If you’ve been a reader of mine for a while, you may recall that I’ve written several times about subtle signs your body can give you when things aren’t quite right.

Take, for instance, your “products of excrement.” You can learn a whole lot from looking in the toilet bowl before you flush.

The tongue is another example.

A healthy tongue is generally pinkish and relatively smooth. Changes in its color, coating, texture or appearance can sometimes offer clues about what may be going on in your body.

Well, there’s another part of your anatomy that may be quietly trying to tell you something about your health—and it’s important that you pay attention.

Your hands!

Here are some common health clues you may notice in your hands, along with ways you can help address the potential underlying issues.

Your nails

Healthy nails are generally smooth, uniform in color and have a slight pinkish tint.

Pale nails can sometimes accompany iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. If your nails are unusually pale—especially if you’re also experiencing fatigue, weakness or other symptoms—it may be worth having your iron levels checked.

Yellow nails can have many causes, ranging from something as simple as nail polish staining to fungal infections. In some cases, yellowing of the nails may also be associated with underlying health conditions, including diabetes and certain lung conditions.

Bluish nails can indicate that the tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen and may be associated with a lung, heart or circulation problem. Persistent blue discoloration should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.

White spots on the nails are very common. Although nutrient deficiencies such as zinc deficiency can sometimes affect nail health, those little white spots are most often caused by minor trauma to the nail.

Aside from color, there are other nail changes your body may give you.

The nail plate separating from the nail bed and brittle nails that break easily can sometimes occur with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

And while vertical ridges on the nail surface are frequently associated with aging, nutritional status can also affect the strength and appearance of your nails. Iron, zinc, protein and vitamins A, C and D are among the nutrients important for healthy nail growth.

How you can help

Start with nutrients

First and foremost, if you notice a significant or unexplained change in your nails—particularly blue discoloration or another sign that could indicate a heart, lung or circulation problem—see your doctor.

Beyond that, your nails depend on a steady supply of nutrients, so, my friend, that means it’s worth taking a good look at your diet.

If your diet primarily consists of ultraprocessed and fast foods, it’s time to start making some changes. Concentrate on nutritious real foods—fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, full-fat dairy, real butter and whole grains.

Now, you don’t have to do a complete 180 all at once! Even taking small steps in the right direction and gradually improving your diet can make a difference.

And if you want to help make sure your nutrient bases are consistently covered, check out our very own Super Core multi-vitamin and mineral formula.

Super Core provides essential vitamins and minerals, along with a variety of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients to help support overall health.

Support your thyroid

As I mentioned above, hypothyroidism can sometimes contribute to changes in your nails.

Ashwagandha is an herbal option that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, and research has also explored its potential role in supporting healthy thyroid function.

You can put the power of Ashwagandha to work for you with our very own Ashwa Blend Gummies.

Important: If you are already taking thyroid medication, talk with your doctor before using Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels, so combining it with thyroid medication could potentially cause your thyroid hormone levels to become too high and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Ashwagandha is best presented as an herbal option for those seeking thyroid support—not something to automatically add on top of existing thyroid medication.

Now let’s turn our attention to… the skin on your hands

Two of the most common issues you may notice include:

Dry skin

Dry skin on the hands is a common complaint, especially during colder months or with frequent handwashing.

But persistently dry, itchy or cracked hands can also be associated with eczema. Eczema involves dysfunction of the skin barrier along with an overactive inflammatory immune response, which can result in itchy, irritated, red and cracked skin.

Although eczema can affect skin anywhere on your body, your hands are a common target.

Hypothyroidism can play a part here too and may lead to significant dryness and roughness of the skin. Thyroid hormones play an important role in maintaining healthy skin—and really, your health from head to toe. When your thyroid gland is underactive, dry, coarse skin can be one of the signs.

Dehydration can also contribute to skin dryness, so your fluid intake is worth considering too.

Warts

Common warts frequently appear on the hands and are caused by certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus).

HPV is contagious, but in many people the immune system eventually suppresses or clears the infection. Warts themselves may disappear over time, although they can also persist or recur.

How you can help

Address dry skin

Vitamin D plays an important role in healthy immune function and regulation of inflammatory responses, and researchers continue to study its relationship with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

Unfortunately, vitamin D insufficiency is common, particularly among people who get little sun exposure.

To help ensure your body has health-supporting levels of vitamin D, check out our Optimum DK Formula with Fruite-X B. Each dose provides 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3, along with vitamins K1 and K2 and the mineral boron.

And here too, if you suspect your thyroid may be sluggish, talk with your doctor about appropriate thyroid testing. For those looking for an herbal approach to thyroid support, Ashwa Blend Gummies are another option to consider.

Again, if you already take thyroid medication, speak with your doctor before using Ashwagandha rather than combining the two on your own.

To help make sure you’re properly hydrated, strive to drink filtered water throughout each day. That’s not to say you can’t have coffee, tea, etc., but make water your primary beverage.

Support your immune system

Because warts are viral, supporting healthy immune function is important.

One way to support immune health is by taking care of your gut microbiome. The gut and immune system are closely connected, and supplementing with a potent multi-strain probiotic formula like Super Shield can help support a diverse, well-balanced intestinal environment and healthy immune function.

If you have a wart that is painful, changing, bleeding, spreading or simply won’t go away, have it evaluated by your healthcare provider or dermatologist. There are several effective treatment options available.

So take a good look at YOUR hands and see what they may be trying to tell you!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia