DEFECTIVE DIET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 193, 17 July 1939, Page 11

DEFECTIVE DIET.

MAY AFFECT FINGER NAILS.

(Copyright.)

AA’lint causes splitting nails? That question is asked me regularly. Prevalent is the notion that liquid nail polishes, tend to keep the nails from breathing, which eventually causes them to grow brittle. According to a prominent authority this theory is not to be embraced : “The component parts that make up .the nail are identical with the outer layer ol the skin, only the outer liorny layer, which in no way contacts the blood stream. “There are many reasons for split-

ting nails. One may be physical disorder. Alany diseases, fevers, etc., show their outward manifestations in the condition of the nail. This would take time to become evident because the part of the nail that would he affected at the time of illness would he the nail bed or matrix. And the nail grows very slowly. “The splitting may also he due to deficiency in diet, specially where there is a lack of calcium in your food.” Of course, one might accidentally bruise the tip of one’s nail in handling an object. Then the nail is likely to

split and should ho filed off with an emery board—not a steel file, and allowed to grow hack. Harsh treatment and rough, unclean manicuring instruments should be avoided if you want your nails to be lovely in shape and tough. Injury caused around the nail base will not show up for months, so always use an orange stick to loosen the cuticle—never the sharp tip of a, file or a steel implement.

The free edge of the nail is a brooding place for germs and a good nail brush is indispensable in keeping the nails clean. Deep filing in the corners is also to bo avoided. Let the nail grow out at the sides to give more support to the tip. It may take a little time—a month or two —but you will have a prettier nail for your patience.

It is better to buy manicuring aids carrying the stamp of a reliable firm. Acid loaded polish removers do undoubtedly affect the cuticle if not the nail itself. Good manicuring supplies may bo bought in small quantities for a-few pennies so there is no excuse for using the inferior. If you are constantly bothered with brittle or splitting nails, then you must look to vour diet. Include foods which contain calcium or vitamin D—egg yolk, milk, butter, salmon, oysters, strdines —fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cheese and liver. They all help to strengthen your bones and teeth, too. And cod-liver oil during the cooler months is an excellent tonic to supplant your diet deficiency.