Studies have found that almost 72% of people worldwide do not wear proper shoes that fit their feet. Some wear shoes too tight and some wear shoes too big both of which are bad for feet health. Now studies have also observed the benefits of walking barefoot just like people did centuries ago.
To take the term barefoot in the park literally, it is actually good for health. It is better to throw off your shoes time to time and walk barefoot in your lawn, in the park or wherever and whenever you get the chance. Here are 10 benefits of walking barefoot…
Reduces bunions and hammertoes
Bunions can be nasty. Bunions is when the first metatarsal bone of one foot moves sideways towards the other. The front of the foot becomes wider and the joint at the big toes base starts to bulge out. For bunions, one should wear flat shoes with enough space for the front of the foot.
Walking barefoot can help you avoid bunions by strengthening the muscles of the feet which helps the toes and feet attain their natural position.
Allows for good strength and stability in the muscles
Most shoes have too much support and cushioning to provide comfort for walking. The problem is that the padding also stops you from utilizing various muscles in your feet that could strengthen your body and lower back region states foot surgeon Dr. Bruce Pinker. Walking barefoot helps you maintain the correct postureof walking and strengthen your feet muscles.
Increases your body’s awareness of your surroundings
This point is of vital importance for babies learning to walk and how their bodies function. Walking with shoes even if they look cute is not advisable because it inhibits the sensory information from the feet to the brain. Walking barefoot improves this and this also benefits adults as well.
Improves sleep
Believe it or not but walking barefoot can actually help you sleep better. This is because of a system called earthing or grounding when you gain access to the electrons of the earth by walking barefoot. One particular study found that the process of earthing improved sleep in those who suffered from sleep issues.
Boosts energy levels
It can be very rejuvenating and relaxing to get in touch with nature because it relaxes and recharges your energy. When you spend time in nature, it can give you the energy and motivation you need to return back and face the rigors of modern society.
Improves balance
When it concerns to balance, it is better to walk barefoot than wearing deeply cushioned shoes because with age the sensitivity of the feet reduces. Evolutionary biologist Daniel E Lieberman says that by losing touch with the ground, people are at an increases risk of tripping and falling.
Keeps your knees, hips, and core in proper alignment
When you walk barefeet, it aligns your body better. Your knees, hips and core are aligned better than when you wear shoes. This is because in shoes like sneakers, the cushioned soles push out the pelvis altering the natural posture. Regardless of which shoes you wear, your knees, hips and core are shaped differently in comparison to the natural state. Walking barefoot improves alignment of these areas.
Strengthens the immune system
One of the many studies on earthing has shown that it does have a great impact on your immune system. People who did earthing while exercising during the research suffered less pain and had a shorter recovery time than those who exercised normally.
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Earthing it has been also found to recharge surface red blood cells that reduce cell clumping. When there is a reduction in blood thickness, it prevents and reduces the risk of heart disease to a significant extent.
Improves the ways the body works to sustain life
Studies have now gained evidence of the fact that the process of earthing also improves the central nervous system function, blood circulation and the interactive functioning of our organ systems, cells and tissues ensuring they work together perfectly.
The study concluded that when the human body was earthed, it helped the human body relax at night and during physical activity. It also increases the activity of catabolic processes and exerted a positive influence on the endocrine and nervous system regulation.
As concluded walking barefoot is ideal and good for health. However, lifestyle constraints don’t permit us to roam barefoot the entire day especially when going to work. The thing is that you need to take some time off, go for a walk in the park barefoot or on holidays spend as much time barefoot even walking around on your lawn.
