Do you have vertical ridges on your fingernails? Don’t treat the symptom without determining the root cause! In this video, we’ll discuss some potential causes of nail ridges to help you address the problem instead of covering it up.

Vertical ridges on nails are typically caused by one of 3 nutrient deficiencies:

1. Iron deficiency

2. Zinc deficiency

3. Biotin deficiency

To determine which nutrient deficiency is causing the vertical ridges on your nails, first, look at your other symptoms. If you have an iron deficiency, you may also experience heavy menstruation and symptoms of anemia.

Some people have a genetic problem that causes too much iron. Even with too much iron, you can become anemic because the iron in your body is dysfunctional. Liver problems and blood tests pinpointing a problem with iron could mean your nail ridges are caused by an iron deficiency.

Cravings for ice or dirt and feeling cold with cold feet and hands can also signify iron deficiency.

If zinc deficiency is behind your nail ridges, you may notice frequent illnesses, or it may take you a while to recover after getting sick. Other zinc deficiency symptoms include:

•Low testosterone

•Libido issues

•Erectile dysfunction

•Loss of muscle mass

•Night blindness

•Alopecia

•Inflammation of the skin

Most of your biotin is made by your microbes, so a history of antibiotic use can contribute to biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency symptoms include brittle hair, thin nails, neurological problems, and peripheral neuropathy.

Biotin, zinc, and iron control collagen. A deficiency in either of these nutrients can cause vertical lines on the nails. Once you identify which nutrient you are most likely deficient in, you can increase your intake of certain foods or supplements to fix the problem.

Grass-fed liver pills or spleen extract pills are the best option for an iron deficiency. To increase zinc, consume more shellfish, oysters, and grass-fed beef. If you choose to take a supplement for zinc, take 50 grams in a blend with other trace minerals, including copper.

If you have a biotin deficiency, try increasing your biotin with a supplement. Take a good probiotic to support gut health, which will naturally help increase biotin.