Fingernails splitting??

[puggles]

My husband and I are doing Atkins, He has lost 14 pounds. His nails have started to split. I remember this happening to him the last time we did Atkins. We are eating the allowed vegetables and mostly chicken and salads. Has anyone had an experience with this?? He takes vitamins. Maybe add a B complex??

[not2late]

How long have you two been on Atkins? Since we eat an adequate amount of protein, it's hard to imagine splitting fingernails would be a problem. I suggest you all see a physician, because there might be something else causing this besides the diet.

Good luck.

[Lyssie]

Mine are stronger than before...

[Grant]

Found this information online, might look it over and see if any of it applies to your husband, to me it seems lack of calcium might be the most logical culprit.

"The texture of fingernails can tell as much about a persons general health as the color can. Below are some common texture abnormalities and what they can possibly indicate.




Nail textures: Vertical ridges that appear on the nail can indicate disorders as simple as iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients, overall poor health or they could indicate something as serious as kidney trouble. (So, you see why consulting your physician is so important.) These vertical ridges, as well as bumpy nails, can also suggest that one is prone to developing arthritis. Ridges running horizontally across the nail can indicate physical or mental stress.



Nutrition plays an extremely important role in every function of our bodies, right down to the tips of our fingers and toes, literally. As well as signs of other possible disorders, nails can let us know how we add up when it comes to getting all of our required nutrients.



Since nails are mainly made up of protein, they can immediately alert us to a lack of it in our diet. White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein dificiency. You can get protein from beans, oats, seeds, nuts, eggs and lean meats.



Calcium is also important for healthy nails. Without it, the nails lose their strength and become brittle and dry. You can find calcium in green leafy vegetables, dairy products, sesame seeds or even a daily supplement.



As mentioned before, ridges in the nails can be a result of vitamin deficiency, one of which is the B vitamins. Vitamin B is needed for strengthening, while vitamin B12 also strengthens while promoting normal nail growth and healthy coloring.



Vitamin C is another necessary vitamin. Adequate intake can help prevent hang nails and swelling of nail tissue, and a frequent occurance of either of these symptoms is a good indication of a deficiency.



Probably the most common sight on the nails is the "white spot". Although it has been noted that white lines can be symptoms of a serious disorder, their presence is more than likely a result of iron or zinc deficiency. Before worrying about any severe disease, your first step should be to see your doctor and have him/her test your levels of iron and zinc. Zinc supplements are easily found in any pharmacy while additional iron intake needs to be monitored by your physician.

The best way to assure yourself of healthy nails is to eat a well balanced diet. You'll need plenty of protein as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Sufficient water intake is also important, for as well as keeping the rest of you healthy it provides moisture for nails. If you feel you are still not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals it is recommended that you take a comprehensive supplement."

[cincywbbw]

I went to my Dr the other day, and he gave me a healthy shot of B12. It gave me energy and boosted my immune system to fight this cold. He said come back and get another shot of it next month. My nails have grown alot stronger since I have been on this diet 6 weeks.

[puggles]

Thank you so much for all of the input. He has seen his dr. recently with high triglyserides but ok chloresterol. We know that Atkins makes triglyserides go down dramatically. Of course the main thing he has eliminated is bread. We eat fresh vegetables that are allowed. I would think the cheese and spinach would provide enough calcium. I will look at all of the angles. Thanks again so much. Puggles