My fingernails keep breaking?

My fingernails keep breaking when my fingers bump into anything. I know they make nail hardeners you can put on the nail, but I wonder if I should be concerned about more than my nails. I read somewhere that nail health is an indicator of overall health, and if something is wrong with your nails, it is probably a symptom on some other medical problem, or a sign of something your body needs but is not getting. Can anyone advise me on what vitamins I need or what type of nutrition I should be getting more of?

My mother takes gelatin capsules every day, and has for years. She swears by them, for making nails hard and strong. It also apparently makes your hair silkier. I think most grocery stores, drug stores and health food stores sell them. She really does have nice nails, too. In fact, I should try it! :D

I think you might need zinc.

I used to worry about my breaking nails for years, using nail hardeners and polish, only to have them crack at the slightest tap or bump into something. It really aggrivated me. Finally, I heard that putting all the chemicals I was using on my nails (polish and hardeners) were weakening my nails. I then started using a buffering pad (I bought at the mall) with several sides for various polishing, and let them grow naturally. It took a few months to let them grow out, but now they are stronger than ever! I never thought I could have natural, strong nails! Now, I never use polish (except for an occasion nice event, but remove it after a day). Give it a try. You might be surprised :)

I'd try taking a multi-vitamin and keeping your nails unpolished for a while.