Recently, a health expert encouraged everyone to check their feet for symptoms of liver disease that may be mistaken for other conditions.
Foot Signs Warning of Liver Disease
Dr. Mindy Pelz, based in the United States, stated that the condition of the skin on the soles of your feet can reveal much about your health.
The skin on the feet can sometimes become rough, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies or ill-fitting shoes. However, this symptom might also indicate more serious underlying issues.
In a recent episode of the popular podcast Diary Of A CEO, Dr. Pelz noted that dry and cracked skin can be a warning sign of liver disease.
Speaking with podcast host Steven Bartlett, Dr. Pelz mentioned that if you notice dry and cracked skin on your feet, it may be a good idea to consult a physician.
She remarked: “Dryness and cracking indicate that you’re not getting proper circulation down to your feet.”
“Thus, it could mean that the liver is not effectively detoxifying and eliminating toxins… Your circulation is not ‘reaching’ your feet.”
When Bartlett removed his socks to inspect his feet, he asked: “Looking at the soles of my feet, what signs indicate that my liver is unhealthy?”
The doctor replied: “It’s those really dry cracks.”
Dr. Pelz stated that dry and cracked skin can be a warning sign of liver disease.
Why Can Dry, Cracked Skin Warn of Liver Disease?
Liver function can be categorized into four main types, including digestion, blood cleansing, immune support, and blood clotting. Warning signs of liver damage or failure often appear when the liver cannot perform its functions, although symptoms may vary from person to person.
Individuals with chronic liver disease may experience itchy skin. The itching can affect just one area of the body, such as the feet, or the entire body.
Affected skin areas may appear red, rough, swollen, or cracked. Scratching these areas often does not alleviate the itch, and the itching tends to worsen at night, leading to disrupted sleep.
Dry and cracked heels can also be a sign of vitamin B3 or omega-3 deficiency. The liver produces bile, which helps the body break down and absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. If the liver is not functioning well, it will struggle to produce the necessary bile to help the body absorb vitamins and nutrients.
Severe dry skin may indicate cirrhosis. This condition occurs when the liver is unable to metabolize vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for maintaining skin health. A 2021 study involving 125 participants diagnosed with cirrhosis found that 93.5% of them were deficient in vitamin A.
Other symptoms of an underperforming liver include jaundice, swollen feet, sudden weight changes, red palms, and impaired brain function.
