Why Lotion Never Fixes Cracked Heels and Dry Feet – Dr.Berg

Summary

Dr. Berg's video delves into the causes of cracked heels, attributing them primarily to vitamin B3 deficiency, also known as pellagra. He outlines early symptoms like gastrointestinal issues and skin problems, emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in animal meats, mushrooms, and avocados for B3 intake. The video also explores underlying causes such as gastrointestinal damage, alcoholism, excessive antibiotic use, and a diet heavy in corn, which can hinder B3 absorption. Dr. Berg suggests remedies like L-glutamine and fermented foods to aid absorption and correct the deficiency.

Takeaways

• 👣 Cracked heels can be a symptom of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency, also known as pellagra.
• 🌱 Vitamin B3 deficiency can manifest in various levels, from minor to severe, and initially presents with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
• 🌞 Other symptoms of B3 deficiency include sensitivity to light, rough skin, odor sensitivity, dizziness with sudden movements, and a desire to quarrel.
• 🍗 Foods rich in B3 are animal meats, turkey, chicken, pork, mushrooms, fish, grass-fed beef, seeds, and avocado.
• 🚫 The primary cause of vitamin B3 deficiency is often not diet but gastrointestinal issues that impair absorption.
• 🔍 Conditions like gastric bypass surgery, Crohn's, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome can damage the gut lining and affect B3 absorption.
• 💊 To support gut health and B3 absorption, consider supplements like L-glutamine and fermented foods like bone broth and kombucha tea.
• 🍻 Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to B vitamin deficiencies, including B3.
• 🌽 A diet primarily consisting of corn can contribute to B3 deficiency as corn lacks tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to B3.
• 🔗 There's a link between a corn-based diet and pellagra, as seen in populations that rely heavily on corn, indicating the importance of a balanced diet for B3 intake.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of cracked heels as discussed in the video?

The primary cause of cracked heels discussed in the video is a vitamin B3 deficiency, also known as niacin deficiency or pellagra.

What are the initial symptoms of pellagra related to the gastrointestinal tract?

The initial symptoms of pellagra related to the gastrointestinal tract include diarrhea and inflammation.

What are some common symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency?

Common symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency include sensitivity to light, cracked skin, rough skin, especially on heels, odor sensitivity, dizziness with sudden movements, and a desire to quarrel or fight.

What foods are recommended to ensure adequate vitamin B3 intake?

Foods recommended for adequate vitamin B3 intake include animal meats like turkey, chicken, pork, mushrooms, fish, grass-fed beef, seeds, and avocado.

Why might someone not be able to absorb vitamin B3 from their diet even if they consume it?

Someone might not be able to absorb vitamin B3 from their diet due to a damaged gastrointestinal tract, which could be caused by inflammation, gastric bypass surgery, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

What supplements or foods are suggested to help with vitamin B3 absorption if the gastrointestinal tract is damaged?

If the gastrointestinal tract is damaged, supplements like L-glutamine, lactic acid from kombucha tea, and consuming more fermented foods and bone broth are suggested to help with vitamin B3 absorption.

How can alcohol consumption affect vitamin B3 levels?

Alcohol consumption can lead to a deficiency in B vitamins, including vitamin B3, by impairing the absorption and metabolism of these essential nutrients.

What is the connection between a diet high in corn and vitamin B3 deficiency?

A diet high in corn can lead to vitamin B3 deficiency because corn lacks the amino acid L-tryptophan, which the body needs to produce niacin (vitamin B3).

What other factors besides diet can contribute to vitamin B3 deficiency?

Factors contributing to vitamin B3 deficiency besides diet include alcoholism, a history of taking many antibiotics, and having a damaged gastrointestinal tract due to various health conditions.

What is the main message of the video regarding treating cracked heels?

The main message of the video is that treating cracked heels is not just about applying lotion but identifying and correcting the underlying internal cause, such as vitamin B3 deficiency.

Outlines

00:00

👣 Causes of Cracked Heels and Vitamin B3 Deficiency

Dr. Berg discusses the causes of cracked heels, attributing them primarily to a deficiency in Vitamin B3, also known as niacin. He explains that pellagra, a condition stemming from Vitamin B3 deficiency, can range from mild to severe and often starts with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and inflammation. The progression of pellagra can lead to skin issues, including cracked skin, particularly on the heels. Other symptoms of B3 deficiency include light sensitivity, rough skin, odor sensitivity, dizziness with sudden movements, and a desire to quarrel. Dr. Berg also mentions that while diet can be a factor, the primary cause of Vitamin B3 deficiency is often damage to the gastrointestinal tract, which impairs absorption of the vitamin. He suggests that individuals with such issues may need to consume more B vitamins to ensure absorption. Foods rich in B3 include animal meats, mushrooms, fish, grass-fed beef, seeds, and avocados. Dr. Berg also points out that alcoholism, excessive antibiotic use, and a diet primarily consisting of corn can contribute to B3 deficiency, with the latter being linked to a lack of tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to B3.

Keywords

💡Cracked heels

Cracked heels refer to the condition where the skin on the heels of the feet becomes dry, rough, and develops deep fissures. In the video, cracked heels are identified as a symptom of vitamin B3 deficiency, linking it to a broader health issue rather than just a cosmetic concern. The video suggests that addressing the underlying deficiency is more effective than merely applying topical treatments.

💡Vitamin B3 deficiency

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is essential for maintaining healthy skin and other bodily functions. A deficiency in vitamin B3 can lead to various symptoms, including cracked heels as mentioned in the video. The video emphasizes that a lack of this vitamin can manifest in more severe forms as pellagra, highlighting the importance of adequate vitamin B3 intake for overall health.

💡Pellagra

Pellagra is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin). The video describes pellagra as having varying levels of severity, from minor to advanced, with symptoms like diarrhea and skin problems, including cracked skin. The video uses pellagra as a context to explain how vitamin B3 deficiency can escalate if not addressed.

💡Gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract, or gut, is the part of the body involved in digestion. The video suggests that issues with the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammation or damage from surgeries, can lead to vitamin B3 deficiency because it impairs the absorption of this vitamin. This connection is crucial for understanding why some individuals might be more prone to developing cracked heels and other symptoms of B3 deficiency.

💡L-glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut lining. The video recommends L-glutamine supplementation for individuals with gastrointestinal issues that may be causing vitamin B3 deficiency. It is highlighted as a way to support gut health, which in turn can help with the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin B3.

💡Fermented foods

Fermented foods, such as those containing lactic acid from kombucha tea, are mentioned in the video as a way to improve gut health. These foods can provide beneficial bacteria and nutrients that support the digestive system, which is essential for proper nutrient absorption, including vitamin B3.

💡Bone broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food that contains collagen, gelatin, and L-glutamine, among other nutrients. The video recommends bone broth as a source of L-glutamine to help heal the gut lining and improve nutrient absorption, which is particularly important for individuals with vitamin B3 deficiency.

💡Alcoholism

Alcoholism is identified in the video as a potential cause of vitamin B3 deficiency. Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption of B vitamins, leading to deficiencies. The video suggests that addressing alcohol consumption could be a step towards correcting B3 deficiency and its related symptoms.

💡Antibiotics

The video mentions that a history of antibiotic use can destroy the ability to absorb vitamin B3, contributing to deficiency. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption. This highlights the importance of considering the impact of medications on gut health and nutrient absorption.

💡Corn

The video discusses the connection between a diet high in corn and vitamin B3 deficiency. Corn is noted to lack tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into niacin (vitamin B3). A diet primarily consisting of corn can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B3, as seen in certain populations that rely heavily on corn as a staple food.

Highlights

Cracked heels can be caused by a vitamin B3 deficiency.

Vitamin B3 deficiency is also known as pellagra.

Pellagra has varying levels from minor to advanced.

Early symptoms of pellagra include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.

Vitamin B3 deficiency can lead to skin problems.

Symptoms of B3 deficiency include sensitivity to light and rough skin.

Cracked, rough skin on heels is a common symptom of B3 deficiency.

B3 deficiency can cause odor sensitivity and dizziness with sudden movements.

Desire to quarrel and black tongue are also symptoms of B3 deficiency.

Foods rich in B3 include animal meats, mushrooms, fish, grass-fed beef, seeds, and avocado.

Gastrointestinal tract damage is a common cause of vitamin B3 deficiency.

Inflammation, gastric bypass surgery, Crohn's, celiac, or irritable bowel syndrome can affect B3 absorption.

Consuming more B vitamins can help if the GI tract is impaired.

L-glutamine, lactic acid from kombucha tea, and fermented foods can support B3 absorption.

Bone broth is a good source of L-glutamine.

Alcoholism can lead to B vitamin deficiencies.

Excessive antibiotic use can impair the absorption of B3.

A diet primarily consisting of corn can lead to B3 deficiency.

Corn lacks tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to B3.

Addressing the internal cause of cracked heels is more effective than just applying lotion.

Transcripts

hey guys dr. Berg here in this video we're going  to talk about what causes cracked heels okay now  

it's a vitamin b3 deficiency that's what it is  and another name for vitamin b3 deficiency is  

called pellagra now there are levels of this  pellagra from very minor subclinical to very  

advanced and you know you just don't wake up  one day with pellagra you start with little  

tiny symptoms and believe it or not one of the  first symptoms of pellagra it has to do with  

your your gastrointestinal tract diarrhea  and a lot of upset inflammation in your gut  

and then it leads to the skin so there's a lot  of skin problems with vitamin b3 deficiencies  

which is niacin okay so here are the symptoms  of B3 deficiency sensitivity to light cracked  

skin rough skin cracked roughed cracked skin  especially on your heels odor sensitivity you  

have sensitivity to odors like you could really  smell things and it irritates you more than it  

should dizziness with sudden movements so  everything is like hyper sensitive desire  

to quarrel fight with someone black tongue now  there's a lot of other symptoms but these are  

some of the common ones now the foods that you  should be eating to to make sure you have b3  

would be you know some of the animal meats  turkey chicken pork mushroom fish grass-fed  

beef seeds avocado now it could be the diet but  normally it's not the diet so what we want to do  

is you want to look deeper and the number one  cause of vitamin b3 deficiency in fact all of  

the vitamins would be your gastrointestinal tract  is damaged you might have inflammation you might  

have a gastric bypass surgery where they took  out your intestines it could be from Crohn's or  

celiac or irritable bowel syndrome but something  happened in your gut that destroyed the lining  

of your digestive tract and now you can't absorb  that so you're going to have to consume a little  

bit more B vitamins than you normally do just so  it can be absorbed so that's something we want  

to look at if it is your GI tract then what you  want to do is you want to take al glutamine you  

want to take lactic acid from kombucha tea you  want to have more of the fermented foods and  

bone broth is a really good source of l-glutamine  as well now if your alcoholic this could also be  

the reason why you're deficient in the B vitamins  if you have history a lot of antibiotics that can  

destroy the ability to absorb b3 and last one is  too much corn now what's the connection between  

corn and b3 there's a research that shows that  certain countries that pretty much are really  

really poor in their living off just primarily  corn become very deficient in b3 and they get  

pellagra and so I'll put a link down there to  get more data on that but corn does not have  

help tryptophan this amino acid l-tryptophan  turns into b3 so if you don't have it that's  

why you're going to be deficient so consuming  the diet of you know corn you're going to have  

a problem with this deficiency right here so  we just wanted to do a video on the causes of  

cracked heels as compared to just putting a lotion  on your feet and bean that's going to fix it this  

is more of an internal problem find the cause  go ahead and correct it and thanks for watching