Keto And Yellow Nails: Is There A Connection?

The appearance of your nails can be a good indicator of your overall health. Changes in nail colour, shape, or texture could indicate a lack of vitamins or minerals. For example, vertical ridges on the nail bed can signify a slow thyroid or hypothyroid condition, a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, or even heart disease. Similarly, horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can indicate vitamin B3 deficiency or significant stress that disrupts average nail growth.

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from smoking or nail polish, but they can also indicate more serious conditions such as nail infections, thyroid conditions, psoriasis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. Chronically yellow nails can be related to underlying blood sugar issues, as excess sugar in the body can lead to a process called protein glycation, which can break down collagen and cause nails to yellow.

While the keto diet can cause brittle nails, it is not known to cause yellow nails. However, it is important to note that a drastic dietary change and possible nutritional deficiencies can occur if not focused on eating nutrient-dense foods, which may be evidenced by changes in the appearance of your nails.

Yellow nails and lung cancer

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from substances like nail polish or tobacco use, but they can also be indicative of more serious underlying health conditions. One such condition is yellow nail syndrome, a rare disease that affects the fingernails and toenails, causing them to turn yellow and thicken, and sometimes resulting in respiratory problems and lower limb swelling. While the exact cause of yellow nail syndrome is unknown, it has been linked to issues with the lymphatic system, which is responsible for carrying lymph, a colourless liquid containing infection-fighting immune cells, throughout the body. Problems with lymph circulation and drainage can lead to lymph buildup under the nails, resulting in the characteristic yellow discolouration.

Yellow nail syndrome is often seen in people with certain types of cancers, including lung cancer, as well as autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and immunodeficiency disorders. It typically affects individuals over 50 years of age, though it has been known to occur in children as well. The condition is diagnosed based on a triad of specific symptoms: yellow-coloured nails, lung problems like chronic cough, and swelling in the lower limbs. Treatment options include oral vitamin E supplements, triazole antifungal medications, corticosteroids, surgery for respiratory issues, antibiotics, and manual drainage of fluid from areas with lymph buildup.

While yellow nails themselves are not a direct symptom of lung cancer, heavy smokers, who are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, are also more likely to experience nail discolouration due to the staining effects of tobacco. Additionally, lung cancer, along with other cancers and autoimmune diseases, has been associated with yellow nail syndrome, which can lead to yellow nails and respiratory issues. Therefore, while yellow nails are not a direct indicator of lung cancer, they could be indicative of underlying health issues that may warrant further investigation, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

Yellow nails caused by staining

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from nail polish, sunless tanner, or smoking. Darker polishes, in particular, tend to leave nails stained with leftover dyes. Removing weeks or months' worth of polish can result in an unsightly yellowish stain on your nails. The yellowing can sometimes spread to the cuticles, in which case it's best to get a professional manicure to deal with it.

Nail polish remover can also be a culprit, as it dissolves polish, allowing pigments to migrate into the nail plate and causing a yellow discolouration.

Lemon juice is a good home remedy for stained nails. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes daily in lemon juice until the stains disappear. Whitening toothpaste can also work if the stains are more superficial. Scrub your nails with toothpaste using a nail brush.

Another home remedy is to mix 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until it forms a paste. Using a cotton ball, cover your entire fingernail with the paste. Rinse after 3 minutes and repeat every 6-8 weeks.

To prevent staining, invest in a clear nail polish base coat, which will protect your nails. Also, try to avoid using nail polish remover more than once a week.

If you're a smoker, the tar and nicotine from cigarettes are the cause of the yellowing. The only way to stop it is to stop smoking.

Yellow nails and vitamin deficiencies

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from substances like nail polish, self-tanner, or smoking. However, they can also be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or more serious underlying health conditions.

Vitamin Deficiencies

While vitamin deficiencies can lead to a variety of symptoms, yellow nails are not a common manifestation of these deficiencies. However, some sources mention that vitamin E deficiency may lead to yellow nails. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and B12, as well as minerals like zinc, can cause nail discolouration and brittleness.

Underlying Health Conditions

Yellow nails can be a symptom of various health problems, including:

• Nail infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral)
• Thyroid conditions
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lung conditions
• Liver disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Yellow nail syndrome (a rare disorder causing nail discolouration, respiratory problems, and leg swelling)

Treatment

Treatment for yellow nails depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the issue is due to staining from nail polish, taking a break from polish or using a base coat can help. If smoking is the cause, quitting smoking is necessary. In the case of vitamin deficiencies, ensuring a well-balanced diet or taking supplements may be recommended. For nail infections, antifungal medications or home remedies like tea tree oil or oregano oil can be used.

Yellow nails as a symptom of a health problem

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from substances like nail polish or tobacco use. However, they can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition.

Yellow nails are most commonly caused by a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In more severe cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as:

• Thyroid conditions
• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Yellow nail syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare but serious disorder with no known cause. It causes additional symptoms, including respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases, lymphatic diseases, and cancers.

If you notice yellow nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Yellow nails caused by nail infections

Yellow nails can be unsightly and are often caused by staining from dyes in products like nail polish or tobacco use. However, they can also be indicative of more serious health issues, such as nail infections, thyroid conditions, psoriasis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Nail Infections

Nail infections, particularly fungal infections, are a common cause of yellow nails. Anyone can get a nail fungus, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Foot or nail injury
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Poor circulation
• Fungal infection elsewhere on the body

Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Home remedies such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, and baking soda soaks may also help.

Other Causes of Yellow Nails

In addition to nail infections, several other factors can cause yellow nails:

• Melanonychia: A condition causing nail discolouration, often presenting as a dark stripe. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumours, endocrine disorders, AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Yellow nail syndrome: A rare but serious disorder with an unknown cause, characterised by yellow nails, respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases, lymphatic diseases, and cancers.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to yellow and brittle nails.
• Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics and acne medications, can cause nail discolouration.
• Smoking: Heavy smoking can contribute to stained nails and an increased risk of lung cancer.
• Allergic reactions: In some cases, yellow nails may be a result of an allergic reaction to certain products.

Frequently asked questions