When it comes to health, the human body does an amazing job of screaming for your attention when something is off. The thing is, these cries for help are not cacophonous pleas, but subtle signs. A perfect example? Your nails. They’re not just for snooping around for dirt or credibly pointing your allegations. Your nails reflect your overall health.

Here’s the neat part: healthy nails should look glossy, smooth, and have a consistent color. Or in popular beauty industry speak: shiny, ‘glassy’, and with a consistent Instagram filter. Watch out for brittleness and color changes faster than a chameleon on a disco ball. That’s your body's way of dropping hints of potential health issues.

The nail bed (the part of your nail that you’d see if it were transparent) should look pink with a potential appearance of a paler half-moon shape near the cuticle. Trust us, your nails aren't trying to stage a lunar landing; they're just regularly communicating their health status.

Your aspiring body armor should feel firm throughout and cuticles should remain intact, without showing any redness or irritation. If your nails appear otherwise or if the skin around your nails starts throwing a temper tantrum by looking red and puffy, you might need to check it out.

Nail biting, universally appreciated as a terrible habit, can cause several issues. It might not be as harmful as, say, poking a bear, but it's not doing you any favors, either. It acts as an invitation to infections causing your nails to go from hero to zero real quick.

Finally, remember that poor nail health could indicate vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a sign that your diet could use a little TLC. Bottom line, establish a solid routine for nail care and pay attention to these gatekeepers of your health. You'll feel better, and your hands will look unoutfoxable in those Instagram nailfie’s.