Experts are urging people to examine their feet for a possible indicator of liver disease that may be easily overlooked. According to Dr Mindy Pelz, the condition of the skin on your feet can reveal a great deal about your overall health.
While rough foot skin is not uncommon and may suggest a vitamin deficiency or poorly-fitting shoes, it could also point to a more serious health concern. During an episode of the podcast Diary Of A CEO, Dr Pelz indicated that dry, cracked skin might serve as an early red flag for liver disease.
Speaking with podcast presenter Steven Bartlett, the fasting and women's health specialist recommended that spotting dry and cracked skin on your feet warrants a trip to your GP. She said: "Dry and cracking is showing that you're not getting proper circulation down to your feet. So it can be a possibility that the liver is not doing a good job of detoxing and getting toxins out."
The liver performs four primary functions: digestion, blood purification, immune support, and blood clotting. Warning signs of liver damage or failure often appear when the liver is unable to perform these tasks. Those with chronic liver disease may experience pruritus, or itchy skin, which can be localised to the feet or affect the entire body.
However, dry, cracked heels may also indicate a deficiency in vitamin B3 or omega-3 fatty acids. The liver produces bile, which helps break down and absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. If the liver isn't functioning at its best, it may struggle to produce enough bile to extract these vital nutrients.
Further indicators of compromised liver function include jaundice, puffy feet, fluid build-up around the abdomen, unexpected weight fluctuations, reddened palms, and reduced cognitive function. People should speak to a doctor if they have any concerns or questions.
