You know what a major turn-off is for a guy who wants to propose marriage to a girl? It is not about you wearing the wrong dress, or you suggesting a wrong place. It isn't you who just burped while he asked, or you blushing the worst blush of your life (Learn how to stop blushing). It is you and your set of ridged and cracked nails welcoming the ring he is about to place on your finger. With such a scenario, you'd rather be eaten up by the grounds than show up at the fancy restaurant where he will propose (Want a gimmick for your proposal, read Three wacky and crazy wedding proposal ideas). Don't think this won't happen to you. Now, for your own safety and reputation, here are some things you should know.

Ridged Fingernails

Causes of ridged fingernails are not limited to a only few. Ridges are common, especially as people age, but don't take this as an excuse to ignore your ridged fingernails, especially if you see color changes on them. If the ridges on your fingernails are horizontal, it means that you are suffering from a more serious health problem. Horizontal ridges call for medical attention, but don't panic yet, as you have time to talk to your doctor about your health issues. After all, horizontal ridges don't mean anything deadly.
Malabsorption or Malnutrition - If you have ridged fingernails, you should know that a common cause is malabsorption or malnutrition. You may be having vitamin deficiencies, which interrupts how your body produces materials for your survival. The interruption of the production of materials manifests on the nails. If you want to clear up the ridges, then follow a healthy diet. Now, if you think you are eating properly, then there must be something wrong with how your body absorbs nutrients. You should see a doctor to solve this malabsorption problem.
Lack of Moisture - If you aren't convinced that it is malnutrition or malabsorption that causes the ridges on your fingernails, then it must be lack of moisture. You can always moisturize your nails and cuticles with oil or a moisturizing cream to get rid of ridged fingernails. If not, then increase the amount of water you drink every day. Regular moisturizing will do you a lot of good if you are living in a place with hot climate. (Want to create your own moisturizer? see how to make lemon moisturizer)
Other Diseases - Changes in the structure of your nails may mean circulatory or respiratory problems and sometimes, even an autoimmune disease, too. You need to watch what you eat since ridged fingernails may also be caused by psoriasis (Learn how to get rid of psoriasis) and your body's exposure to arsenic and other toxins.

Cracked Fingernails

Having your fingernails cracked means that they are brittle, and this is normal if you are middle-aged. Here are some common causes of cracked nails:

• Menopause
• Lack of moisture
• Poor eating habits or improper food intake
• Lack of good nail care.

Expect to get cracked nails if you don't take good care of your hands every time you use them. If you want to get rid of cracked fingernails, you need to know the root of the problems. If you always wash the dishes and spend hours on gardening everyday, see how much use you are putting on your hands each time you do these chores. Washing dishes, for example, will make your nails brittle because of the wetness, plus the detergent. Gardening, on the other hand, will make your nails dirty, removing the protective barrier of your nails. Wear gloves when doing such chores.

Say Goodbye to Ugly Fingernails

There are so many things you can do to rid yourself of what you may consider a curse. With these tips, say hello to dear hope and say goodbye to cracks and fridges.

Drink more water than you usually do. Studies suggest that the ridges, cracks and brittleness of fingernails is caused by lack of moisture. Your nails benefit a lot from hydration. Drink at least eight tall glasses of water everyday to keep your body hydrated. If you drink more amount of water than you do now, you sure will get a one-way ticket to saying goodbye to cracked and ridged fingernails.

File as carefully as possible. Filing your nails is not as easy as it sounds. You need to file in the right places or your nails become weaker. Weak fingernails easily crack and break. Filing does wonders to the general appearance of your nails, but only if you do it with caution.

Take care of your nails. Each time you see someone who has dirty fingernails, you get turned off. Now you know how important it is to groom your nails frequently. Your cuticles should always be well-manicured with a regular application of a good quality moisturizer. (For nail care information, read how to care for your nails)

Eat foods rich in Vitamin A and calcium. If the health of your fingernails is poor, it means that you are lacking a specific mineral or vitamin. Biotin and Vitamin C will do your nails a lot of good. Biotin, or Vitamin B-12, can be found in walnuts, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, cauliflower, Brewer's yeast, liver and egg yolk, while Vitamin C can be found in hot chili peppers, bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes. With these nutrients, you are sure to improve your nails' health.

Don't pick or bite. These simple mannerisms will greatly damage your nails. Avoid other things that may further worsen the problem like removing the cuticles or cleaning your nails too deeply. Digging out your own ingrown toenails may pose serious damage to your nails and may even lead to infection. (see how to stop biting your nails)

A Final Say

Take a look at your hands now. If you see white spots on your nails, you are not getting enough protein, zinc or calcium. If your nails are full of cracks and ridges, you may not be eating enough whole grains, fish and poultry. Try to remember what your friends always tell you. Your teachers in college might have said it, too. How you take care of your nails reflect how you take care of your body. You may not have believed it at first, but you have to be convinced, especially now that you know that poor nails represent poor health. If the eye is the window to the soul, then your nails are the avenues to your body and of course, your health. If you enjoyed reading this article, might as well read how to get rid of split nails.