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.