Your Fingernails Could Tell You How Well You’re Aging
If you’re wondering how long you’ll live, the answer could be right at your fingertips.
According to Dr. David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, your nails are actually a clear sign of your biological age.
And unfortunately, getting more frequent manicures won’t offer any improvements.
The Rate of Nail Growth Indicates Aging
“The rate of your nail growth is a really good indicator of how you’re aging or not aging,” said Dr. David Sinclair.
“Every time I have to cut my nails, I’m thinking, ‘How long ago did I cut my nails?’” he added.
A 1979 Study Reveals the Connection
Sinclair cited a 1979 study in which researchers attached tiny measuring tapes to 271 individuals and monitored their nail growth over several years.
They found that the rate of fingernail growth decreases by approximately 0.5% per year starting at the age of 30.
Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
This suggests that the rate of nail growth could serve as a simple, noninvasive indicator of biological aging — defined as how “old” the body is based on the efficacy of your cells and tissues, as opposed to your chronological age, which denotes how many years you’ve been alive.
What Your Nails Can Reveal
If you find yourself needing to cut your nails more often than your peers, that could be a sign that you’re faring well in the biological age department.
It is natural for nails to grow slower and become more brittle or yellowish in color as you get older. However, in some cases, changes in your nails could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Common Health Issues to Watch Out For
For example, white or pale nails could signal anemia, liver disease, heart failure, or malnutrition. Yellow nails could indicate fungal infections, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
Vertical ridges are a common sign of aging, but ridged nails could also be caused by nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Clubbing: A Potential Sign of Lung Disease and More
And clubbing — a condition in which the nails become curved and thick — might point to lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cardiovascular disease, or liver issues.
The Importance of Healthy Nails
Nail growth rate may indicate aging, but if your nails are weak and break more often, there could be other causes at play.
Dr. Mary Stevenson, a dermatologic surgeon at NYU Langone, said a lot of factors can lead to brittle, easy-to-chip nails.
Factors that Contribute to Weak Nails
One is not getting enough protein in your diet, which will lead to less keratin, the protein that makes up our nails. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B and iron can hurt, too.
Handwashing, using abrasive cleaning materials like dish soap and detergents, and having trauma to the nail bed can also weaken nails.
Cuticle Care is Crucial
She also warned against cutting cuticles during a manicure.
“We need our cuticles. Pushing these back and removing them separate the seal they make with our nail to keep things like bacteria and fungi out,” she said.
Natural Ways to Strengthen Nails
She recommended biotin and iron to strengthen and lengthen nails, but noted that it takes months of supplementation to see a difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rate of nail growth can be an indicator of biological aging, and changes in nail appearance can signal underlying health issues. By understanding the potential causes of weak and brittle nails, we can take steps to address them and promote healthy nail growth.
FAQs
Q: How can I promote healthy nail growth?
A: By getting enough protein, vitamin B, and iron in your diet, and avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning materials.
Q: What are some common signs of aging in the nail bed?
A: Slower nail growth, brittleness, and yellowing are common signs of aging, but can also be indicative of underlying health issues.
Q: Can I use supplements to strengthen my nails?
A: Yes, biotin and iron supplements can help strengthen and lengthen nails, but it takes months of supplementation to see a difference.
