What Your Walk Reveals About Your Health

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 11, 2024

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about walking, but I’d like to ask you to take a moment to consider how you walk.

Are you a speedy strider, racing from one place to another? Or do you prefer a leisurely stroll, taking your time to smell the roses?

You may have noticed that Uncle Joe has started to shuffle a bit or that Georgia’s steps seem less steady than they used to be.

These simple observations about how we move could tell us much more than we realize. In fact, your walking style could be a window into your overall health and how well you’re aging.

It sounds far-fetched. But stick with me because what I’m about to share could change how you think about putting one foot in front of the other.

Recent research has revealed that our walking style, or gait, is far more than just a personal quirk.

It’s a complex dance between our brain and muscles, requiring an intricate series of signals to keep us moving smoothly. And as we age, changes in this delicate system can reveal a lot about our health.

Let’s start with the basics. Did you know that your walking speed at age 45 can predict your physical and mental health later in life? It’s true!

Scientists have found a noticeable decline in walking speed once we pass 60. But it’s not just about slowing down—it’s about what that slowdown might mean.

For instance, a decline in the speed and smoothness of your walking could be an early indicator of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s interferes with the brain’s messages to the musculoskeletal system, causing a slower, less symmetrical, and more staggering gait. These changes can be subtle but detectable even in the early stages of the disease.

But it’s not just Parkinson’s we’re talking about. Cognitive decline can also be reflected in your walking. If you notice your stride length getting significantly shorter or the time it takes to complete a stride increasing, it might be worth mentioning to your doctor.

Now, let’s talk about tripping. We all stumble occasionally, but if you find yourself tripping over your feet more often, it could be a sign of something called “foot drop.”

This happens when the muscles on the front of your shin start to fail, causing your foot to drop down as you step forward. It can be caused by nerve damage from diabetes or even from sitting cross-legged for too long!

And here’s something you might not have considered: pain in your rear end and down the back of your leg while walking could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease. If the pain disappears when you stop moving, it’s worth checking out.

Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. Sometimes, a staggering gait with balance problems could simply mean you’re low on vitamin B12. This is relatively easy to treat by adding B12-rich foods to your diet, such as liver, beef, sardines, clams, tuna, and salmon.

So, the next time you’re out for a walk, pay attention to how you’re moving. Are your steps smooth and steady? Is your stride length consistent? Do you feel any unexplained pain or difficulty?

Remember to keep an eye on your loved ones, too. If you notice changes in their walking, it might be worth gently suggesting a check-up.

P.S. Defy aging with the sunshine vitamin.

Source:

Weber, D. Differences in physical aging measured by walking speed: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Geriatr 16, 31 (16).

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.

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