These are my feet. Yes, they are highland dancer feet. Not perfect but nevertheless my own. If these feet could talk they’d have plenty to say. What would they say about about my thyroid health?
Those pretty little feet were a disaster as I was being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. During the winter months my heels had deep cracks in them that would bleed. So deep that I could pull lint from the cracks. Sore to touch and no amount of cream, moisture or oil would heal it’s wounds. I would find a little relief during the warmth of the summer months.
As I nourished my thyroid and life back to health those cracks on my feet would soften. The wounds wouldn’t disappear but they were managable. The winter months are harder on our skin and especially on my feet.
My heels are my gift. My reminder to feed my thyroid daily.
Memories of the dreadful days of cracked bleeding heels came flooding in while having a pedicure done last month. After a good foot soak my esthetician had a look at my feet. She looked closer towards my heels, touched them and pondered some more before she announced “oh, your feet need a lot of care.” She had no idea! I scrub, clip, moisturize, oil, lube and sock these beauties daily! Then she surprised me. She thoughtfully said “the only time I see heels like this is when someone has a thyroid problem.” Aha!
A classic symptom of low thyroid function is the deep crevases on the heels of the feet.
(the picture above was taken a few hours after the pedi!)
I am free of the diagnosis of low thyroid disease and hashimoto’s. However, these heels are my gift, my subtle reminder to keep the journey. To move cautiously forward with thyroid foods, being true to my spirit and being mindful about my life.
Do you have cracks on the heals of your feet or other symptoms of low thyroid function? Every women encases a thyroid in their neck. That little butterfly shaped gland brings you energy, vitality and hormonal bliss. It’s your lifelline for joy.
30% of North Americans (most of which are women) have thyroid dysfunction. Experts on the subject, including myself, are teaching us this is preventable and reversable . If you are a woman learn today how to nourish your thyroid.
If you have thyroid disease, thyroid imbalances (weight gain, low energy, stress) or cracked heels sign up below for my blog Heal Your Thyroid. I will send you a letter from me to your inbox each Thursday with thoughts and tips on the subject.
