Holistic Foot Care

Uric Acid and Foot Health

About Uric Acid and Your Body

Uric acid is a natural byproduct of your body’s natural functions. Sometimes, levels of this substance can get too high and lead to joint pain, gout, and other painful conditions.

What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a waste product. Your body makes it by breaking down purines, substances found in the body, and specific foods. When your body breaks down the purine, it creates waste products called uric acid crystals.

There are two reasons for gout. Gout occurs by underexcretion of uric acid or overproduction of uric acid. If your body can’t eliminate the crystals, they build up in joints.

Several conditions can cause this buildup:

Foods high in purine
Excessive alcohol
Overweight
Diabetes
Kidney disease
High blood pressure.

How Uric Acid Affects Foot Health

Gout is one of the most painful foot conditions. When uric acid crystals form around the foot’s joints, they cause swelling, stiffness, and intense pain. The most common joint is the big toe joint. Pain is usually so fierce walking or bending the joint is limited.

Gout is sometimes known as the “rich man’s disease” because it’s associated with a diet high in meat and alcohol. Symptoms, The most common presentation of gout in the foot is a joint that will be red hot and swollen. The pain is often so intense it even hurts if a sheet touches it.

Gout can mimic an infection, so if you think you have it go to your Podiatrist and get checked out.

How to Keep Uric Acid Levels Low

Diet is one of the best ways to control uric acid levels in your body. If you’re prone to gout or want to avoid it, the simplest and most effective approach is to change your diet. Stay away from high-purine foods, and eat more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods.

Foods to avoid:

Red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and game meat
Organ meat
Gravy made with organ meat
Alcohol • High-purine seafood, including shrimp, sardines, and lobster

Foods to eat:

Whole grains
Low-fat dairy products
Eggs
Fruit
Vegetables
Tofu

Natural Solutions for Uric Acid Buildup

In her book “Natural Solutions for Common Foot Problems,” Dr. Dawn Olsen Figlo shows how supplements can enhance the effects of your diet to help your kidneys work better and promote overall health. Here are some worth trying.

Vitamin C: There is promising research about the role of vitamin C in reducing uric acid buildup. If you are prone to gout, consider taking vitamin C supplements or increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C.
Cherries: Sweet, delicious cherries help lower uric acid levels. You can eat them plain, make juice from them, or add them to your baked goods.
Herbs and spices: Some plants that help balance uric acid levels are ginger, turmeric, dandelion, hibiscus, and milk thistle.

Keep Gout Away with a Holistic Approach

While medication may be necessary to manage painful, recurrent gout attacks, you can protect your feet with an integrated approach. Improve your diet, use plant-based supplements, and see a podiatrist for ongoing treatment. Download Dr. Dawn’s book for more tips on caring holistically

Why Is Epsom Salt Good for Your Feet?

About Epsom Salt and Your Feet

Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt has many therapeutic benefits. You can

add it to a warm bath to:

Relieve stress
Reduce muscle aches
Invigorate tired feet
Reduce inflammation
Soften skin

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a mix of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Magnesium is a soft mineral in

many hot springs and limestone caves. Despite its name, it is not a salt, but it does

have a similar crystalline appearance to table salt.

A History of Epsom Salts

Like many natural remedies, Epsom salt has been used for centuries. In 1618, a farmer

in Epsom, a small town near London, England, discovered a pool of salty water on his

property. He also noticed that wounds on his animals seemed to heal faster when they

bathed in this pool.

After experimenting with different ways to use this discovery, the farmer began selling

evaporated salt from the pool as a health and beauty aid. In a few years, Epsom

became a popular destination for people looking for natural ways to heal their illnesses

by bathing in hot, salty water.

In 1695, a chemist named Nehemiah Grew developed a brew made from the salts that

he sold it as a body detoxifier and cleanser.

Today, Epsom salt comes from all over the world. It is mined from dolomite rocks that

are in many mountain regions.

Foot Benefits of Epsom Salt

In her book “Natural Solutions to Common Foot Problems,” Dr. Dawn notes that its

specific compounds are natural, proven healers. For instance, magnesium helps our

bodies produce more serotonin, which is the hormone that regulates our moods and

makes us feel happy.

Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts allows the healing

properties of magnesium to enter our pores and create a tranquil, serene mood.

Sulfur has a long history as a natural antibacterial. It can heal acne, gently exfoliate the

skin, and reduce redness and irritation.

Enhance the Goodness with Essential Oils

These beneficial compounds make Epsom salt ideal for soothing several foot

conditions. Try an Epsom salt bath if you have arthritis, tendonitis, gout, or joint pain,

ingrown toenails and bunion, and hammertoe pain. The best part is it feels great, it’s an

emotional “time out” and it’s reasonably priced.

We recommend adding a few drops of essential oils to your Epsom salt bath to enhance

the benefits. Try adding pure therapeutic grade essential oil for a powerfully healing

bath.

Pair these Essential oils with Epsom Salt for added benefits:

Lavender – relaxing and soothing (emotional benefits and skin benefits)

Peppermint – energizing and soothes sore muscles (increases blood flow)

Tea Tree – antibacterial and antifungal (excellent for athletes foot infections and toenail

fungus)

Are There Any Side Effects?

Epsom salt is safe for most people to use. However, you should avoid using it if you

have open wounds, skin infections, or severe burns.

Heal Your Feet the Natural Way

At The Organic Foot, we support a holistic approach to good foot health that

incorporates natural remedies and essential oils. In Dr. Dawn’s book, “Natural Solutions

to Common Foot Problems,” you’ll find more ways to keep your feet healthy and happy.

5 Reasons to Treat Toenail Fungus with Essential Oils

Five reasons to treat toenail fungus with essential oils

Treat Toenail Fungus with Essential Oils

Natural: Essential oils are aromatic compounds from plants. They are plant protectors extracted through cold press and steam distillation. Their properties guard against infectious invaders and insects. They are not seen as foreign to us and are absorbed quickly into our cells without needing to attach to a receptor. This bioavailability means fast action! Pure therapeutic grade essential oils can be used topically, aromatically, and internally.
Safety: Antifungal medications have side effects. Some are more significant than others. One of the most powerful benefits of using essential oils is how safe they have proven to be. When used correctly, essential oils are a great way to treat toenail fungus and support our health in many ways. They are 50-70 times more potent than herbs, so less is more when using them. One to two drops topically is all you need, and a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil should be used.
Antifungal properties: Some of the most effective are Tea Tree, Oregano, Arborvitae, Cinnamon, and Cedarwood. Diluting these oils with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil is essential. Apply these oils topically – combine two to a roller ball bottle or start with one. Soaking your feet with Epsom salt and tea tree is beneficial and feels terrific.
Cost-effective: The cost of one drop of essential oil is minimal. You are way ahead of the game compared to a synthetic drug counterpart. Be forewarned if your essential oil is low cost; it is probably not pure, will not yield the desired effects, and can be harmful. They should be free of pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, and contaminants.
Additional health benefits: Whatever essential oil you choose, you will receive the many health benefits that the plant provides—for instance, Cinnamon is an antioxidant and helps regulate blood sugar. Lavender is great for skin rashes but also very calming. Essential oils have multiple chemical constituents, each delivering its benefits.

*TIPs: File the top of the toenail down for better penetration of the oil and be sure to treat your shoes as well!

Image of person doing foot strengthening exercises

What Is Metatarsalgia?

About Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia (pronounced “met-ah-tar-SAL-jah”) is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the ball of your foot. Although it’s commonly linked to high-impact sports, it can happen to anyone.

What Causes Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is caused by extended pressure on the sole of your foot. Sports that include running and jumping are the most common causes of this condition, especially track and field, football, basketball, and soccer.

Athletes aren’t the only ones at risk. You can also develop it if you:

• Were born with a high arch
• Regularly wear high heels
• Are overweight
• Have bunions
• Have weak foot ligaments

What Are the Symptoms of Metatarsalgia?

If you have this condition, you may experience:

• Aching or burning in the ball of your foot
• Pain when you flex your foot
• Sharp pain when walking barefoot
• A feeling like there is a stone in your shoe

Is it Morton’s Neuroma?

The condition known as Morton’s neuroma or Morton’s toe (interdigital neuroma) can also cause symptoms like these. Morton’s is a buildup of excess tissue around a nerve that normally affects the third or fourth toes. People with Morton’s report burning pain and the feeling that they have stones or pebbles in their shoes.

Many foot conditions have the same symptoms. The only way to know for sure what you have is with a proper diagnosis. If you’re experiencing foot pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist to find out what you have.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Metatarsalgia

Any ongoing discomfort is a good reason to visit your foot care professional. Your podiatrist will use x-rays, bone scans, or ultrasound to determine what’s causing your pain.

If you don’t have the typical risk factors for this condition, your doctor may look for foot deformities or other conditions that cause a biomechanical imbalance in your foot.

Treatment for metatarsalgia includes resting the foot and protecting it from further damage. It may take about three weeks to experience complete healing. Your podiatrist may recommend that you:

• Stay off the injured foot
• Wear a pressure bandage
• Use cushioned pads or custom orthotics
• Do gentle stretching exercises
• Take over-the-counter pain medications

Will You Need Surgery for Metatarsalgia?

Surgery is only necessary if regular treatments do not work. Your podiatrist may decide you need surgery to remove a pinched nerve. In most cases, however, you’ll get relief from less invasive treatments. Learn more in our e-book Natural Solutions to Common Foot Problems for natural ways to treat Metatarsalgia and other great natural solutions.

Good Foot Health Is for Everyone

At The Organic Foot, we offer advanced diagnostics and the latest treatment methods, including plaster-based custom-fitted orthotics. If you’re suffering from any kind of foot pain, contact us.

About The Healing Touch of Reflexology

The Healing Touch of Reflexology

Reflexology is the fifth pillar that supports good foot health. Reflexology is a natural, traditional healing practice that can increase your energy and boost immunity. It is a form of healing massage that focuses on the feet. When practiced correctly, it can help you:

Lift your mood
Lessen pain symptoms
Correct hormonal imbalances
Feel energized and rested
Experience overall wellbeing

Roots of Reflexology

Reflexology is a core part of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years. It rests on the belief known as qi (pronounced “chee”), which is a form of energy. This energy, which is essential to wellbeing, flows freely through the body. When it’s blocked, the body will feel fatigued, stressed out, and more prone to illness.

The best way to restore the free flow of qi is with a gentle, focused massage. This massage works best when it is used on distinct parts of the body. Done correctly, it releases qi to flow through the body again and restore its health. Most Chinese practitioners choose specific pressure points in the feet.

Zone Theory

Some health practitioners use zone theory to explain how reflexology works. They believe the body has 10 vertical zones. Every organ, blood vessel, or muscle that is in each zone can be reached through specific points on the toes or hands. For instance, massaging between the second and third toes can help heal your eyes. The pathways between pressure points and parts of the body are connected by the nervous system.

Complementary Therapy

Studies have found that reflexology works well as a complementary treatment. In one study, women who were being treated with chemotherapy reported that reflexology helped them reduce some of their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Other researchers have found that 30-minute foot reflexology treatments helped lower anxiety levels in people being treated for serious illnesses.

Healing Massage

Even if you can’t quite see how qi or zone theory work, there is no question that reflexology has the healing benefits of touch. Touch is a sure way to quiet the central nervous system. This type of holistic, healing touch can lessen anxiety, reduce pain, lift mood, and promote a calm sense of wellbeing.

Reflexology feels wonderful, and its benefits go beyond your feet. When you receive this treatment from an experienced practitioner, you will feel a renewed sense of vitality.

Get on the Path to Whole Foot Health

At The Organic Foot, we believe in healing from the inside out. When you feel energized and free from anxiety, your body can cope with almost anything. Healthy feet are the foundation of a healthy, happy life, and reflexology is a key element of that.

The Power of Plant-Based Medicine

Plant-Based Medicine

Herbal and plant-based medicines have a long history. Plants are still the primary form of medicine in Indian, Asian, and some European cultures.

Science has recently discovered that these traditional Ayurvedic medicines have clinically proven benefits. Nature’s bounty is truly unique, and your backyard may be filled with plants that fight disease and strengthen your immunity.

Focus on Wellness

Herbal remedies do more than address symptoms. They help your body heal holistically. Most medicine focuses on curing the apparent symptoms of illness that come with many side effects. Plant-based medicine focuses on creating total health.

When your body is strong, it can resist diseases and reduce signs of aging.

We believe in total wellness as the start of a long, healthy life. Your feet don’t have to suffer from aches, pains, or deformities like bunions. A holistic approach to foot care means feet that are supple, strong, and able to move freely through your life, creating the structural foundation that keeps us active.

Plants Are Potent

Some people believe that plant-based remedies are less effective than other medicinal approaches, but nothing could be further from the truth. As clinical trials have shown, their effectiveness is just as potent as synthetic pharmaceuticals minus the side effects.

Whether you are treating depression, anxiety, chronic inflammation, arthritis, or foot problems, a plant-based approach will work for you. Best of all, it will enhance your immunity and strengthen your whole body.

Use Plants in Many Ways

The best part about plant-based health is how easy it is to incorporate it into your everyday life. Some herbs and plants can be eaten or made into a healthful, delicious drink. These include mints, lemon balm, dandelion leaves, lavender, and basil.

You can also use the compounds from healing plants in powders, oils, tinctures, and compresses that you apply to your skin. Absorption through the skin is one of the quickest ways to get the benefits of herbal treatment.

Researchers have identified thousands of healing compounds in medicinal plants. The teachings of ancient Chinese, Indian, African, and other ancient therapeutic cultures have shown that these compounds work as well as chemical medicines without the dangerous side effects.

Essential Oils

At the Organic Foot, we stress holistic care involving all our sensory and emotional pathways. Essential oils are an effortless way to activate your senses. They provide powerful healing through aromatherapy, topical application, and internal use.

Because of its direct pathway to the limbic system in the brain, aromatherapy is a proven way to lift spirits, calm your mind, and improve your focus.

We apply essential oils to the sole for the best results. The healing properties of the oils enter the skin quickly. They are not seen as foreign and slide directly through membranes. They provide a gentle way to enhance foot health. We can help you choose essential oils that counter the effects of illness, medicine, and environmental toxins.

Learn More at the Organic Foot

At the Organic Foot, we make plant-based medicine one of our five pillars of good foot health. We focus on a whole-body approach to your feet when you work with us. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of organic foot care, read “Natural Solutions to Common Foot Problems “ by Dr. Dawn Olsen Figlo.