Posted by IsoM on May 11, 2002, at 12:22:15
In reply to Re: Why are my toenails breaking » IsoM, posted by Zo on May 11, 2002, at 3:59:13
Your fatty acids are probably good enough - do you get any fish oils too? Even from your diet?
Lamictal, I know little of. But I can think of a few causes of your problems, outside of any side-effects of Lamictal.1. Breaking toenails:
As we get older, our toenails are more liable for fungal infections due to being inside shoes or slippers most of their life, & from being banged or stubbed so often. Fungal infections can enter through minor cracks in the toenail. In our forties & fifties, the infections aren't too obvious - just show as more brittle nails. But as we get in our sixties & seventies, the nail takes on a yellowish cast & thickens. It's very rare to find a person in their sixties & seventies with healthy, nice looking toenails. It's one of the commonest things dermatologists treat in their aged patients. There's an oral medication that's been developed to treat fungal infections in nails but it's side-effects can be horrendous - *irreversible* liver damage. Brittle, ugly toenails is preferrable, thank you.Because you just mentioned brittle toenails & not fingernails, I'm wondering if you haven't got a fungal nail infection. Have you stubbed your toes much through your life?
2. Dry hair:
How's your TSH level? Hypothyroidism could be a cause but you've probably checked that already.How much protein do you take in each day? Insufficient can affect hair (among other things), not just low EFAs. Sulphur containing amino acids in protein are particularly good for keratin (skin & nail health). Here's a link to some simple but good info on sulphur:
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=2066
and this quote from another source:
"METHIONINE (Essential Amino Acid) Is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth."As for silicon (silica), I remember from my geology, it's the most common mineral in the Earth's crust. It's common in plant tissues & if you're eating enough vegetables, fruits, & unrefined foods, you're probably getting plenty. Oatbran is a very good source of it.
Lastly, hormonal changes & differences (thyroid has been mentioned) can cause changes, even with a good diet.
poster:IsoM
thread:105607
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/105991.html