Your Hands Reveal More About Your Health Than You Think

Your hands are not merely tools that help you cook, bathe, or play — they’re also a “health communication channel” that reflects the state of your body. That’s why in traditional Eastern medicine, practitioners often hold the patient’s hand and feel the pulse to diagnose illnesses.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the nails are directly connected to the body’s meridians and internal organs. They can clearly reveal what your body is going through.

Doctors warn that certain changes in your nails can be early warning signs of five serious health issues — and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

In healthy individuals, especially those with good longevity, the hands tend to feel warm. This warmth indicates smooth blood circulation and a healthy metabolism. The nails of long-lived people are usually pink, smooth, and shiny, with no black streaks or discoloration.

However, many people notice long vertical ridges forming on their nails and ignore them. In reality, those ridges can be important signals that something is wrong inside your body.

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Vertical Nail Ridges — A Warning from Your Body

1. Sulfur Deficiency

Dr. Samantha Elisman, a dermatology consultant at Sinclair Dermatology (Australia), explains that vertical ridges on the nails often indicate a lack of sulfur in the body or the natural aging process.
The first step is to replenish sulfur through foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Once your body receives adequate nutrients, these ridges will gradually disappear.

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2. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency can also cause vertical nail ridges. People suffering from this condition not only have lines on their nails but also experience dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
To improve this, include iron-rich foods in your diet such as pork liver, lean meat, and mushrooms, and consider taking iron supplements under medical advice.

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3. Weak Liver and Kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the nails are nourished by the blood and energy (Qi) of the liver. The health of the liver and kidneys can be reflected in the color and texture of your nails.
If black vertical lines appear, it may indicate poor liver or kidney function and toxin buildup in the body. At this point, it’s essential to care for your liver and kidneys to prevent further illness.

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4. Vitamin Deficiency

Nails also need nutrients to grow properly. When nutrition is adequate, nails grow quickly and remain strong. However, a lack of vitamins can cause nails to become weak, brittle, and develop vertical ridges.
Maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help strengthen your nails and improve their appearance.

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5. Skin Cancer

In healthy individuals, proper circulation ensures that nails remain pink and well-nourished. But in cases of cancer, the body’s detoxification process is impaired, causing toxic buildup. As a result, the nails may darken and develop black or brown stripes over time.

Dark vertical lines can also be a warning sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Persistent dark streaks that do not fade, accompanied by pain or bleeding around the nails, require immediate medical attention.

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Takeaway

Regardless of the cause, any persistent vertical ridges or color changes on your nails should not be ignored. Regular health check-ups every six months can help detect potential problems early and ensure timely treatment.