They glide! They twirl! They leap with grace! February 7th is Ballet Day, a chance to celebrate the beauty and athletic skill that classical ballet requires. This incredible art form uses the feet in ways you might never have imagined was possible, and the nearby Ballet San Antonio demonstrates this beautifully. Of course, under those pointe shoes, ballet nails are not so beautiful. Dance is rough on them, and dancers have to work hard to maintain healthy toenails.

Even if you’re not a professional ballerina, you should be taking care of your own nail health. Poor health weakens nails, and certain conditions or diseases, like psoriasis, can damage them. On the flip side, a healthy body generally has healthy toenails. That’s because your body uses nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to grow the hard keratin that nails are made of.

Consuming the right kind and appropriate amount of these nutrients can help you grow healthier, stronger, shinier nails. Keratin needs vitamin A, C, D, E, and B-complex. These vitamins keep nails hard, strong, and intact. Without them, the keratin dries out, tears, develops hang nails, and may be prone to fungal infections. You also need sufficient iron, calcium, zinc, and iodine. These minerals contribute to nail strength and shape as well.

 The best way to get these is naturally, through your daily diet. Multivitamin supplements can help, but Mother Nature definitely provides the best sources of nutrients for the body! Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, fish, and free-range eggs contain these essential vitamins and minerals. Avocados, asparagus, garlic, leafy greens, onions, and sweet potatoes are some of the best foods for healthy toenails.

Of course, how you take care of your toes can affect your nail health and appearance, too. Keep nails trimmed straight across and at the proper length to prevent injuries. Don’t pick at them or cut your cuticles; this could damage the keratin and leave your toes open to infections. Don’t wear shoes that are too tight or too short, either. They pinch the toes and could contribute to an ingrown nail.

If you’re concerned about your toenail health, there are ways you can take care of it. Invest in your nails and don’t ignore unusual changes. Let Dr. Darren Silvester and our team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX, check them out. Call (830) 569-3338 to make an appointment with us.