Over a third (37%) of all Brits regularly bite their nails, with almost half (47%) blaming the habit on stress according to a new survey.
Five percent even chew their nails to stop them snacking at work, and over half (56%) claim not to realise theyre doing it.
It may seem like a perfectly harmless habit but in fact nail biting can damage health as well as leave us with unsightly finger tips.
A study found potentially harmful bacteria under the nails of a quarter (24%) of the men and 15% of women tested. Most worryingly bacteria associated with the ability to cause diarrhoea and vomiting were found on the nails tested. Over half (56%) of men and 40% of women tested had so many bacteria under their fingernails that it was almost impossible to count them all.
Nail biting is a fairly common habit but with the smoking ban it seems many people are increasingly finding themselves biting their nails to combat stress and this has its own potential health risks, says Dr Hilton, who led the team of microbiologists that carried out the research.
We were surprised by the number of bacteria we found under the nails of our case studies, and the indications that some of those present could be harmful if consumed. Particularly under the nails of people working in manual labour or who regularly gardened, pet owners and people with very young children.
Wrigley's, the organisers of this most recent survey, are recommending an alternative way to ease stress.
Studies show that chewing gum, such as Wrigley's Extra, can be a useful stress buster as chewing gum seems to stimulate certain areas of the brain that have a role to play in reducing tension, and the actual act of chewing itself can help release nervous energy.
One in five people questioned revealed they already use chewing gum to help them manage stressful situations.
David Bulls Top Stress Busting Tips:
-Regain Control. Work out what it is that is causing the stress and try and remove the cause. Write down the things that stress you out and be honest with yourself about how well you deal with them if at all. Realise that there are lots of little things that build up over time that lead to a blow out. If you know this, it can help you tackle them one at a time instead of letting them build up.
-Avoid negative coping mechanisms ie alcohol and smoking.
-Try and get more sleep as problems are easier to solve.
-Exercise will also help reduce the feelings of stress.
-Eat a healthy balanced diet. Food is fuel.
-Chewing sugarfree gum can bring relief as it has been shown to stimulate certain areas of the brain.
-Relaxation techniques work massage, music etc.
-Talk your problem through a problem shared is a problem halved.
-Laugh it really is the best medicine.
-Dont forget to celebrate your stress busting successes along the way!
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