Symptom 6: Weak, Brittle Nails and Hair
Hair that snaps easily and nails that chip or break might seem like mere cosmetic concerns. Yet, they could be signaling a deeper, underlying issue. Our nails and hair are largely composed of a protein called keratin. To produce keratin, the body needs a steady supply of specific amino acids, sourced from the proteins we consume.
Enter stomach acid. Its job? To break down dietary proteins into these essential amino acids. But when acid levels are suboptimal, protein digestion is compromised. This can result in an amino acid shortage, affecting keratin production.
Over time, this manifests as hair that lacks luster and elasticity, becoming prone to breakage. Nails, too, lose their strength, becoming brittle and ridged. Moreover, inadequate digestion can also impact the absorption of vital hair and nail-friendly nutrients like biotin, iron, and zinc. Deficiencies in these nutrients can exacerbate the problem, leading to further weakening of hair and nails.(6)
