Dr. Berg, an expert in diagnosing liver problems using foot symptoms, explains the connection between various foot symptoms and liver health. He discusses how red and brown spots on the lower leg can indicate poor liver function. Spider veins signify a liver unable to regulate estrogen, leading to fatty liver and gallstones. Dry, cracked heels indicate an omega-3 deficiency, while itchy feet, fungal infections, and inflammatory conditions are also linked to liver damage.
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Quick takeaways
Observing foot symptoms such as red and brown spots, swelling, and pitting edema can provide valuable clues about liver health and indicate conditions like cirrhosis or fatty liver.
Dry cracked heels and dry feet can be indicators of an omega-3 deficiency caused by poor liver function, and liver damage can lead to foot inflammation, including plantar fasciitis.
Deep dives
Clues from Liver-related Circulation Problems in the Foot
Liver problems can manifest as red and brown spots in the lower leg, swelling, thinning skin, and pitting edema. These symptoms are a result of poor circulation and liver function, which can be caused by conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver. The liver's role in clotting factors and vitamin K production impacts bruising and discoloration in various body parts, including the lower leg. Observing these symptoms in the foot can provide valuable clues about liver health.
Liver Function's Impact on Foot Conditions
Dry cracked heels and dry feet can be indicators of severe omega-3 deficiency due to poor liver function's impact on bile production. Bile aids in the absorption of key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Itching feet can result from thickened bile backing up into the liver and bloodstream, as well as from fungal infections that thrive in the weakened immune system caused by liver problems. Additionally, liver damage can lead to arthritis and inflammation in the feet, including plantar fasciitis.
Nail Signs and Gut-Liver Connection
Nail conditions, such as dystrophic nails, toenail fungus, white lines, and vertical ridges, can be associated with liver problems. The liver's immune function plays a role in preventing toenail problems like brittle, cracked, or distorted nails. Moreover, a connection exists between liver health and gut imbalance, as the gut and liver are closely linked. Gut dysbiosis, caused by factors like antibiotic use or chronic artificial sweetener consumption, can contribute to liver problems, insulin resistance, and even skin conditions like rosacea.
In this podcast, we’re going to take a look at some of the different foot symptoms you may be experiencing and connect them to the health of your liver.
One common sign of liver problems is red and brown spots on the lower leg. These spots are caused by poor circulation and are often seen in people who have diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver.
When the liver isn't functioning properly, you may experience bruising and discoloration. You may also notice that the lower leg is swollen and shiny and no longer grows hair. Pitting edema may accompany these symptoms.
The good news about liver problems is that the liver is one of the only organs that can completely regenerate itself!
Spider veins, whether in the lower leg and foot or anywhere else on the body, signify that the liver can no longer regulate estrogen. Excess estrogen can cause a fatty liver and problems with your bile ducts, which can lead to gallstones.
Dry, cracked heels or generally dry feet are symptoms of an omega-3 deficiency. The liver makes bile, which helps you break down and absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. If you have liver damage, it will be difficult to absorb omega-3 fatty acids. Rarely, dry, cracked heels may be related to a B3 deficiency.
Other foot-related symptoms that typically signify liver damage include:
•Itchy feet
•Fungal infections
•Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and plantar fasciitis