Nailed It

Did you know your nails can reveal clues about your overall health? Here are 6 secrets your nails might be telling you.

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Before you cover your claws in polish, inspect them for these signs of poor health:

Yellow nails: Discoloration is often a sign of respiratory disease such as chronic bronchitis.

Beau’s lines: An indentation that runs across the nails can be a sign of diabetes or zinc deficiency.

Terry’s nails: When the nail appears white except for a pink tip near the end, it could be a sign of liver disease, diabetes, heart failure or just plain aging.

Koilonychia: Soft nails that look “scooped out” can be a sign of anemia, heart disease or hypothyroidism.

Nail clubbing: When the tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails curve around the fingertips, it could be a sign of low oxygen in the blood, irritable bowel syndrome or even AIDS.

Pitting: Small indentations in your nails could be a sign of connective tissue disorders or alopecia.