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(HealthDay News) -- Like the skin, your finger and toe nails can indicate health problems, including conditions that affect the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland.

On their own, it's important to keep your nails healthy and in good condition. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Don't bite your nails, or pick or tear at them. If you have trouble stopping these behaviors, talk with your doctor.
• Clip hangails regularly.
• Cut your toenails in a straight line.
• Wear comfortable shoes that don't squeeze the toes.
• Keep fingernails short.
• Take the vitamin biotin to help strengthen brittle nails, and apply a coat of clear nail polish that contains protein.