces with a slotted spoon. If you are using a whole chicken, let cool and remove chicken meat from the carcass. Reserve for other uses, such as chicken salads, enchiladas, sandwiches or curries. Strain the stock into a large bowl and reserve in your refrigerator until the fat rises to the top and congeals. Skim off this fat and reserve the stock in covered containers in your refrigerator or freezer.

BEEF STOCK

about 4 pounds beef marrow and knuckle bones
1 calves foot, cut into pieces (optional)
3 pounds meaty rib or neck bones
4 or more quarts cold filtered water
1/2 cup vinegar
3 onions, coarsely chopped
3 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
several sprigs of fresh thyme, tied together
1 teaspoon dried green peppercorns, crushed
l bunch parsley

Place the knuckle and marrow bones and optional calves foot in a very large pot with vinegar and cover with water. Let stand for one hour. Meanwhile, place the meaty bones in a roasting pan and brown at 350 degrees in the oven. When well browned, add to the pot along with the vegetables. Pour the fat out of the roasting pan, add cold water to the pan, set over a high flame and bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon to loosen up coagulated juices. Add this liquid to the pot. Add additional water, if necessary, to cover the bones; but the liquid should come no higher than within one inch of the rim of the pot, as the volume expands slightly during cooking. Bring to a boil. A large amount of scum will come to the top, and it is important to remove this with a spoon. After you have skimmed, reduce heat and add the thyme and crushed peppercorns.

Simmer stock for at least 12 and as long as 72 hours. Just before finishing, add the parsley and simmer another 10 minutes. You will now have a pot of rather repulsive-looking brown liquid containing globs of gelatinous and fatty material. It doesn't even smell particularly good. But don't despair. After straining you will have a delicious and nourishing clear broth that forms the basis for many other recipes in this book.

Remove bones with tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the stock into a large bowl. Let cool in the refrigerator and remove the congealed fat that rises to the top. Transfer to smaller containers and to the freezer for long-term storage.

The bones and such that might be hard to find at the grocery store are likely available at your local butcher or meat market if you ask. (They give the bones to my mom free! What else would they use them for?)

Hope this is helpful! God bless.

Logged

http://www.bloodwatermission.com/index.php?

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2006, 11:58:00 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: ALittleMore on June 06, 2006, 04:36:16 PM

Gelatin (as found in animal bones) is proven to be very good for making strong nails. The best way to get gelatin (that I know of) is making your own broth.

How about just munching the cartilage off the chicken bones? We eat this. Kinda chewy but doesn't taste bad at all. It's also reputed to have collegen I think which is good for your hair and skin.

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2006, 01:02:03 AM » by MadeAUTurn

Hi Everyone

Thank you all for the great tips!!!

I started the SM supplements on May 17th. Grin

The first 3 days, I was unstoppable. The following week I was having some detox symptoms, but nothing that stopped me from taking SM.

I now feel fine, I'm not taking as many naps. I believe my napping has something to do with a yeast issue or my blood sugar--not the SM.

I've had acrylic/gel put on my nails for over (oh boy) 10 years! Shocked

The only time I was able to grow them was when I was pregnant!!! I couldn't take prenatal vits so it was not that.

I took off my fake nails last weekend Cry

I do NOT like sitting there for an hour getting them done but if I don't have them on I'll pick the skin all around the nails (Will Power!!!) and the nails just peel off . Its frustrating! Angry

So, now I am hoping I can grow them without the bleeding and the whining Tongue

I've been eating healthier for sometime now, and taking the supplements should help!!!

P.S. I would LOVE to get pregnant again--- I just can't Cry

I had a hysterectomy when I was 26 Cry

The real bummer is I only had time to have 1 baby!!!!!!

Grin

Thanks again for trying to help me out, I really appreciate all the help I receive on this site--It's the best!

Dona

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #7 on: June 07, 2006, 01:50:58 AM » by healthybratt

If you're growing your nails for the first time in 10 years, it will take some time. They will layer and peel and layer and peel some more. The best thing you can do to help them grow right again is to make sure not to use files. No biting or chewing either. Use only fingernail clippers and every time you see a crack, dent, or layer, clip that puppy right off. This seems counter productive, but I bit my nails for many years and I can now grow them without much hassel. I don't even take supplements for them. Clip, clip and clip some more. It may even take a couple of years of this, but it will pay off in the long run. One more big NO, NO. Don't put anything on your nails. No polish, no glue, no fake nails, no strengtheners. These actually weaken the nails and cause them to peel and break off even more. I've found over the years that if I get a notion to paint them, when I use any colored polish they are worse than if I use clear or almost clear polish. My conclusion is that they become weak from lack of sunlight and air. Grin

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #8 on: June 07, 2006, 10:03:15 AM » by jenny4wen

Also, Vit E is good for your hair, skin and nails! I had a friend who was taking suplements of E for these reasons, and those weren't the only benefit to her. Her bust line increased in size as well!!! Cheesy

She liked that! Unexpected bonus I guess Roll Eyes

Logged

I'm smiling! Cheesy

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2006, 12:07:00 PM » by rebekahgrif

Any tips for breaking a life long nailbiting habit? It is something I want to stop, I just don't even think about what I am doing most of the time.

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #10 on: October 17, 2006, 07:37:08 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: rebekahgrif on October 17, 2006, 12:07:00 PM

Any tips for breaking a life long nailbiting habit? It is something I want to stop, I just don't even think about what I am doing most of the time.

Sit on your hands and chew on straws. This is what broke it for me. Also ALWAYS keep clippers with you no matter where you go. Clip anything that tempts your awaiting choppers.

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2006, 09:38:18 AM » by Helen

since i have upped my water intake every single day, for the first time in my life i have very strong nails, I never expected it to happen but unexpectadly they did!

i drink half my weight in oz or more every day!

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2006, 11:11:34 AM » by hedy

Like someone else mentioned, gelatin is great for nails. Knox actually makes a gelatin drink mix just for nails. I don't know what else is in it though. Grin

I'm sure plain gelatin would work just as well.

Also heard that a friend of ours eats lots of gummy worms to get gelatin for his arthritis.

Logged

My WTM Intro

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #13 on: October 25, 2006, 12:10:36 PM » by Kari

My nails got stronger when I started buffing them with a $2 3-step buffer (shaped like a tongue depresser but a foam core with 3 different grits covering it). It also makes my nails shiney with no chemicals. I call it my Mommy Manicure b/c it always looks good, no chips like polish. Kari

Logged

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #14 on: January 28, 2007, 04:44:17 PM » by Jemima

Anyone heard of fingernails getting worse during pregnancy?? Huh

With only a month left to go, I've started noticing my nails peeling, and a few have tiny colored lines in them. I'm trying to remember what vitamin/mineral it is that makes your nails grow - I wonder if maybe my body is getting depleted of that from the baby? I'm taking my prenatals though. Any thoughts?

Logged

Make a pregnancy ticker

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #15 on: January 28, 2007, 06:04:59 PM » by kimberlee

It is funny I found this posting as I was just going to ask about that very thing. During my other two pregnancies my hair and nails grew. I was taking a presciption prenatal back then. I am now taking Supermom and have almost gone through 2 bottles and my hair and nails don't seem to be growing at all. Am I lacking something??

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #16 on: January 28, 2007, 06:20:13 PM » by petrimama

Worse hair and nails...hmm...I know that when I'm prego my nails always grow like crazy, but I hardly ever have to shave my legs. I wonder if there's something we don't know about. Maybe it's just normal for endocrine-type changes to occur.

I think horsetail is safe during pregnancy. Don't take my word for it, though - check for yourself. I assume it would also help with stretch marks, too. ~L

I just checked with the pediatrician at our well-visit and it is definitely fine for nursing moms and as fine as anything else for pregnant ones.

« Last Edit: January 30, 2007, 09:34:31 AM by petrimama »
Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #17 on: January 30, 2007, 08:51:56 AM » by MamaChildress

What does it mean when you have ridges in your fingernails?

Logged

Blessings,
Janet...mommyofnine

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #18 on: January 30, 2007, 09:20:23 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: mommyofeight on January 30, 2007, 08:51:56 AM

What does it mean when you have ridges in your fingernails?

Ridges that run the length of your fingers are to strengthen nails. Ridges that run across your fingers are usually indicative of some kind of damage from nail biting, finger smashing, etc.

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #19 on: January 30, 2007, 09:30:09 AM » by MamaChildress

Quote from: healthybratt on January 30, 2007, 09:20:23 AM

Quote from: mommyofeight on January 30, 2007, 08:51:56 AM

What does it mean when you have ridges in your fingernails?

Ridges that run the length of your fingers are to strengthen nails. Ridges that run across your fingers are usually indicative of some kind of damage from nail biting, finger smashing, etc.

So, it is normal to have ridges in your fingernails? Shocked

Hmmm, I had always thought that there was something "wrong" with you if you had them. I have them and didn't know if I was lacking in a certain vitamin or something. Wink

Logged

Blessings,
Janet...mommyofnine

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #20 on: January 30, 2007, 09:49:36 AM » by healthybratt

Here's some descriptions and pics of well known problems. I have the normal ridges described in one of the paragraphs (verticle and even). My nails are stronger and more beautiful than ever.

http://www.beautyweb.com/Ask_the_Experts/Nails/nail_disorders.htm

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #21 on: January 30, 2007, 09:59:55 AM » by MamaChildress

Oh my HB!

Some of those pics were uh... gross.
I can now testify that my nails are HEALTHY! Cheesy

And here I was thinking something was wrong with me all this time! lol!
Thanks for helping me to figure that one out! Wink

Logged

Blessings,
Janet...mommyofnine

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #22 on: August 05, 2007, 04:36:05 PM » by sweetestday

Hi,
I was going to start a new thread, but this might fit into here. I do have weak nails, but I've also always had a terrible habit of biting them.
Anyway, to those of you who actually put an effort toward having nicely manicured hands, what tips and bits of advice would you give to someone who is looking to start having nice hands? My hubby likes longer, nice looking nails, and I would like to make an effort to start having pretty hands. He keeps his nails perfect, and he's a mechanic! ( He keeps his short, of course, but clipped, filed and clean.)
So, now I am going to try my best to get over my bad biting habit, and would appreciate your help to make my hands pretty. Grin

Thanks!

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #23 on: August 06, 2007, 10:35:19 AM » by sweetestday

Hi, I decided to go ahead and start a new topic, since this didn't get any answers in the weak nails thread...

Anyway, to those of you who actually put an effort toward having nicely manicured hands, what tips and bits of advice would you give to someone who is looking to start having nice hands? My hubby likes longer, nice looking nails, and I would like to make an effort to start having pretty hands. He keeps his nails perfect, and he's a mechanic! ( He keeps his short, of course, but clipped, filed and clean.)
So, now I am going to try my best to get over my bad biting habit, and would appreciate your help to make my hands pretty.
Thanks!

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #24 on: August 06, 2007, 10:39:58 AM » by healthybratt

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,2180.msg18988.html#msg18988
http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,761.msg5658.html#msg5658

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #25 on: August 06, 2007, 12:11:28 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: sweetestday on August 05, 2007, 04:36:05 PM

Thanks!

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,761.msg5658.html#msg5658

Logged

My favorite herb book!!

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #26 on: August 06, 2007, 03:11:51 PM » by sweetestday

Quote from: healthybratt on June 07, 2006, 01:50:58 AM

Thanks... So I don't get instant beautiful nails? JK! Cheesy

I don't use anything on them, and hardly ever file, so I guess I'll just have to carry a clippers in my pocket from now on. That'd be handy anyway.

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #27 on: August 06, 2007, 03:38:50 PM » by johnnygirl

I'll vouch for the horsetail. I started taking it in capsules for my hair, and after about two weeks, I noticed that my nails were stronger too. I usually have my nails long so it's nice that they don't break now.

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #28 on: September 07, 2007, 12:17:50 PM » by My Kids Mom

Flax seed and or Fish oil (internally.) You'll see a big difference in a month or so.

For the mean time, rub vit. E oil directly on nails and skin surrounding 2 or 3x daily. Especially after getting your hands wet.

Logged

Re: Stronger, Longer, Prettier FingerNails
« Reply #29 on: September 07, 2007, 05:24:40 PM » by wyomama3

Once you get your healthy nails: buffing is a nice way to keep them groomed and shiny. You can buy a buffing block at Walmart, or any drug store in the nail area. When I actually get time to buff my nails it looks as if I have clear polish on, and dh always comments on how nice my hands look. My nails seem to stay stronger when I do it regularly. But perhaps it is because I am more careful and aware, so they don't chip and break as often.

Logged

(Read 2661 times) [1] 2