Nails endure a lot of abuse throughout the day. Finding the perfect balance between nurturing your nails and rigorously testing their endurance can be a challenge. Nails may or may not rank highly on your list of worries, but they can be a surprising source of information concerning your health. Healthy nails provide aesthetic benefits, beauty, and confidence.

"Healthy, strong nails are important not just for their looks, but also for performing the tasks of daily life, like picking up objects," said American Dermatology Academy speaker Dr. Marta J. Vanbeek. Your nails account for 10 percent of all skin conditions and have tell-tale signs concerning your health.

Here is what to look for: 

White spots can result from pushing the cuticle back too vigorously or other trauma to the nail bed or plate. The spots eventually grow out.

Weak, thin and splitting nails are either genetic or caused by loss of moisture or frequent contact with chemicals like those in household cleaners.

Yellow discoloration occurs when you wear dark polish for long periods of time. A fungal infection also can cause discoloration and separation from the nail bed. It can also cause swollen, red skin around the nails and is just one symptom of irritation or infection.

Vertical ridges often occur as you age or if nails are dehydrated. Light buffing can help smooth small ridges.

It may surprise you to know that a lot of the cosmetic products designed to help solve these problems and save your nails can actually be far more detrimental than beneficial.

Using polishes that contain hardeners or apply ingredients like gelatin will not help strengthen nails. The reality is, the best way to grow strong nails is to make sure that they are kept moisturized. Because nails take a lot of abuse in daily life and are repeatedly exposed to harsh detergents and chemicals, they often dry out. For healthy nails, choose a moisturizer that contains a mineral base or petroleum that helps to retain moisture. Avoiding dark polishes can also increase the smoothness and depth of natural nail color while reducing the chances of fungal infection and yellowing.

Nutrition and diet all play a pivotal role in good heath. There is absolutely no question that keeping a close eye on your nails will benefit both beauty and health. Nail health can cue you into serious medical conditions that sometime have subtle warning signs. Kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, fungal infection and vitamin deficiency can all be spotted by evaluating the health of your nails.