The liver is a mute organ that does not complain through pain. When he is sick, he often uses the skin to send you distress messages. Here is the sign to spot according to specialist Eric Berg.
In spring, the body naturally begins a transition process. This is the moment when the liver, the body’s true purification station, needs to lighten up after working full time all winter to filter an often richer diet and compensate for a sedentary lifestyle. But this seasonal “cleaning” phase can sometimes mask a more worrying reality. If fatigue is often attributed to the change of season, a discreet physical sign, located far from the abdomen, could reveal a liver problem, much more serious than it seems.
According to Dr. Eric Berg, doctor of Chiropractic specializing in nutrition and metabolism, the feet are excellent indicators of the state of the internal organs, and particularly the liver. Since the feet are at the end of the circulatory system, liver-related waste filtration or blood pressure problems often manifest there well before major clinical symptoms appear. “Examination of the skin, palms and soles should never be neglected, as abnormal discoloration may be the first clinical sign of a silent systemic disorder“, continues the expert.
One of the most striking signs is the yellow coloring of the heels, often located at the level of the calluses (the famous “horn” of the foot). “The liver doesn’t have pain receptors, so it can’t tell you it’s in pain. It uses the skin and extremities as a bulletin board to send you distress messages. If you notice a yellow-orange tint to your heels, this is often a sign that your liver is no longer able to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A or is starting to accumulate bile pigments.“, explains the doctor in one of his videos.
This accumulation of beta-carotene or bile pigments is often a warning sign of liver dysfunction or an overly fatty liver, medically called fatty liver. If left unchecked, this steatosis can progress to more serious inflammation (MASH) or fibrosis, where healthy cells are replaced by stiff scar tissue. At this point, the liver “asphyxiates”. In the long term, this can lead to cirrhosis and then liver cancer.
If you notice this persistent discoloration, it should not be ignored. The first reflex should be to consult a general practitioner who can prescribe a complete liver test (ultrasound and blood test). At the same time, reducing the consumption of refined sugars and alcohol is a crucial step in relieving the liver. Note that excessive consumption of carrots or pumpkins turns your feet yellow.
Beyond the yellow coloring of the heels, other signs in the foot can reveal liver pathology. Dr. Berg lists the following signs: Cracked heels are often linked to a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B3, which the liver is no longer able to metabolize properly. Small red or brown spots, similar to tiny moles or burst vessels on the ankles or top of the foot are signs of poor hepatic circulation. A burning or irritated sensation under the foot may be caused by the buildup of bile salts in the blood. In any case, you should talk to your doctor.
