Which Health Issues Cause Brittle Nails: Broken and weak nails indicate many serious diseases. This also includes diseases related to heart, kidney and liver.
What Health Conditions Cause Brittle Nails: Usually when nails become weak and start breaking, hardly anyone pays special attention to it. Most people think that nails break only when proper care is not taken of them.
Whereas, this is not true. Weak and breaking nails indicate your poor health. So, if you suddenly notice that the color of your nails has changed, they have started cracking and they break on their own.
In such a situation, you should be alert. Also, you should try to know why this is happening? In this article, we will know why nails become weak and start breaking? What kind of health problems or diseases does this indicate? For accurate information about this, we spoke to Dr. Aastha Gupta, Consultant-Dermatology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.
What health problems do broken and weak nails indicate?
What Health Problems Cause Brittle Nails?
Thyroid
As soon as we hear the name of thyroid, we think of hair getting weak and weight increasing or decreasing rapidly. We also associate thyroid with mood swings. This is because thyroid balances our hormones. Hormonal changes start taking place when there is a problem in the thyroid gland.
But, when there is a problem with thyroid, it starts affecting the nails as well. According to experts, in both conditions, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the growth of nails is affected and they become weak and start breaking. When hypothyroidism occurs, nails develop cracks. Whereas, due to hyperthyroidism nails start becoming abnormal.
Nutrient deficiency
You might be surprised to know that when there is a deficiency of nutrients in the body, its ill effect is first seen on the nails. Nails become weak due to lack of nutrients, especially zinc, iron, protein, biotin and B-12. In such a situation, nails get cracked and start breaking. Keep in mind that when there is a lack of nutrients in the body, other symptoms also emerge, such as immunity weakens, hair starts falling, fatigue and weakness persist.
Heart problems
When we have heart problems, we all talk about some common symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. But, do you know that heart related problems also have a bad effect on nails? According to experts, people who have heart problems, their nails look weak and lifeless. The nails of such people turn completely yellow. Why does this happen? Because due to heart disease, blood circulation in the body is not proper. Due to which many problems related to nails start occurring, such as nail clubbing i.e. widening of nails.
Kidney related diseases
Kidney is an important organ of our body. When the kidney does not function properly, the waste of the body cannot be removed. Toxins in our body start accumulating in the bloodstream. This situation is not right at all. Because accumulation of toxins affects our overall health. Its effect is also visible on the nails. As nails start breaking, they become weak and their color also changes. Sometimes due to kidney related diseases, small dents appear on the surface of the nails. We call this nail pitting.
Liver problems
If someone has liver problems, then the growth of their nails also starts getting affected. Not only this, experts say that if there is any problem in the liver, then its symptoms are first seen on the nails. When the texture of the nails changes, they may lose their natural color, weaken, and become prone to breakage.
FAQs for Weak and Brittle Nails
1. What do weak and brittle nails indicate about health?
Weak and brittle nails can be an early sign of underlying health problems.
Common issues linked to fragile nails include:
- Thyroid disorders – affecting nail growth and strength
- Nutrient deficiencies – lack of iron, zinc, protein, biotin, or vitamin B-12
- Heart diseases – poor blood circulation impacts nail health
- Kidney problems – toxins in the bloodstream affect nail texture
- Liver conditions – cause discoloration and weak nail growth
If you notice sudden changes in nail texture or color, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
2. Can thyroid problems cause brittle nails?
Yes, thyroid problems are one of the major causes of brittle and weak nails.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid):
- Nails develop cracks and become dry.
- Growth rate slows down, making nails fragile.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):
- Nails may grow abnormally.
- The nail bed may loosen, causing nails to break or lift easily.
If you have brittle nails along with fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, get your thyroid levels checked.
3. Which nutrient deficiencies cause nails to break easily?
Lack of essential nutrients directly affects nail strength and growth.
Key deficiencies include:
- Iron: Leads to brittle nails and spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia).
- Zinc: Causes white spots and weak nail beds.
- Protein: Essential for strong nail formation.
- Biotin: Lack of biotin results in thin, breakable nails.
- Vitamin B-12: Causes discoloration and nail ridges.
Other symptoms of nutrient deficiency include hair fall, fatigue, low immunity, and constant weakness.
4. How are heart problems linked to nail health?
Heart-related conditions can show early signs in the nails.
Poor blood circulation caused by heart disease reduces oxygen supply to the nail beds, leading to:
- Yellow, weak nails
- Nail clubbing – widening or bulging of the nails
- Nails appearing lifeless and dull
If you notice nail clubbing along with fatigue or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.
5. Can kidney problems cause weak or discolored nails?
Yes, kidney-related diseases can significantly affect nail health.
When the kidneys don’t function properly, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to:
- Nails becoming weak and brittle
- Visible color changes, such as white or pale nails
- Nail pitting – small dents on the nail surface
- Slow nail growth or breakage
If you have kidney problems, keeping nails clean and visiting a doctor regularly is essential.
6. How do liver problems show up in nails?
Liver problems can cause noticeable changes in the appearance and growth of nails.
Some common symptoms include:
- Discoloration: Nails may turn yellow, white, or pale.
- Texture changes: Nails may become thin and fragile.
- Slow growth: The natural growth cycle of nails gets disrupted.
Experts say that nails often show signs of liver issues before other symptoms become visible.
7. When should I see a doctor for weak and brittle nails?
You should seek medical advice if:
- Your nails suddenly become weak or break frequently
- There is a change in nail color, such as yellow, blue, or pale
- Nails develop cracks, ridges, or dents
- Other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss occur
- Nail issues persist despite good care and diet
These signs may indicate serious health problems that need prompt attention.
8. How can I strengthen weak and brittle nails naturally?
You can improve nail strength with proper care and nutrition:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dryness and cracks.
- Use a good hand cream or nail oil to keep nails moisturized.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone-based removers.
- Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning.
- Trim and file nails regularly to prevent breakage.
If nails remain weak despite care, consult a healthcare provider to rule out internal causes.
9. Are weak nails always a sign of serious health problems?
Not always.
Sometimes brittle nails are caused by external factors, such as:
- Frequent use of nail polish remover
- Excessive exposure to water or detergents
- Harsh weather conditions
- Aging and natural wear
However, if nail issues are accompanied by other health symptoms, it may indicate an underlying medical condition like thyroid disease, heart problems, or nutrient deficiencies.
10. Can diet improve nail strength?
Yes, a nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, strong nails.
Include these foods in your diet:
- Eggs and lean meat: High in protein and biotin.
- Green leafy vegetables: Rich in iron and folate.
- Nuts and seeds: Provide zinc and healthy fats.
- Fish: Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dairy products: Good source of calcium and vitamin B-12.
Proper nutrition helps prevent nail brittleness caused by nutrient deficiencies.
11. What deficiency causes nails to break?
Nails start breaking due to lack of nutrients. However, many diseases can also cause nails to break.
12. What do nails with calcium deficiency look like?
Due to calcium deficiency, nails become thin and weak. Such nails break easily.
13. What diseases cause nail damage?
Diseases like psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), lichen planus, and lupus can lead to brittle, easily breakable nails.
READ ALSO: Are Your Long Toenails a Health Hazard? 5 Problems You’re Ignoring
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