The nails have it, at least when it comes to telling you if you've got emphysema or other lung disorders, arthritis, iron deficiencies or kidney and liver problems.


Are you staring at your nails yet? Good.

It turns out the shape of your nails, along with your nail consistency and the lines and indentations in your nails say a lot about your overall physical health, according to Dr. Amy Derick, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern University. For example, people that suffer from lung problem often suffer from "clubbed" nails, wherein the fingertips become rounder and the shape of the nail becomes more curved.

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If you're noticing horizontal lines in your nails -- what are known as Beau's lines -- you may be more stressed than usual. They're a common sign of physical stress and have been seen among people who've gone through chemotherapy, or experienced malnourishment. Kidney and liver problems can make half of your nails go white, and if you're noticing that your nail is lifting out of your nail bed, it could be a sign of kidney or thyroid problems.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should consult a doctor if you think anything may be seriously wrong. [Business Insider]