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Being Out There May Provide a Boost for Health

By Tom Herrin

We often use lots of slang terms to describe just about anything.  One of those we hear on occasion is "being out there."  While it may have a variety of connotations, one of them is sometimes being somewhat bare and in contact with nature.  Most of us know the feel when we go to a park or campground.  As we go with less clothing that we are accustomed to, we may get that feeling of openness.  Who doesn't enjoy that once they have the opportunity to experience it?  Apparently walking barefoot is thought to have some real benefits to health, and it is one of those things that probably never occurred to us.

Walking Barefoot May Help the Heart

For many years, a major health problem for many people has been with the heart.  Much of it may well be due to lifestyle.  This may include poor diet and lack of exercise, but there are some other factors as well.  As we age, many of us tend to experience a thickening of our blood.  This can cause some issues with circulation as it places more stress on the heart and may increase blood pressure.  According to one study, walking barefoot may result in a greater surface charge of red blood cells.  This can help to reduce the clumping of these cells that may contribute to this thickening or clumping.  

Walking Barefoot May Lessen Inflammation

Anytime we experience inflammation, it is uncomfortable and often accompanied by pain.  It is part of a natural defense system of the body.  It appears that walking barefoot may help to reduce the occurrence of inflammation and pain.  Our bodies have lots of built-in mechanisms to protect us.  One of these is the production of cortisol.  It is known as a fight or flight hormone.  While it can serve some good purposes, it also can increase our levels of stress.  One study looked at the effects of sleeping in contact with the earth and found, that after eight weeks, participants had much lower levels of pain and inflammation or none at all.

Everything Doesn't Have to Be High-Tech

There are times in which we may feel that, if something isn't pretty complex, it doesn't do any good.  Walking barefoot is pretty much back-to-basics.  Many of us did it as children but gave it up to fit in with a more adult world.  I still enjoy the feel of the grass on my bare feet.  It seems to make me feel young again.  It may be in my mind, or it may be the real deal.  For the cost, it is well worth trying.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goleta, Calif.

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