Your nails can do much more than look polished or painted—they’re actually a window into your overall health. From the texture to the color, your nails can give you important clues about what’s going on inside your body. Changes in your nails might be early warning signs of nutrient deficiencies, diseases, or other health conditions. In this article, we’ll dive into 9 things your nails can reveal about your health, and why you should pay attention to them.

1. Yellow Nails: A Sign of Respiratory or Liver Issues

Yellowing of the nails is often one of the most noticeable changes, and it can indicate a range of health concerns. One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection, but it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like respiratory problems (such as bronchitis) or liver disease.

In some cases, yellow nails can also be linked to lymphatic system disorders or chronic conditions like diabetes. If your nails are persistently yellow and treatments like antifungal creams don’t seem to help, it may be time to visit a doctor to rule out underlying health issues.

2. White Spots: Are You Lacking Zinc or Calcium?

Have you ever noticed small white spots on your nails? While they’re usually harmless, white spots can sometimes point to a deficiency in minerals like zinc or calcium. These white marks are often caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix (the area where the nail starts to grow) but can also signal that you’re not getting enough essential nutrients.

While these spots tend to disappear as the nail grows out, consistent white marks could be a sign that your diet needs more attention. Consider incorporating more zinc-rich foods, like pumpkin seeds or spinach, and calcium-rich foods, like dairy products and leafy greens.

3. Cracked or Brittle Nails: Is Your Diet Lacking Essential Fats?

Brittle, cracked, or splitting nails can be a sign that your body lacks essential nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your nails hydrated. If your nails are prone to breaking easily, it may also be a sign of dehydration or exposure to harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners or nail polish removers.

Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can also cause brittle nails. If you’ve been noticing frequent cracking or breakage, make sure to stay hydrated, include healthy fats like fish or walnuts in your diet, and avoid overexposure to harmful substances.

4. Discolored Nails: Is Something Wrong With Your Circulation?

Healthy nails should be a consistent, pinkish color. Any discoloration could indicate an underlying problem. For instance, green nails often signal a bacterial infection, while black or brown spots could be a sign of trauma or, in rare cases, melanoma—a type of skin cancer that can affect the nails.

Bluish nails, on the other hand, may indicate a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, which could be related to respiratory issues or circulation problems. If you notice any unusual discoloration in your nails, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further investigation.

5. Pitted Nails: Could It Be Psoriasis?

If you notice small depressions or pits in your nails, it could be a sign of psoriasis or another inflammatory skin condition. Psoriasis can affect the skin and the nails, causing the nails to develop these tiny pits. In more severe cases, pitted nails can become discolored or start to crumble.

Psoriasis isn’t the only condition that causes nail pitting; it could also be linked to alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) or eczema. A dermatologist can help diagnose the cause of pitted nails and offer appropriate treatment options.

6. Ridged Nails: What Do Vertical or Horizontal Ridges Mean?

Nail ridges come in two forms: vertical and horizontal. Vertical ridges, which run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, are relatively common as you age and are usually harmless. However, if you notice deep horizontal ridges (also known as Beau’s lines), it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Horizontal ridges may occur when the body experiences trauma or illness that temporarily halts nail growth, such as a high fever, malnutrition, or chemotherapy. If you spot deep horizontal ridges, it’s worth seeking medical advice to determine the underlying cause.

7. Bluish Nails: Could It Be a Lack of Oxygen?

Bluish or purple-tinged nails are often a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This can happen due to poor circulation or respiratory issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If your nails take on a blue hue, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as this could indicate that your body is struggling to get the oxygen it needs.

In some cases, bluish nails may be a result of cold temperatures or a temporary condition, but persistent discoloration is a sign that something more serious could be going on.

8. Nail Biting: A Habit or a Sign of Anxiety?

Nail biting might seem like an innocent habit, but it can be linked to emotional or psychological issues like stress, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Chronic nail biting can lead to damaged nails, infections, and even permanent deformities.

If you find yourself frequently biting your nails, it’s important to explore the underlying causes and find ways to manage stress or anxiety. Simple steps like using a stress ball or applying bitter-tasting nail polish can help curb this habit and protect your nails from damage.

9. Reddish Nails: Signs of Heart or Liver Problems

A reddish hue under your nails could point to issues with your heart or liver. Dark red or purple streaks beneath the nail can sometimes be a sign of heart disease or other circulatory issues. In some cases, red nails may also indicate liver problems, especially if they are accompanied by symptoms like fatigue or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

If you notice red streaks or discoloration beneath your nails, it’s important to get a proper medical evaluation to determine if there’s an underlying health concern that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion: Your Nails Are a Window to Your Health

Your nails are more than just a canvas for nail polish—they can reveal important details about your overall health. From nutrient deficiencies to underlying diseases, changes in your nails can be early indicators that something isn’t right in your body. It’s important to pay attention to these signs and seek medical advice if you notice any persistent or unusual changes.

Next time you give yourself a manicure, take a closer look at your nails and see what they might be trying to tell you about your health.