Let’s Talk Thyroid Symptoms:

Brittle Nails + Hashimotos

It’s fascinating what our fingernails can reveal about our health. 

Our outer health (skin, nails, hair etc) are a reflection of our inner health, so just like with our skin and hair, if you notice changes in your nails it could be a sign of underlying thyroid issues that warrant investigation. Nail issues can also be a sign of vitamin & mineral deficiency, so definitely get things checked if you’re concerned.

In Naturopathy, the fingernails are considered key in looking at the health of a person. 

With an underactive thyroid, the typical impact on our nails is that they become dry, brittle, flakey. In some cases too the skin at the root of the nail bed can become swollen & thickened.

Whilst my nails are better than they used to be, they still aren’t super strong. I do like my nails to look nice, so I choose to have them painted regularly. I used to go to the toxic nail salons that are everywhere, justifying that in the scheme of all the other good things I do for my health that getting my nails done isn’t toooo bad! Now I’ve found a non-tox salon. Winning!! 

Here is a handy article from Ask a Naturopath.

Let’s get practical:

🩸Get your thyroid levels tested – it’s so important to know if this is an underlying cause. Linked to this is getting our medication levels right too.

❌Don’t use toxic nail polish  – there are brands and salons now that offer more natural solutions. 

💅 I go to Dr Nails in Brisbane where Lisa and her team really care about the health & quality of your nails.

💊 Consider a good quality nutritional supplement. I like doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality.

🥤 Add some good quality collagen to your smoothie.

🥩 Focus on good quality protein, fats and vegetables so that when the digestive system is working, it has the best fuel.

🦠 Keep the gut healthy by removing inflammatory foods (esp gluten) for your body, eating fermented foods etc. If our digestive system isn’t working properly, our bodies won’t be absorbing all the nutrients from the foods.

💦 Essential oils such as lemon, lavender, myrrh, sandalwood and frankincense can be used topically in a carrier oil base on the nails.  It’s easy to make a nail serum by mixing a couple of drops of each essential oil with some fractionated coconut oil and apply daily to your nails.

✅ Join the discussion in the group, Let’s Talk Thyroid.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Read about other common thyroid symptoms here.

Suspect you have a thyroid issue? PLEASE trust your instincts and get it thoroughly checked out with your health practitioner. This thyroid basics page has an overview of what tests to ask for and a link to use a private lab if you’re doctor won’t order them.

Have a read/listen to this first!

You might also like to listen to my interview with my doctor here.

WAYS I CAN HELP YOU

Get my thyroid emails!

Subscribe to my thyroid emails, get a free gift and you’ll get access to lots info.