flaky nails, brittle haur

[spendthrift]

What do I do about them? Driving me insane.

Have you tried any of the hair/skin/nail supplements as they should combat both at the same time?
Otherwise gel polish on nails or Nail Envy and try coconut oil for hair - think there are a couple of threads on that at the moment

it's a nutritional problem, no amount of oil or cream will solve it, take silica supplements and also fish and veg source OMEGA oils, and don't expect a miraculous cure in 2 weeks, it will take a while!

Definitely a sign of lack of nutrients, not necessarily because your diet is deficient but possible because of lack of absorption. I have been working on my digestion and absorption for the last 6 months and my nails are the strongest/longest they have ever been. Here's a few things that may help.

Start the day with warm water and a slice of lemon, it helps 'wake up' the liver and gall bladder, stimulating bile file (helps absorption). Before meals, try drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, helps raise stomach acidity and aid digestion and absorption. Eat fruit before meals or separately rather than afterwards. Pineapple and pineapple juice contain digestive enzymes, ginger is also good for stimulating digestion. Drink 2 litres of water a day and plenty of fibre to prevent constipation, oats are great for many digestive issues.

A good multi vit/mineral supplement alongside will help, and an omega 3 supplement too.

Thank you for this, v helpful. I've been taking vit supplements for ages and omega 3 for the last few months, for other reasons, but hadn't thought of silica or absorption probs.

Off to follow this advice

Also, not to scare you, but these can be symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Check if you have any of the other symptoms.