Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Nails Breaking.


Googles

Recommended Posts

Googles Community Regular

I have been breaking a lot of nails lately in situations that it seems like they should be able to withstand. I feel like it is because there is something that is missing from my diet. What lets nails break easily?

Thanks.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Deficiency of B vits, zinc, vit c

Funny how those vitamins/minerals keep showing up in my life.

Rolling my eyes now.

eatmeat4good Enthusiast

Lack of protein can cause thin brittle nails with horizontal ridges.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause vertical ridges and unhealthy nails.

glutentheintolerant Rookie

I noticed I tore a nail in half a while back. Thought it was due to sports but now that I read this, it might be down to something else. It's still attached but it sure looks ugly. Never had it before when I was on a gluten-rich diet, looks quite odd.

Roda Rising Star

I always had very weak nails and they would peel and break easy. Since addressing my vitamin/mineral deficiencies, (for me it was vitamin D, iron and ferritin) my nails are as strong as ever now.

Reba32 Rookie

nutrition deficiencies will often show up in your hair and nails, but by the time it affects them, you're been malnourished for quite some time!

What do you eat on an average day? Do you have a balanced diet with lots of whole natural foods, or do you eat a lot of manufactured packaged foods? How many servings of protein and fats do you eat a day?

Gemini Experienced

That is one of the key symptoms for hypothyroid. My nails always get very brittle when my thyroid isn't right. Have you ever had your thyroid checked?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Googles Community Regular

Hello Everyone.

I have been anemic for the last few months. I had a three month period when I couldn't eat much after getting glutened. I became anemic at that point. I am fighting my way back in between getting glutened again a couple of times and having the same thing happen (but not for so long). I didn't realize anemia could lead to brittle nails.I should probably get my vitamin levels checked. I'll have to check with my PCP about getting that done. I will see what my GI doc had done last time as I can't afford to go back.

I did used to have my thyroid tested periodically because of depression, but haven't in a while. I will look into having that done too.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Gemini Experienced

Hello Everyone.

I have been anemic for the last few months. I had a three month period when I couldn't eat much after getting glutened. I became anemic at that point. I am fighting my way back in between getting glutened again a couple of times and having the same thing happen (but not for so long). I didn't realize anemia could lead to brittle nails.I should probably get my vitamin levels checked. I'll have to check with my PCP about getting that done. I will see what my GI doc had done last time as I can't afford to go back.

I did used to have my thyroid tested periodically because of depression, but haven't in a while. I will look into having that done too.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Just to add another thought....anemia is another sign of hypothyroid. If you are hypothyroid and it goes untreated, you can easily pop with anemia.

It has happened to me before. The thyroid plays a role in the production of red blood cells. You sound like you have a thyroid issue and not a vitamin deficiency issue. Make sure the ranges on the thyroid testing are the up to date ranges and not the old ones that doctors all too frequently use. Your TSH should be no higher than 2.5 but for many, it has to be in the 1 range for maintaining health.

Good luck!

Googles Community Regular

Just to add another thought....anemia is another sign of hypothyroid. If you are hypothyroid and it goes untreated, you can easily pop with anemia.

It has happened to me before. The thyroid plays a role in the production of red blood cells. You sound like you have a thyroid issue and not a vitamin deficiency issue. Make sure the ranges on the thyroid testing are the up to date ranges and not the old ones that doctors all too frequently use. Your TSH should be no higher than 2.5 but for many, it has to be in the 1 range for maintaining health.

Good luck!

Thanks for that info. I will call to make my apt on Monday.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

    2. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.