Is the saying “we become what we eat” correct? This bit of conventional wisdom may be straightforward common sense when discussing nail health. What you decide to put on your plate should include healthy options you can make on your own, even though the most persistent bacterial and fungal infections belong in a class of their own and need medical attention from a podiatrist, dermatologist, or primary care provider.
The building blocks of your healthy nails, body, and mind are ingestible essential nutrients and essential fatty acids. This guide will assist you in adding foods that strengthen nails to your list, whether you are a culinary master or simply a perfect smoothie maker. You also need to know a few things about what is a nail fungal infection and the vitamins you need.
What is a Nail Fungus Infection?
Nails that are brittle and discolored, usually on your toes, are a common symptom of a fungal nail infection. Onychomycosis is its official name, and it resembles an athlete’s foot. However, it enters your nails rather than the skin infected on the bottom of your feet or in the spaces in between your toes.
Only a microscope can reveal the tiny organisms known as fungi. A nail infection can be brought on by numerous types. On occasion, they can survive on your skin without causing any issues. However, if you have a lot of fungal infections in one place, you could get sick.
Having toenail or fingernail fungus is not something to be ashamed of. It occurs much more frequently than you might think.
Symptoms Of A Nail Fungus Infection
Depending on the type of fungal nail infection you have, you may experience various symptoms. Typically, they are mild at first and worsen.
- You may initially only notice a white or yellow spot under your nail. Your entire nail may eventually turn white, yellow, green, or black as it spreads.
- The thickened nails become challenging to trim.
- It may begin to curl up or down, or it may become loose from the nail bed.
- When you touch your nail, it might break apart and become brittle.
- Your nail may start to look odd.
- You might notice a terrible smell.
Since they may not be painful initially, fungal nail infections are simple to overlook. But if you don’t treat them, applying any pressure to the area could be painful. It might even be difficult to walk if an infection worsens to that point.
Treatment
There isn’t always a need for treatment for nail fungus. Self-care techniques and over-the-counter medicines can also sometimes successfully treat infections or cracks in the nails. If your condition doesn’t get better, consult a medical professional. Your condition’s severity and the kind of fungus that’s causing it will determine your course of treatment.
Results may not be seen for several months. Repeat infections are also typical, even if your nail condition gets better. Over-the-counter products are not usually recommended for treating nail infections because they do not produce consistent results. Instead, your physician might suggest an oral antifungal drug like:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil).
- Itraconazole (Sporanox).
- Fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG).
Your doctor may also recommend antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions for infections of the fingernails or toenails. Similar to how you would apply nail polish, these treatments are applied by brushing them onto the nail.
You might need to use these medications for several months, depending on the kind of fungus that is infected and how bad it is. In general, topical treatments are ineffective for treating fungal infections of the toenails. Your body won’t always be completely free of the fungus after treatment. Fungal infections may also result in complications.
Best Vitamin and Nutrients For Nail Fungus
· Biotin
Vitamin B7, coenzyme R, and vitamin H are additional names for the B-complex vitamin biotin. It supports normal cell development and aids in the metabolism of amino acids necessary for the synthesis of proteins, which are crucial for the development of nails. Your brittle fingernails may become stronger with biotin-rich foods and supplements. A few studies support the use of biotin supplements as an antifungal treatment.
In one study of 35 individuals with brittle fingernails, 63% of participants reported symptom improvement when taking 2.5 mg of biotin daily for six to seven months. The Adequate Intake (AI) recommendation for adults has been set at 30 mcg per day, even though there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for this vitamin due to its rarity.
· Vitamin C
Collagen, a protein that gives shape, strength, and integrity to many tissues and helps to get rid of toenail fungus, hair, and teeth, is produced only when vitamin C is present. Brittle nails and slowed nail growth are both symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency. Your body cannot manufacture vitamin C, making it an essential nutrient. Women need almost 75 mg daily, while men need 90 mg.
Although citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis are regarded as the best sources of vitamin C, bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes also contain significant amounts of this nutrient. Red bell peppers actually contain more than twice as much vitamin C as an orange.
· Amino Acids
Amino acids are frequently referred to as the body’s structural constituents. These are present in almost all foods for stronger nails. And exactly what amino acids like glutamine and arginine are used to build?
These acids are the best nail Fungus treatment; they create the same protein needed for strong nail growth and healthy hair growth. These essential nutrients help resist free radicals, a toxic byproduct of oxygen metabolism that can harm skin and nail cells, and strengthen connective tissue, promoting firm, smooth nails.
Final Thoughts
Infection severity, nail penetrability, and general health are just a few of the variables that affect how nail fungus is treated. Remember to use nail polish remover, manicures, and nail polishes gently. While ingesting a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food aids in developing and maintaining healthy nails, evidence suggests that taking supplements may not.
