Unfortunately for me, I suffer the same affliction Lotti does... which is why Nailtiques might not have worked; while it's under control, my hair recovered, the nails never did... and while I never gained a pound since meds started working, I never lost much, even with exercise, but I'm still working at it. Since I grew up in Italy and never knew what frozen, canned or prepared food was until I came to the States, I still stick to my basic Mediterranean eating habits or my acquired Chinese ones, which are pretty healthy too, since homestyle Chinese cuisine is very different and a lot healthier than what you find in Chinese restaurants. I'm sure age is working against me though... and I'll probably have to increase my activity level some more to compensate for quilting time...

Thanks for the added detail, Lois. Are you taking a break from Chinese Whispers?

Well I guess we've started at least two challenges on this thread! We haven't really gone off topic, still a challenge, right?

About the Vit D suplement, the pill is in gel form and there is a warning that if you are alergic to peanuts to notify the pharmacist. There is some sort of oil in the capsule. I remember from school days that Vit D is a fat soluble vitamin so if you decide to try an over the counter medication make sure when you take it there is at least a small bit of fat in your digestive system.

Absolutely Renata! I know that my diet is abysmal and that is a big part of my problem.

Thanks Margo and thanks everyone else with the nail advice. I tried Nailtiques a couple of years ago and it did not help me much unfortunately and I have nails that resemble Lois' description... so I appreciate what Lois, Marilyn and Lotti had to say about food and supplements--worth a try!

I'm glad you didn't forget about the single malt, Lotti!

Rosemary, I didn't play truant from school. I was at the back of a classroom with access to a laptop, and for once the kid I was looking after was behaving and focused on work, so I was able to step back. It's only the second time this has happened this school year.

I try to eat millet (also called milo, or sorghum) on a regular basis! Wonderful to help nails and hair become stronger, more flexible and generally healthier! Can be cooked similar to rice, ground and added to bread, steamed and added to a muesli, or whatever takes your fancy. And really does help! With my thyroid my nails are generally in terrible shape, this keeps them in line! I love it when we veer off topic - makes the forum so much more interesting, and truly a world-wide chatty tea party! (You may replace the 'tea' with coffee, wine, beer, gin, single malt, juice, ice cream or whatever takes your fancy)

:shock: Oh, no ! Another leap ! Biotin 5,000 mcg was recommended by my nail lady...
I've taken it for several yrs now...made a huge difference....I take extra D as well.

Well, now that we are on fingernails.... Great job with your's Margo. Got to let you in on my amazing secret. I have natural fingernails for the first time in my entire life. They have always been like paper... flimzy and peel off in layers. It's been very discouraging. They were too weak to support fake ones being glued on. I ask my physican's assistant whether the problem might be low levels of Vit D. I asked because the problem has improved ever so slightly in the summertime. So when I had my blood work done for my annual check-up my PA had them check my Vit D levels. They were low. I have been on a prescription dose for 2 months and my nails are growing. They don't bend easily, break or peel. I am almost ready to try nail polish on them. The harshness of the chemicals in the polish and even non-acetone remover took what little life I had in them right out. Oh, the other thing is that I am also drinking lots and lots more water than I had been. I think the improvement is due to both Vit D and increased water. Margo, I am going to check out that polish. Thanks. BTW, your nails look great.

:shock: Wouldn't that be awesome !?

Truly awesome, Rosemary!! And you look great. I just wonder if the thingy in front of your face stops you eating and so aids weight loss.

Ready here !! and I have spares in case of malfunctions !!

OHMYGOSH!! Rosemary, that is priceless!! My son used to be in a fencing club, but he recently sold all his gear.

Renata, it is Nailtiques. I get it at Walgreen's near the Sally Hansen products, but it's off to the side somewhere, depending on the store. Small box! Hard to spot!
It's kinda pricey, but has worked LOTS better than anything else I've ever tried.



You can also order it here: http://www.nailtiques.com/products.asp?CategoryID=1 or from several other online sources. I use the formula #2, but read the info and see what your nails need.

Limbania, it will probably help your nail issues after your chemo treatments too!!

Paula, I'm sorry I got off topic!

Margo wrote:
So, Margo, what's the new protein-enhanced nail polish? I could really use it!