Feet become smaller when you lose weight. This is due to the fact that when you have less fat there is more room for the bones to take up space. The following are some interesting facts about your feet that you may not know.
Your Feet Are Important
Your feet are extremely important. Not only do they help maintain your balance while standing and walking, but they also play a crucial role in the proper functioning of your body. The American Diabetes Association notes the following benefits when it comes to your feet:
- The health of your feet affects the health of your body.
- Excelling in tasks that require strength and balance, such as walking, running, and climbing stairs, may protect you against certain types of cancers.
- In general, proper nutrition of your feet may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Good health of your feet may improve the appearance and feel of your entire body.
- Stocking your kitchen with healthy food alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may help your feet reach their maximum potential.
These benefits make it very clear that you need to take good care of your feet. You should not be putting yourself in harm’s way by choosing to skip meals or go on eating binges. Take a few minutes every day to make sure your feet are healthy and you can enjoy all the benefits that the care and attention to detail can give you.
Your Toes Are Shorter Than You Think
Tiny toes are a common thing. They are often considered a sign of health and beauty. However, did you know that your toes actually have a purpose? They’re there to work with your hands to help maintain proper body function. Let’s take a look at why your toes are short and how you can make them grow:
- When you move your hands, your toes move along with them to keep in step. This is why when you are standing and moving, your toes will always be in the air. As a result, they will shorten and become stronger.
- Dancing or doing any type of exercise that requires movement, like swimming, causes your toes to grow. It is also one of the reasons why kids lose their toe hair as they get older. Their constant movement causes their nails to grow into their palms!
- Walking on a flat surface with heels makes your feet longer because the weight is being distributed more evenly across your feet. This encourages your toes to grow longer.
- Try wearing shoes with lifts to make your toes appear longer.
- Avoid shoes that have high heels as they will cause you to walk in an exaggerated manner, which also encourages your toes to grow.
- To prevent your feet from becoming too short, make sure you are putting them on properly. Check the height of your shoes to make sure it is comfortable for your feet. Also, if you are wearing socks with your shoes, make sure they are not causing your toes to spread. Socks with heels will also encourage your toes to grow.
Your Toe Hair Has A Reason
Did you know that your toe hairs have a reason? They are there to protect your nails from getting diseases and infections. If you do not regularly groom your toes, the hair on them will become untamed and greasy, causing you to lose the luster of your nails. The following are some diseases that are commonly found in untrimmed toe hair:
- Ringworms: This is an infection caused by a parasite that lives in the dirt. It is most commonly found in children’s playrooms, but can also be found in pets. The parasite infects its host when it bites them, usually while scratching. The scratching causes the hair to become exposed, making it easier for the parasite to latch onto its host. The most common symptom of ringworms is a red rash around the area where the hair meets the pad of the finger. The rash may itch and be accompanied by fever and sweating. In severe cases, it can lead to the nail becoming detached or even falling off.
- Paronychia: This is an infection caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas. It is most commonly found in shoes and socks and is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and redness of the tissue around the nail. The most common symptom of paronychia is pain and redness around the nails.
- Eczema: This is an inflammation of the skin that causes hives and redness. It is most commonly found in the area between the nails and the skin. The condition can be hereditary or caused by allergies or stress. The treatment for eczema is usually topical and may include creams, ointments, and dry skin wipes. The primary cause of eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be due to an imbalance of the skin’s immune system.
- Black Foot: This is a fungal infection that can infect your feet, causing them to appear black. The infection is most commonly found in tropical climates and among people with poor hygiene. The most common symptom of Black Foot is swelling on the side of the foot facing the knee. If left untreated, it can lead to cellulitis and even septicemia. The treatment for this condition is usually antifungal medication and a change in your shoe style (hiking boots instead of loafers or open-toed shoes).
Your Nails Are Vulnerable
Did you know that your nails are vulnerable? They are easily hurt and can become infected if not taken care of properly. The following are some tips on how to protect your nails while still enjoying the benefits that come with taking care of them:
- Wash your nails every day with soap and water to keep them clean and free of dirt and oil that may cause them to become weak.
- Do not eat foods with chips or salt that are commonly found in fast food restaurants. These foods tend to cause your nails to become weak.
- Make sure to keep your nails hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily. Throwing up or having diarrhea can also cause your nails to become weak due to the fact that water is removed from your body’s system when you are sick.
- As previously mentioned, your nails will grow longer if you regularly walk or dance. Trying a new sport or taking up a new hobby may also encourage your nails to grow. However, be careful not to push your body too hard as this can cause damage.
- You should not wear nail polish as it will thin your nails and make them more vulnerable to damage.
- Avoid eating sweets as they may cause tooth decay and infection. Also, never chew on nails as it could damage your teeth.
- To avoid any injuries, make sure you are wearing proper shoes and socks while jogging or running. Have a professional inspect your sneakers to make sure they are of good quality and have the proper fitting. Also, the material of the shoe should be soft enough not to cause damage to your feet but hard enough to provide excellent traction on the road or track.
- The length of your nails can also be affected by your nails’ angle in relation to the surface they are positioned on. If you cut them parallel to the surface, they will grow straighter and longer.
It is important to note that you are solely responsible for the proper care and maintenance of your nails. While it is not hard to follow the aforementioned tips, it may seem tedious and require some willpower on your part, especially if you are not used to caring for your nails properly. Ultimately, it is up to you to ensure that your nails are kept healthy and that you do not end up losing any of them. Make sure to take good care of your nails and you will enjoy the benefits that come with keeping them healthy for years to come.