‘The Eastern Philosophy’, an Asian-owned small business specializing in herbal medicine, frequently shares health education videos on TikTok, including a video on how to spot health problems just by looking at your nails. “What your nails say about your health according to the Taoist tradition of reading the body,” is the title of the video that is already viral.
«Your nails are a very good reflection of your health. Many things can happen in the nails that can mean systemic or skin problems, “says dermatologist Christine Poblete-Lopez, from the Cleveland Clinic.
Pay attention to anything in or around your fingernails or toenails that suddenly looks different, says Poblete-Lopez. “Anything that doesn’t seem normal needs to be addressed.”
In many cases, he says, nail changes can be normal and don’t point to any undiagnosed health problems. But, if you have any questions, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
“Some nails may not appear smooth or may have longitudinal strips or ridges. As long as what you see is consistent throughout the nail layout, you’re probably fine,” says Poblete-Lopez. “However, if there is something out of the ordinary, it is reasonable to see a dermatologist.”
Downward curved nails could indicate respiratory problems
In the video posted on TikTok, it is explained that these types of nails are also known as stick nails and could be the first sign of a serious health problem.
Nails that curve downward could indicate that you suffer from respiratory problems.
Common health problems in people with downward curved nails include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, asthma, or even lung cancer.
Upward-curving nails could indicate liver or lung problems
If your nails are curved upwards, you may have liver or lung problems.
According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, upturned nails are seen in 35 percent of people with lung cancer and 4 percent of people with small cell lung cancer.
Upward clubbing occurs in stages. First, the nail bed becomes smooth, and the skin next to the nail bed often becomes shiny. Next, you notice that the nails are more curved than normal when you look at them from the side.
Lastly, the tips of the fingers often become enlarged and begin to swell, which is due to the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the fingers.
Vertical and horizontal nail lines can reveal stomach and nerve problems
The TikTok video also explains that if your nails have vertical lines on them, this could indicate stomach or nerve issues.
According to ‘Healthline’, nail ridges are often signs of other serious health problems.
Many people with vertical lines on their nails also have multiple sclerosis, which is a disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves that make up the central nervous system.
And, if the nail lines are horizontal instead of vertical, this could mean that you have ‘possible intestinal problems’.
If the horizontal ridges are on the furthest part of the nail, it may indicate the presence of celiac disease.
The presence of horizontal ridges are often called Beau’s lines and are usually symptoms of a serious condition.
In addition to intestinal problems, horizontal lines can also indicate kidney disease.
Big moons on the nails could mean high blood pressure
“A moon on the nails that is too large indicates a risk of high blood pressure,” the video reveals.
The crescent shape at the base of the nail is known as a lunula and is considered too large when it occupies a third or more of the nail. It often indicates problems with the cardiovascular system, disruption of the heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of other heart problems, such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Most people develop high blood pressure as a result of their diet, lifestyle, or a medical condition, but the bed of your nails can tell you whether or not you should make a doctor’s appointment for hypertension.
No moons on your nails or too small could mean you have low blood pressure
Conversely, tiny moons on your nails could mean you have low blood pressure.
An undersized lunula is one that can barely be seen behind the cuticle.
Small moons on the nails indicate low blood pressure and circulatory disorders, and are often a sign of a weak immune system, poor metabolism, or a lack of iron and vitamin B12.
If the moon of the nail is separated from the rest of the nail with transverse lines, it could indicate that there is a possible development of diabetes.
The absence of a nail moon can mean the presence of extreme fatigue and low immunity.
According to ‘Healthline’, missing nail moons are not always a cause for concern as they could be hidden under the cuticle or the skin at the base of the finger.
However, the lack of lunulae can also be a sign of depression or malnutrition.