Introduction
Have you ever bitten your nails and wondered what happens to the nail once it’s swallowed? Maybe you’ve accidentally ingested a piece of your nail while eating or drinking. The question is, do fingernails digest in your stomach? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the anatomy of the nail, the digestive system, and what happens when nails are consumed.
The Anatomy of the Nail
Before we dive into the digestive system, let’s take a look at the anatomy of the nail. The nail is made up of layers of keratin, a protein that makes up hair and skin. The hard surface of the nail is called the nail plate, and it sits on top of the nail bed. The lunula, or the half-moon shape at the base of the nail, is where new nail growth occurs.
The Digestive System
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. It consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. When you eat food, it travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. In the stomach, the food is mixed with digestive juices and broken down into a liquid called chyme. From there, it moves into the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
What Happens When You Swallow a Fingernail?
When you swallow a fingernail, it enters the stomach along with the food you’ve eaten. Because the nail is made up of keratin, a protein, it’s possible that it could be broken down by the stomach’s digestive juices. However, the stomach is not able to break down all types of proteins. For example, collagen, another type of protein found in connective tissue, is not easily broken down by the stomach.
Can Fingernails Harm Your Digestive System?
While it’s unlikely that a small piece of fingernail would cause harm to the digestive system, consuming larger pieces or biting your nails to the point of bleeding could cause damage. The sharp edges of the nail could scratch the esophagus or stomach lining, causing pain and bleeding. In extreme cases, this could lead to infection or even surgery.
What Happens if You Accidentally Swallow a Fingernail?
If you accidentally swallow a small piece of fingernail, it’s likely that it will pass through the digestive system without issue. The nail will be broken down by digestive juices and eliminated as waste. However, if you experience pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention.
How to Avoid Swallowing Fingernails
The best way to avoid swallowing fingernails is to stop biting your nails. This habit not only puts your nails in your mouth, but it also increases the risk of infection and damage to the nail bed. Instead, try to keep your nails trimmed and use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s possible that fingernails could be broken down by the stomach’s digestive juices, it’s not recommended to intentionally swallow them. Biting your nails to the point of bleeding could cause damage to the digestive system and lead to infection or surgery. The best way to avoid swallowing fingernails is to stop biting your nails altogether.
