We are often told that our nails can tell us a lot about our state of health. But do we know what to look for?

Charlotte Vohtz nails the subject in her book, Naturally Gorgeous, Essential Health and Beauty Sectrets.

Here are eight tips from the book.

1. White spots or flecks on nails indicate a zinc deficiency, which may have many causes — too much alcohol or even side effects from taking the contraceptive pill.

2. Ridged or brittle nails may highlight a calcium deficiency or lack of vitamin A.

3. Cracked or broken nails — in the absence of any other reason such as heavy manual work — may show up a lack of fluids. Dehydration can cause many conditions including blocked sinuses.

4. Nails which split easily may indicate a lack of fatty acids in the diet.

5. Dryness and very rounded and curved ends could be a lack of vitamin B12, which may be linked to an iron deficiency.

6. For super-healthy nails make half your diet consist of fresh fruit and vegetables, some raw. This will boost your intake of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

7. Add foods rich in sulphur and silicon, like fish, broccoli and onions. Also foods high in biotin, such as soya and whole grains.

8. Foods like wild seaweed (kelp tablets will do), which contain iodine for the thyroid gland, an organ that plays a part in the growth of nails, hair, skin and teeth.

How to Boost Your Immune System — Part 5

We’ve all heard that challenges and various forms of excitement are good for our health. But too much can easily lower the effectiveness of your immune system.

An expert on immunity, Dr Alex Concorde, offers the simple advice of heading off stress from the outset.

The trick is not to focus on demands on your time, but to concentrate on what your actions can realistically achieve. This may involve creating a suitable home environment, or being successful in your job.

The main object, though, is to keep it light and full of fun. Laughter is known to help the immune system, as is plenty of optimism.

So, share a joke and always Think Positive.

How to Boost Your Immune System — Part 3

Vitamin C is a well known dietary aid to improved immune system performance. Studies confirm this bit of folk medicine. The real debate is whether supplements really do help, or if natural foods are the only way.

Vitamin C is also vital for the body to make collagen, a key protein in skin and connective tissue which is said to improve appearance with age.

For most elderly people, vitamin C supplements are recommended, especially through the winter when local fruits may not be available.

The ideal supplements also contain substances call bioflavanoids, antioxidants derived from the pith of citrus fruits. These have been shown to increase the effectiveness of supplementary vitamin C.

Nowadays, both women and men are advised to moisturize their face twice a day after cleansing. Is this wise for the older person?

Tracey Chappell, a skin expert, says, “Often we allow ourselves to be pigeon-hole into a standard routine and stop listening to what our skin is telling us.

“The idea that we should moisturize twice a day is traditional beauty lore and does apply to a great many of us. But it’s not necessarily the best thing for everyone.

“The belief probably came about because our desire for squeaky clean skin has meant that traditionally cleansers are quite stripping and leave skin feeling tight and dry, making us reach for the moisturizer both morning and night after we wash our faces.

“Only you can know what your skin feels like on a day-to-day basis. Occasionally it is wise to let the skin breathe, particularly as over-using creams that are too rich can make the skin “lazy”, taking over from its natural functions and leaving us dependent on lotions and potions. We get trapped in a vicious cycle.”