People are being advised to inspect the soles of their feet for a symptom that could indicate liver diseas. Dr Mindy Peltz highlighted the condition of the skin on the bottom of your feet can reveal much about your overall health.
While it’s not unusual to have rough skin on your feet, which could be attributed to a lack of vitamins or poorly fitting shoes, it may also signal a more grave health issue. In the latest instalment of the popular podcast ‘Diary Of A CEO’, Dr Peltz discussed how dry and cracked skin on the feet could serve as an alert for liver disease.
In conversation with podcast host Steven Bartlett, the fasting and women’s health specialist mentioned that noticing dry and cracked skin on your feet should prompt a discussion with your GP. She explained: “Dry and cracking is showing that you’re not getting proper circulation down to your feet.”
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She continued, suggesting that poor circulation could mean: “…it can be a possibility that the liver is not doing a good job of detoxing and getting toxins out… Your circulation isn’t freely getting down to the bottom of your feet.”
As Bartlett examined his own foot after removing his sock, he queried: “What is a sign that my liver is not healthy, looking at the bottom of my feet?” To which the doctor responded: “It’s the real dry cracks.”, reports the Mirror.
The liver’s functions are diverse, encompassing digestion, purification of blood, bolstering the immune system, and aiding in blood clotting. Signs of liver damage or failure can manifest when the liver struggles to fulfil these roles, though symptoms can vary from person to person.
People suffering from chronic liver disease may experience pruritus, commonly known as itchy skin. This itchiness could be localised to a specific area like the feet or affect the entire body.
The skin in these areas might appear red and rough, with visible bumps or cracks. Scratching these spots typically doesn’t alleviate the discomfort and the itching often intensifies at night, disrupting sleep patterns.
However, dry and cracked heels could also indicate a deficiency in vitamin B3 or omega-3. The liver is responsible for producing bile, which aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.
If the liver isn’t functioning optimally, it may struggle to produce sufficient bile needed to extract these essential vitamins and nutrients. A deficiency in vitamin B3 could lead to pellagra, a condition characterised by diarrhoea, dermatitis, and dementia.
Extreme dry skin could be a symptom of cirrhosis, resulting from the liver’s inability to metabolise vitamin A, a vital nutrient for maintaining skin health. A 2021 study involving 125 participants diagnosed with cirrhosis found that 93.5% of them had a vitamin A deficiency.
Additional signs of poor liver function include jaundice, characterised by yellowing of the eyes and skin, swollen feet, fluid retention around the abdomen, sudden weight changes, reddened palms, and decreased cognitive function.
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Dr. Debi Johnson is a medical expert and health journalist dedicated to promoting well-being. With a background in medicine, she offers evidence-based insights into health trends and wellness practices. Beyond her reporting, Dr. Debi enjoys hiking, yoga, and empowering others to lead healthier lives.
