While all of us walked barefoot as kids, we probably got accustomed to the different types of footwear as we grew up. It probably is time to revisit that forgotten habit. Here, we have discussed the many advantages of walking barefoot. Continue reading to know more.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Walking Barefoot?
Walking barefoot in natural surroundings brings you in contact with the earth. This transfers the earth’s electrons into your body, inducing therapeutic effects. These include reduced inflammation, stress, and pain and improved mood and sleep.
1. Can Help Fight Inflammation
Grounding (another name for direct skin contact to the surface of the earth) has been found to produce measurable differences in cytokines, compounds involved in the inflammatory process. Interestingly, this effect can be attributed to the earth’s electrons (1). Skin contact with the earth’s surface facilitates the spread of electrons from the earth to the human body. These electrons enter the body through specific acupuncture points and mucous membranes (residing right under the skin) (1). The antioxidants in our body are made of electrons, which help neutralize free radicals and eventually fight inflammation (2).
2. May Promote Cardiovascular Health
Various studies have shed light on the physiological effects of walking barefoot (grounding) in improving cardiovascular health. They also showed a decrease in the blood viscosity levels, an effect that may lower hypertension (3). However, more research is warranted to highlight the beneficial effects of walking barefoot on cardiovascular health.
3. Can Relieve Anxiety
Grounding was also linked to lower anxiety levels. Subjects dealing with anxiety and depression, when grounded to the earth during sleep in their own beds (using a conductive mattress pad), experienced improvements in their condition (2). Though the experiment wasn’t performed on subjects actually walking barefoot, the mechanism involved was the same.
4. Can Boost Immunity
The transfer of electrons is the key, again. The body is capable of absorbing and donating electrons to the areas that need immune support (1). Reports suggest that the disconnection from the Earth could be an important cause of the rise of inflammatory-related diseases that have everything to do with a weak immune system (1). Walking barefoot may correct this. This is because lack of sufficient electrons in the body can weaken the mitochondria (structures in the body’s cells that are responsible for energy production), eventually leading to chronic fatigue and other issues. Even a minor injury can become a long-term health problem (1).
5. May Help Heal Chronic Pain
The effects of grounding could alleviate pain levels. Some research shows that walking barefoot may reduce pain by altering the numbers of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes. It also modulates various other factors linked to inflammation (1). In another study, grounding lead to rapid resolution of painful chronic inflammation. It could even prevent the signs of inflammation following heat, swelling, and pain (1). However, we do not recommend you take a walk (let alone walking barefoot) if you have a serious injury.
6. Can Promote Better Sleep
Walking barefoot can also induce better sleep. The earth’s electrons spread to your body and cause multiple beneficial psychological changes, including enhanced sleep every night (2). Grounding also helps normalize the day-night biological rhythms. This helps you relax and sleep better (4).
7. May Promote Eyesight
There is little research to establish this aspect. This effect might have more to do with the reflex points on the foot that are connected to the optic nerves (5). Isn’t it astonishing that something as simple as walking barefoot can change your life in important ways? However, this activity doesn’t come with certain caveats.
What Are The Risks Associated With Walking Barefoot?
Without proper foot strength, you might expose yourself to potential harm when you walk barefoot, out in the open. This is especially true if you are just starting to walk barefoot, after spending the majority of your life walking in shoes. One such risk is that of infections. Some studies show that walking barefoot can lead to diabetic foot disease in susceptible individuals (6). It is also important to consider the surface you are walking barefoot on. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil can lead to hookworm infection (7). The larvae (immature worms) present in the contaminated soil can penetrate the skin of humans. You may also want to avoid walking barefoot in areas usually associated with fungal infections. These include swimming pools, locker rooms, the gym, and the beach (8). There are a few ways you can ensure you can safely walk barefoot. We will explore them in the following section.
How To Walk Barefoot Safely
Like everything else, this takes time and patience. Please remember the following:
Start slow. You must give your feet and ankles enough time to adapt to the new environment. Start with walking barefoot on new surfaces for about 10 minutes every day. As your feet get accustomed, you can increase the time and distance.
Walk indoors. Before heading out, you can practice walking barefoot indoors. Your house would be a much safer place to start walking barefoot.
Ease up if needed. Remember, this is not a chore. If you feel any kind of pain and discomfort, stop. Take some rest and resume the activity the following day with a little more care.
Do foot-balancing exercises. These can further strengthen your feet and keep you better prepared for walking outdoors barefoot. You can do these right inside your home. You can balance yourself on one foot or even flex and stretch your feet.
Is it okay to walk barefoot on a treadmill? It is absolutely okay to walk barefoot on a treadmill. It might only get uncomfortable after a while. Does walking barefoot make your feet wider? No, it doesn’t. How about walking on grass? Grass could be the best surface you can walk barefoot on. It is the closest you can get to the Earth. How long should you walk barefoot a day? There is no prescribed duration for barefoot walking, but you should begin slow and practice walking for 10-15 minutes each day for the first few weeks to ease yourself into the habit. Does walking barefoot strengthen your feet? Yes. According to research, walking barefoot may strengthen your feet and make them more pliable (9). Can walking barefoot cause nerve damage? No, walking barefoot does not cause nerve damage. However, those with existing nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy, should avoid walking barefoot to minimize the risk of further injury. Can you get plantar fasciitis from walking barefoot? Habitually walking barefoot over a long period of time may wear down the heel pads on your feet and lead to plantar fasciitis or heel pain. Is it good to walk barefoot on concrete? Walking barefoot on concrete and other similar hard surfaces may put excess pressure on the heels and lead to foot issues in the long run (10). Therefore, it is best avoided or kept to a minimum.
