Have you noticed that your nails are growing faster than usual? You might think they are stronger than they were before, or you might cut them more often. It may seem like a simple change in appearance, but fast nail growth could tell you a lot about your health.
Yes, the little pieces of keratin at the tips of your fingers could be your body’s way of saying something.
There are a lot of reasons why nails grow, some of which are good and others of which are worth thinking about again. You might not realize it, but your fingernails could be saying something really important. Your hormones could be changing, your metabolism could be speeding up, or your diet could be getting better.
Let’s look at what it means when your nails grow quickly, especially as you get older, and what to look out for.
1. Your metabolism is performing well.
One of the most common reasons for fast nail development is a healthy metabolism.
Your metabolism distributes oxygen, nutrients, and energy to all of your body’s cells, even the ones that make up your nails. When your body is healthy, it helps cells die and come back quickly. This could make your nails and hair grow faster than usual.
This behavior could be your body’s way of saying “good job!” if you’ve been eating healthily, drinking enough water, and getting enough exercise.
What works?
Eating foods that are high in minerals like biotin, vitamin E, B-complex, zinc, and iron will help your nails grow. Whole grains, beans, salmon, eggs, and leafy greens are all good things to eat.
2. You’re getting enough protein.
Nails are made of keratin, which is a form of protein. If your nails are growing faster or feeling stronger all of a sudden, it might be because you’re eating extra protein.
Sometimes older individuals don’t get enough protein, especially if they don’t eat much or have to stick to a set diet. But your body shows that it has the nutrients it needs in subtle ways, like in your fingernails.
What works?
Lean meats, dairy products, beans, tofu, and nuts are all great choices. Your nails may be getting stronger if you’ve been eating well.
3. Your Circulation Is Strong and Steady:
If your nails grow quickly, it could signal that your blood is flowing well, which is a good sign as we get older.
Your fingertips are the endpoints of your circulatory system. When blood flow is steady and strong, it brings nutrients and oxygen to your fingertips and feeds the nail beds. This thing makes your nails grow faster and in better shape.
Our blood flow slows down as we become older. If your nails are still growing well, it could mean that your heart and blood vessels are in good shape.
What helps?
Walking every day, gently stretching, and drinking adequate water all increase blood flow. If you’ve been active and consistent, your body may be starting to show you some results.
4. Changes in hormones, such when a woman is pregnant
Changes in hormones can also speed up the growth of women’s nails. For instance, during pregnancy, increasing levels of hormones and blood volume could make nails grow faster and stronger.
Even after menopause, alterations in hormones might keep making subtle adjustments in how our bodies perform. For instance, they can cause our nails grow or change faster.
You might want to talk to your doctor about your hormones if your nails are growing and you’re also feeling tired, having mood swings, or losing or gaining weight.
5. You’re in recovery mode.
Have you recently gotten better after being sick or having surgery?
It’s interesting that nail growth often speeds considerably during healing times. When your body is mending, it puts most of its energy into repairing and renewing cells. This means that your hair, nails, and skin may grow faster than normal.
It’s one of those subtle signs that you’re getting better. It’s a soft reminder that your body is doing what it was meant to do: heal and repair.
What works?
Take a break, consume healthy foods, and do some mild exercise. If your nails are growing healthier, it can mean that your health is getting better too.
6. It Could Be in Your DNA
People in the same family sometimes have nails that grow quickly.
Nail growth speed can be passed down from one generation to the next, just like hair color or eye color. If your parents or siblings have nails that grow quickly, it could be in your genes.
You don’t have to think too much about this; just enjoy it and maybe say thanks to Mom or Dad.
7. When might high growth signify something else?
Fast nail development is usually a good indication, but you should keep an eye on any underlying health problems. Your nails could also be an early symptom of a number of health issues.
Look out for:
Lines that are yellow, blue, or dark and change color
Pits or ridges
Not normal is brittleness or cracking.
You can feel pain or soreness around your nails.
These changes could signal that you have thyroid difficulties, anemia, or are not getting enough vitamins. Changes in the nails can sometimes be a sign of an autoimmune disease or a problem with circulation, like Raynaud’s disease.
If you’re not sure, don’t ignore this problem.
It’s always a good idea to tell your doctor about any changes in your nails at your next exam, especially if they happen suddenly or with other symptoms.
Are you paying attention to what your nails are trying to tell you?
Our bodies are always sending us subtle indications that something is changing, getting better, or requires our attention. Your nails are the same.
Usually, a faster growth rate is an indication of good health, but you need look at the full picture. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating the correct foods? Do you have a lot of energy?/connect?
If so, your nails are probably getting longer as your health gets better. But don’t be hesitant to ask a doctor if you’re not sure.
It’s not just how we feel that matters for our health; it’s also what we see. And every now and again, the hints are right in front of us.