HOW YOUR FEET ARE CONNECTED TO YOUR LIVER
In a recent article, I spoke about the liver. Our powerhouse organ and the body’s managing director. “Your Liver is Your Doctor”:
https://medium.com/@sammy-rnaj/your-liver-is-your-doctor-10a4fc193323
Our feet are far more often overlooked than looked at carefully, they are prime indicators of the liver’s dysfunctions. If they carry us around 24/7 for an entire lifetime, they do deserve closer care and attention. In older cultures from the Near East to the Far East, they are provided due care and attention because they reflect intimate hygiene. In Arabia and Africa, it is common that they are regularly auto-massaged whenever exposed and relaxed, which is considered unhygienic and impolite in Western culture.
TCM places a high priority on both hands and feet through reflexology, acupressure, and acupuncture. They are considered integral parts of the body, a microcosm representation of all the organs and their functions. Therefore, these old cultures must have more wisdom than we care to acknowledge.
10 PRINCIPAL SIGNS:
Once a liver disease develops, the symptoms appear in the feet, from minor to major issues. The following irregularities indicate a fatigued or distressed liver.
1. Cold/hot — Both conditions are a sign of ill health and a weak liver. With cold feet, the liver requires stimulation and active blood circulation through a daily exercise routine. Hot feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy, are damage to the nerves outside of the spinal cord or brain. This is something that happens with several conditions tied to the liver. In situations of regular hot, swollen, or tingling feet, consult your physician immediately.
2. Tingling and numbness — Alcoholic liver disease affects the brain and nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, changing mood, confusion, pain, and numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.
3. Discoloration — In cirrhosis, the liver is unable to process Bilirubin, a yellow substance made when red blood cells break down in the blood. In jaundice, because the bile does not flow normally and starts to color the skin yellow resulting in discoloration and edema in the extremities, in the white part of the eyes, a deep yellow in the urine, general itchiness, abdominal bloating, weakness and fatigue, loss of appetite and weight. Both cases are indicative of a severely damaged, late-stage liver disease.
4. Stains — In cirrhosis, the liver has difficulty processing fats leading to elevated blood lipid levels and the formation of small yellowish skin bumps called eruptive Xanthomas. Purpura are purple/blue/dark spots on the skin that range from small to large spots. They are generally benign, but they do not exclude more serious medical conditions such as a blood clotting disorder.
5. Spider veins — Also known as spider angioma, resemble spider veins and indicate systemic liver disease. Multiple angiomas are an indication of a chronic disease.
6. Odor — A smelly foot also indicates liver issues! If the liver is not able to detoxify properly, it can lead to damage in the larger intestines (the colon) as well as in the kidneys. Often these are accompanied by continuous foul-smelling feet.
7. Itchiness — Itchy feet are a symptom of liver distress, particularly cholestatic liver diseases such as BPC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis) and PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis). These conditions cause the bile ducts in the liver to become blocked or damaged, which can lead to a build-up of bile in the body. Pruritus, an itchy skin with no visible rash, indicates an irritated liver.
8. Pain — Foot pain is a common sign of liver distress. Usually in the sole of the feet, the heel, or the toes. When the liver stops functioning properly, it causes excess fluid and toxins to build up in the lower body, leading to peripheral edema. Painful toes
9. Swelling — Continuous swelling in the feet (edema) is due to a buildup of fluid in the legs, ankles, and down to the feet indicating conditions such as cirrhosis, HCV (Hepatitis-C), HBV (Hepatitis-B), fatty liver disease, or liver cancer. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside of the spinal cord or brain occurring with several conditions tied to the liver. Immediate medical attention is required.
10. Fungus — Onychomycosis, plantar and interdigital (toes) mycoses are found in 31.5% of primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver. It is the most common nail change observed in patients with HCV (Hepatitis-C), HBV (Hepatitis-B), and LCF (Liver Cell Failure). One form of fungus is Terry’s Nails, white, or washed-out curving nails. The other form is Lindsay’s Nails which are half white and half brown or red. The former is more indicative of liver disease.
RECOMMENDATIONS
· Acupressure or massage — There are five meridian points on each foot. Two meridian points are located on either side of the big toe with the 5th on the top of the foot, moving upward from the space between the 1st and 2nd toes, known as the Liver Channel. It is usually tender when pressure is applied. The 2 points on the outside of the big toe correspond to the spleen, while the 2 points on the inside of the big toe correspond to the liver. Stimulating the arch of the foot assists in digestion and aids the liver in its detoxification process.
· Hydration — To ensure an uninterrupted and regular detoxification process, it is important to hydrate the body constantly and observe the smooth elimination through the bladder. Water with intermittent natural vegetable or fruit juices, or yoghurt to improve the gut microbiome.
Infusions of turmeric, hibiscus, and green tea, add more diversity.
· Diversified Diet — It is ideal to avoid a repetitive diet and diversify as much as possible with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of refined and fast foods rich in sugars, salt, and fats. Moderation is recommended in the consumption of carbohydrates. which eventually converts into sugar in the blood. Garlic, onions, ginger, chilis, herbs, and spices are essential ingredients.
· Detoxification — Fasting or intermittent fasting, or incorporate any of the following into your daily diet intermittently between 1–3 months to reinvigorate your liver:
- The daily consumption of natural yogurt. It reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in the body, reduces weight and body mass index, and serum levels of insulin. Ideal for NAFLD (non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease).
- Leafy greens are a healthy food category and a great source of chlorophyll, which cleanses and detoxifies the blood. Chlorophyll helps eliminate toxins that would otherwise pass through the liver. Some of the best leafy greens include spinach, kale, and collards.
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