[smiles123]

Okay, so I've narrowed the source of my fingernail peeling problem down to something from the following pills I'm taking:

Fish oil (which is supposed to enhance nail health.)
CoQ10
Fatty acid
Total Woman vitamin
Phentratrim

Does anyone else have a problem with their nails peeling (you'd notice it after about 3+ months on program because that's how long it takes to show up in the growth of your nails). If so, can you let me know which of the pills you are taking that are similar to my own list? I'd like to narrow it down to the particular substance that is causing this.

Any help here is appreciated! My fingernails go from super strong to tissue paper thin peeling when I'm on program.

[jade1393]

I have had the same problem. I think it is a matter of not having enough healthy fats in the diet. Hopefully someone on here has an answer. I would love one!

[Razorbackbritt]

I bite my nails anyway. I thought they were a bit easier to chew these days....I think it has to do with not getting enough calcium. Calcium produces strong bones and nails...and we aren't really eating much dairy.

[struggling Nicole]

I was just reading through some of the paperwork I got when I first started the program and came across a statement I thought might be helpful.
#8 on the Protocol and Guidelines states "You must use an Essential Fatty Acids and you ahve the option of adding 1-2 teaspoons of olive or canola oil each day. Essential Fatty Acids are your good fats, help to promote regularity and are needed to prevent dry skin, dry hair and brittle nails."

Maybe you should increase your EFAs to help with the brittle nails.

[Sherral]

I do not think any of the supplements can cause the problem. You probably need to add more EFA. I take 9000 of the flax every day and my nails are fine by my hair is a little dry. For your nails try using Nail Tek II for about a month and then swith to Nail Tek I. Also, at night rub some Solar Oil into the nail bed and cuticle. You will see a difference quickly (I am an esthetician and nail tech) You can probably get both of these at Sally or on-line through ebay if you don't have a regular manicurist you go to.

[smiles123]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I'll try taking three EFA's rather than two per meal, maybe that'll do it.

As far as the nails, they wouldn't qualify as brittle, just paper thin and peeling... and *only* when I've been on plan. Otherwise they're strong...

...mostly because I'm a nail advocate and having been using Nail Tek and Solar Oil for about ten years. In the past I've noticed a difference between Nail Tek II and I, but have just made due with what I had. Thanks for reminding me, Sherral!

Any additional thoughts around this are welcome. Since it take several months to know if it's working... I'll be open to more ideas in the meantime.

[HappyHallie]

This has nothing to do with MRC, but my nails used to peel, probably because I paint them at least once a week and I remove my polish with harsh 100% acetone, because I'm too impatient for nail polish remover. I started taking biotin (hair, skin and nails supplement) a few weeks ago after I went dancing in flip-flops and those dang boys kept stepping on my toes... I nearly lost my whole big toenail and I wanted it to grow back fast. I started taking Biotin then, and I've noticed a huge difference. My toenails grew back faster than ever and my fingernails, even though I still paint and re-paint them, don't peel at all anymore! In fact ehry are stronger than ever!

[JOLINA]

My nails were very thin a few years ago.
Then I added blueberries, blackberries and purple grape juice to my diet.
10 ounces of juice every day... or 1/2 - 1 cup of fresh picked berries.
My nails are now very strong. They became very strong within a couple of months.

Berries are essential to your health.
Maybe you need to add them to your diet also.

I now grow all my own berries. They are too expensive otherwise.
I grow my own blackberries, elderberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries and currants.

I am sitting here right now munching on a cup of raspberries I just picked.
Tomorrow morning I am going out to pick some blackberries. I don't make jam or jelly, just juice to freeze.

I also grow several varieties of grapes. All of these fruits also thin the blood and are good for preventing strokes. They also keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. And improve night vision and prevent macular degeneration.

I figure if I am going to eat healthy, I should check into the health benefits of some of my fruits. It is surprising how helpful they are in preventing illnesses.