Is Walking Barefoot Healthy?

As children, we walked barefoot a lot of times, but as we grew, we began to wear shoes more often. You probably still walk barefoot in your home but don`t do so elsewhere. You`d be amazed at how many benefits you have deprived yourself by wearing footwear all the time.  What can walking barefoot do for your health? Let`s get talking!

13 Benefits of Walking Barefoot

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Walking barefoot improves cardiovascular health by decreasing the blood viscosity levels, which in turn, lowers hypertension.

Relieves Anxiety

Walking barefoot is essential for lowering anxiety levels. People dealing with anxiety and depression sleep better after some time of walking barefoot.

Fights Inflammation

Having direct skin contact to the surface of the earth, also called grounding, is essential in producing measurable differences in cytokines, which are compounds involved in the inflammatory process. Skin contact with the earth’s surface boosts the spread of electrons from the earth to the human body. These electrons enter the body through mucous membranes and acupuncture points positioned under the skin. The antioxidants in the body are made of electrons that neutralize free radicals and fight inflammation.

Boosts Immunity

Did you know that the body can absorb and donate electrons to the areas that require immune support? Disconnecting from the earth could lead to the rise of inflammatory-related diseases and weaken the immune system. Walking barefoot is essential in correcting this.

Regulates the Nervous System

Gaining direct body contact with the soil decreases anxiety and stress because the earth carries a negative charge with it, and the human body has a positive charge due to the electromagnetic waves we come in contact with on a daily basis.

Lessens the Severity of Menstrual Cramps

Making your bare feet have direct contact with the earth will help your mind, ease pain, and as a result, lessens the severity of cramps.

Heals Chronic Pain

Walking barefoot relieves pain by altering the numbers of circulating lymphocytes and neutrophils. It also prevents inflammation. However, if you have a severe injury, walking barefoot may not be good for you.

Improves Sleep

Walking barefoot is also great for inducing sleep. When you walk barefoot, the earth’s electrons spread to your body and influence your psychological health, thereby improving sleep and normalizing your day-night biological rhythms.

Loosens Tense Muscles

Walking barefoot prevents muscle soreness that occurs after engaging in strenuous physical exercise. This also applies to other situations that cause tense muscles.

Protects the Body from Dangerous Electromagnetic Fields

Walking barefoot reduces the electromagnetic charge within the body and prevents harmful effects of electromagnetic fields.

Improves Overall Posture

The foot muscles get weaker from the constant wearing of shoes. This weakness of the feet can lead to a bad posture which may result in neck pain, back pain, and knee pain. Walking barefoot can help improve your feet and your overall posture.

Improves Balance

As far as balance is concerned, walking barefoot is much better than wearing deeply cushioned shoes. As people age, their feet become less sensitive and may lose balance, hence exposing them to falling. Be sure to walk barefoot as often as you an to correct this decline in balance.

Keeps your Knees, Hips, and Core in Proper Alignment

You can keep your knees, hips, and core better aligned without shoes because the cushioned soles of sneakers could push out your pelvis and change your natural posture. In fact, no matter which shoes you wear, they will shape your knees, hips, and core a little differently than the natural state.

5 Side Effects of Walking Barefoot

Plantar Fasciitis

People who already have plantar fasciitis are advised not to make their bare feet come in contact with the ground for too long, as there is a greater risk for developing recurrent bouts of plantar fasciitis.

Neuroma

You might be experiencing a neuroma if the nerve in your foot gets pinched for a long period of time. This particularly happens when you wear shoes that are too small. People with neuroma are advised to avoid walking barefoot.

Exposure to Infections

Walking barefoot can cause diabetic foot disease in people who are susceptible to it. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil can expose the feet to hookworm infection, as the larvae in the contaminated soil could penetrate the skin. You might also contract fungal infections by walking barefoot, particularly in environments such as locker rooms, swimming pools, the beach, and the gym.

Heel Spur

Walking barefoot avoids adequate heel support, and this can worsen heel pain. A heel spur, which is a bony protrusion caused by a calcium deposit, can be a challenge and quite hurtful. People who suffer heel spurs are advised to wear socks or supportive slippers instead of walking barefoot.

Diabetes

People who suffer diabetes know how important it is to protect their feet. A blister or wound in their feet can cause long-term problems that could result in the amputation of a toe, foot, or limb.

Safe Ways to Walk Barefoot

Start Slow

Walking barefoot should begin as a gradual process so your feet and ankles can adapt to the new environment. You may start by walking barefoot on new surfaces for about 10 minutes every day, and as your feet get accustomed to it, you may increase the time and distance.

Walk Indoors

Before heading out to walk barefoot, you should practice walking barefoot indoors. This way, you gradually get accustomed to it, and you gain the confidence to walk outdoors.

Feel Free to Ease up

If you begin to feel some unbearable discomfort, feel free to stop. You may take some rest and try again after some time.

Do Foot-Balancing Exercises

Foot-balancing exercises can strengthen your feet and get you better prepared for walking outdoors barefoot. There are simple foot-balancing exercises you can do at home such as balancing yourself on one foot or flexing and stretching your feet.

Some Interesting Foot Facts

• About 5% of the US population has calluses or corn each year.
• About 6% of Americans have bunions, foot injuries, or fallen arches, or flat feet each year.
• 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some time in their lives.
• About 5% of Americans have fungal foot infections every year.
• About 5% of Americans have ingrown toenail problems each year.
• About 60% of diabetics will develop some form of diabetic nerve damage which may lead to diabetic lower limb amputation.
• About 60% of all foot and ankle injuries of people aged 17 or older are ankle strains or sprains.
• Every year, about 56,000 people lose their foot or leg to diabetes.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a common reason for feeling pain and burning in the feet.
• The human foot and ankle have 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• There are approximately 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, excreting about half a pint of moisture every day.
• Women are 4 times more likely to have foot problems than men are, mostly because of their footwear.
• Many people have a foot larger than the other, which is why it`s advisable to fit the larger one while standing.
• The average person takes 9,000 to 10,000 steps daily.
• The sole of the human foot contains more sensory nerve endings and sweat glands per square centimeter than any other part of the body.
• Afternoons are the best time to buy shoes, as the feet tend to swell a bit during the day, so you can get the best fit.
• Walking is the best exercise for your feet, as it improves circulation, regulates weight, among other functions.