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Did you know that your foot can reveal almost everything you need to know about your overall health? There is even an entire branch of alternative medicine dedicated to it called reflexology.
Poor condition of the feet or soles can be a sign that some more serious illness is present in your body.
So next time you take off your shoes, examine your feet. You will learn more about your health than you probably think right now.
Cold feet
Persistently cold feet can indicate a problem with the thyroid gland. Because the thyroid regulates body temperature and metabolism, large fluctuations in foot temperature alert us to possible reduced thyroid function. Chronically cold feet can also be a sign of poor circulation and weak blood flow to the feet.
Numbness of the foot or tingling
Probably all of us have at some point in our lives experienced the feeling as if our feet suddenly “fell asleep”. However, if this condition occurs more frequently, it may be a symptom of damage to your peripheral nervous system, also called peripheral neuropathy.
If this applies to you, you should have it examined by a doctor immediately. Chronically numb feet can be caused by diseases such as diabetes or liver damage resulting from alcohol.
Red, white, or blue toes or entire feet
Red, white, or blue discoloration of the feet does not bode well. It may be Raynaud’s disease. It is a relatively rare disease of the blood vessels, usually affecting the big toes and toes of the feet. If you notice similar color changes, consult your doctor to make sure it is nothing serious.
Leg cramps
An occasional cramp in the leg is nothing to worry about too much. However, if cramps occur regularly, the cause can be a number of factors such as dehydration or physical overexertion of the muscles.
In addition, other causes may include a deficiency of potassium, calcium, or magnesium. In such a case you should supply your body with these minerals. Very good sources of potassium include bananas or potatoes. Nuts and various seeds are rich in calcium and magnesium.
It also helps if you stretch the muscles in your legs and feet before going to bed. However, if the situation does not improve, consult a doctor to be sure.
