How to Stop Biting Your Nails, Naturally
Around 30% of people continue to bite their nails into adulthood, mostly due to a nervous disposition or gluten intolerance. Avoid toxic nail biting liquids, that could harm babies or pets that may kiss your hands.
- Identify triggers and remove them. For instance, many people find that after having a glass of wine or absently watching TV (or both) in the evening may lead to subconsciously nibbling.
- Harbour Hypnotherapy offers affordable ‘habit downloads’ from a clinical hypnotherapist (not just nail-biting for also there are downloads to stop thumb-sucking, hair-pulling, addiction to caffeine or chocolate and even cocaine).
- Try giving up gluten. Many people who have been chronic nail-biters for decades find their habit disappears overnight, once they give up gluten. This is thought to be due to gluten (in some people) blocking B vitamins that help with your nerves.
NAC (N-acetyl-L-Cysteine) supplement has helped some people give up nail-biting. This amino acid builds keratin (good for nails, skin & hair), and stop other hair-pulling or skin-picking. Check with GP before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or on medication.
One woman in Seattle wrote that after a few months of taking this, her nails grew for the first time in her life (she also gave up any desire for alcohol!)
