Can You Eat Fingernails?
No, you should not eat your fingernails. While they may pass through your digestive system without causing immediate harm, doing so is unhygienic and carries potential risks.
- Infection: Fingernails harbor bacteria and other microorganisms. Ingesting these can lead to gastrointestinal problems. The reference mentioning nail biting highlights the risk of transferring bacteria from the anus to the mouth via nails, leading to potential stomach problems if swallowed.
- Dental Issues: Constantly biting nails can damage tooth enamel and potentially cause jaw problems, as noted in several references.
- Parasites: In some cases, nail biting can transfer parasites such as pinworms from the anus to the mouth, potentially resulting in intestinal infections.
What Happens When You Swallow Fingernails?
Fingernails are not digestible. They will pass through your digestive system, but this doesn't mean it's harmless. As mentioned in a Quora response, fingernails shouldn't be swallowed if avoidable, as they can wear down tooth enamel. One Reddit post mentions that while they might pass through without problems, like corn, it's still a gamble.
Why People Bite Their Nails
Nail biting is often a nervous habit, linked to stress or anxiety. This is touched upon in multiple sources. It's important to address the underlying causes rather than focusing on the act itself.
Conclusion
Eating fingernails is unhygienic and poses several health risks. While they may pass through your digestive system, it's not advisable. The focus should be on addressing the underlying reasons for the behavior and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
