Have you ever thought about the fact that your hands hold a lot of information about your physical and mental well-being? In fact, our hands can tell us a lot about our health, ranging from our nutrient levels to our stress levels.

The Color of Your Nails

One of the first things to look at when examining your hands for signs of your physical health is the color of your nails. If your nails are a healthy pink color, this usually indicates good health.

However, if your nails are a yellowish color, this could be a sign of a fungal infection. Additionally, if your nails are blueish, this could be a sign of low oxygen levels in your blood. If you notice any unusual colors in your nails, be sure to consult with your doctor.

The Texture of Your Nails

Not only can the color of your nails indicate potential health problems, but the texture of your nails can as well. Brittle nails can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin B and iron.

Similarly, if your nails are thin and ridged, this can be a sign of a thyroid hormone deficiency. If you’re experiencing any unusual nail texture, speak to your healthcare provider.

Finger Length Ratio

Believe it or not, the ratio of the length of your fingers can indicate certain health risks.

Specifically, research has found that people with a longer ring finger than index finger (referred to as a low digit ratio) may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. This is due to the fact that a low digit ratio is linked to higher levels of testosterone, which can increase the risk of heart problems.

Pulse Diagnosis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the pulse can reveal a lot about your overall health. In fact, TCM practitioners can use pulse diagnosis to identify a range of issues including organ function and stress levels.

The pulse is typically taken in three locations on each wrist and practitioners will examine the strength, quality, and rhythm of your pulse.

Hand Tremors

If you experience hand tremors, this could be a sign of a potentially serious health problem. Tremors can be an early sign of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Tremors can also be caused by certain medications or high levels of stress. If you experience tremors, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Hand Grip Strength

Hand grip strength can be a useful indicator of overall health as it is linked to a range of age-related declines.

Specifically, research has found that those with weaker hand grip strength are more likely to experience mobility issues, disability, and even premature death. Therefore, improving your hand grip strength can improve your overall health and well-being.

Hand Washing Habits

While hand washing habits may not directly indicate health problems, it’s important to consider how often and how thoroughly you wash your hands. Proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and the spread of germs.

If you’re not washing your hands regularly, this can increase your risk of contracting illnesses such as the flu or food poisoning.

Nail Biting

If you’re a chronic nail biter, this can be a sign of anxiety or stress. Nail biting can also leave your nails looking damaged and can increase your risk of infection.

If you’re a nail biter, consider exploring ways to manage your stress and anxiety such as through mindfulness practices or therapy.

Hand Temperature

Finally, the temperature of your hands can also indicate certain health problems. Specifically, if your hands are unusually cold or even purple, this could be a sign of a circulation issue.

Additionally, if your hands are consistently warm or even hot, this could be due to an overactive thyroid or a hormonal imbalance. If you’re experiencing unusual hand temperature, speak with your healthcare provider.