Your nails can reveal clues about your overall health. While ridges or stripes are often harmless and linked to aging, they can sometimes signal underlying issues.
Vertical stripes are common with age but may indicate vitamin or mineral deficiencies like B12, magnesium, or iron.
Horizontal stripes (Beau’s lines) can follow trauma, illness, or stress, and may point to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or infections.
White stripes (Muehrcke’s lines) can be linked to liver, kidney, or protein deficiency issues.
Most nail changes are caused by aging or poor nutrition. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can improve nail health, but sudden or widespread changes should be checked by a doctor.