Do Shoes Get in the Way of Good Health for You?
By Tom Herrin
When you think about improving your health, chances are you are not thinking about shoes, at least not going without them. When many of us were young, we may have spent lots of time in the summer running around without shoes. For some, it was a sort of status symbol of summer. You knew you were out of school, and you were making a statement about your freedom. As time went on, chances are that you spent less and less time barefoot and much more finding the right shoes for the occasion. It is possible that walking around barefoot may do us more good than we ever could have thought.
Walking Barefoot May Boost Our Immune System
It seems as if every time we turn around, something is touted for the ability to help with our immunities. Apparently, walking barefoot can help to lower white blood cell count. At the same time, it may help to raise our red blood cell count. It is a pretty interesting concept, but it makes a little sense after thinking about it.
No Shoes Could Mean Better Heart
We don't often equate our heart health with our feet. In the case of going barefoot, it seems that it may have an effect on the red blood cells. This earthing, as it is considered, is thought to increase the surface charge of red blood cells. This may result in less clumping of these cells which can be a major cause of blood thickening. Thickening of the blood can become serious as it may damage the heart and/or blood vessels. Anytime the flow is slowed, things such as a stroke are more likely to occur.
More Energy Can Always Be Good
When we walk around barefoot, apparently we may have an energy boost. This is truly getting in touch with nature. As we all pretty much know, there is something about going barefoot outdoors that seems to turn on a switch. We have a burst of energy, or we don't feel like dragging around. If you haven't gone outside without shoes for a while, give it a try. It may bring back fond memories. It can make us feel much younger, and that is something that most of us would always like to be.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lone Tree, Colo.