How To: Soothing Dry Cracked Feet

It seems dry, cracked feet becomes a bigger problem in the fall and winter months than the summer.  (At least I hear more about it from my clients during this time of year...)  Of course this can be due to the dryer climate both outside and indoors, but it can also be a sign of malnourishment or toxicity in the body.  It is best to take care of your feet year round so the problem doesn't get out of hand, in to severely cracking skin with bleeding.  Here are my recommendations for soothing dry, cracked feet.

1.) Drink more water:  Increase your water intake to, at minimum, half your body weight in ounces of water daily.  This helps to not only rehydrate your skin, but flush the lymph system to ensure toxins are moving to the colon and out of your body.

2.)  Increase your healthy fats:  If your body is deprived of the healthy fats (DHA & EPA), your skin will be the first to show it.  This doesn't necessarily manifest down in your feet, but all over your body you will notice dry skin lacking resilience.  I recommend everyone supplement at least 2-4 grams daily of a good clean fish oil or hemp oil.  Also add in plenty of healthy fats to your diet - avocados, coconut milk, eggs (the yolks!), nuts, grass fed meats, wild caught salmon..  Over time your skin will repair itself.

3.)  Begin a dry brushing regimen:  Read more about dry brushing here and begin your 3 month commitment, paying extra special attention (and pressure) to your feet.  You should notice huge changes in just one month, but allow at least 3 months for full effect.  I recommend dry brushing daily, just like we brush our teeth and shower.

4.)  Follow up your dry brush with a foot bath:  After you've sloshed off all the dead skin from your body, treat yourself to a healing foot bath (recipe below).  The Epsom salt pulls toxins from your feet.  The baking soda neutralizes the skin as toxins come out (can also substitute with apple cider vinegar).  The honey, oatmeal, aloe, and lavender sooth and replenish the skin.  Follow up the foot bath with a massage of olive oil, put on some thick socks, and let the healing nutrients soak in.

Dry Cracked Feet Bath

1/4 cup raw honey
1/2 cup dry oatmeal (can run thru food processor for finer texture)
1/4 cup pure aloe vera
1/3 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup baking soda
20-30 drops pure lavender essential (or oil of choice)
Hot water to fill foot bath

Mix all ingredients together in the foot bath with water as hot as you can handle. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Simple, quick and easy but very relaxing and moisturizing!

If you suspect your body is suffering from more than simply dry skin, toxicity may be an issue.  It is correctable and you don't have to suffer!  Email me any time for advice and a free initial consultation on what could be going on and how to heal.