Mailbag! How to Repair Dry “Winter Feet”
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 2, 2022
My feet get dry and crack year-round, but especially in the winter time. Do you have any tips?
–Ellen from Richmond, VA
Ellen,
You are not alone.
When surveyed, over 50 percent of Americans say suffer from xerosis (excessively dry skin). And it’s true that it worsens in the wintertime as humidity drops. We also spend more time indoors, which can cause skin to become dry as well.
Keeping your skin moisturized is important because your skin protects your body from infection and disease. Dry skin can be an invitation to bacteria and toxins. Not only that, but it can be uncomfortably itchy and painful (and leave you feeling self-conscious).
While you often hear that dry skin is the result of not drinking enough water, I rarely see this as the cause. Most people drink enough water. If you don’t think you drink enough water, or are on a diuretic, then consider paying closer attention to how much you drink.
Sometimes xerosis can be a symptom of a diseases, such as diabetes or a fungal infection. It can also be a side effect of some medications. I suggest talking with your doctor to rule out these culprits.
In the meantime, I do have some suggestions that might help.
First, check your body care products. Dry skin can be caused by harsh cleansers, which includes anything from the soaps you use in the shower to detergents you use for your clothes. Try moving to more natural soaps and detergents.
Next, turn down your water heater or take cooler showers. Hot water will also dehydrate your skin, so turn down the temperature if you can tolerate it.
Then, try adding some healthy fats to your diet. The better the fats you put into your body, the better your body holds on to moisture. Almost everyone should take a fish oil supplement. I recommend taking 1 to 3g a day. Besides that, you want to avoid all vegetable oils, and cook with only avocado oil or olive oil.
Finally, vitamin E and zinc are well-known to boost skin health– give those a try as well.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...