I think this article is fitting for this blog and me... since I'm barefoot most of the time...
The Major Health Benefits of Going Barefoot (Really!)
by SixWise.com
"Set your feet free and your mind will follow." So goes the logo on the Society for Barefoot Living homepage. Why, you may be wondering, is there a society devoted just to people who love to live barefoot? If you ask the barefooters of the world, chances are the first thing they'll say is that it just feels great.
"We enjoy walking barefoot as nature intended, taking delight in feeling the many textures the world has to offer -- " says the Society.
Not convinced that you're ready to throw your shoes away just yet? Well, going barefoot doesn't just feel good--it's really proven to be good for you! Here are some reasons why:
Say Goodbye to Troubled Feet
The introduction of the now out-of-print book "Take Off Your Shoes and Walk" by Simon J. Wikler D.S.C., states that, " -- Practically all shoes worn daily by men and women in our Western civilization have little relation to the shape of the human foot -- Most adults' foot trouble would either not exist or would be much less bothersome if properly-shaped shoes had been worn during childhood or, better yet, if those people had gone barefoot -- "
The book details a bit about the history of foot trouble, only to reveal that:
a.. There is no record of foot troubles in Biblical times comparable to modern foot ills.
b.. The seeds of foot trouble were first sown in the Renaissance.
c.. The introduction of the elevated heel and the pointed toe marked the beginning of modern foot disabilities.
The book also describes a study performed from 1957-1960 that examined whether a mother's objections to letting her child walk barefoot influenced the health of the child's feet. It was found that children who were allowed to go barefoot often had:
a.. Less deformed toes
b.. Greater flexor strength
c.. More ability to spread the toes
d.. Denser muscles on the bottom of the feet
e.. Greater agility than those who had never gone barefoot
f.. A wider range of hip circumduction and more flexibility of the gluteal and hamstring muscles, which gave them more ability to touch their toes when their knees were held stiff
Keep Your Feet From Getting Lazy
"Shoes often protect the feet so much that certain foot muscles get lazy because they're not being used," said James DeMarco, running coach and sports store owner.
That's why more people than you'd think have taken to running in bare feet. Marathon runners from Kenya do it all the time, but in the United States you're most likely to see a barefoot runner on the beach. Still, there are those who venture to other areas like grassy fields and even hiking trails.
If you're thinking that running barefoot sounds strange, consider the findings of Michael Warburton, a physical therapist in Australia. In a 2001 research paper he wrote that running barefoot decreases the likelihood of ankle sprains and chronic injuries, such as plantar fasciitis. And, wearing shoes actually increases the risk of sprains because they make runners unaware of the foot's position.
It's not as far-fetched as it may sound -- Nike has just released the Nike Free, a "shoe that lets your foot run free on any surface." It's designed to mimic the effects of running barefoot. According to Nike, "Studies show that barefoot training leads to stronger feet, that stronger feet lead to a stronger body, and that natural movement enhances agility."
Fight Varicose Veins
Going barefoot can actually help prevent vein problems. Why? The motion you get from your unrestricted foot helps the leg muscles pump blood back to the heart. The motion may not be as effective if your foot is confined in a shoe.
It's Just More Relaxing
Going barefoot really puts you in a different sort of mindset, and is usually only reserved for those special, relaxing moments.
Think about when you tend to go barefoot -- at the beach, at home on the carpet, walking on cool grass in the summer, -- and you'll get an idea of what we mean. Exercises geared toward strengthening the body and relaxing the mind (yoga, tai chi, martial arts) are also typically practiced barefoot.
"Maybe the whole world secretly understands that free feet produce a different, more philosophical, relaxed, and unbusinesslike mindset. Without shoes, our ambitions would fade away, wolfish trade practices seem too much trouble, international frictions look foolish. Armies would curl up to take a nap. Nobody would get any serious work done," wrote Barbara Holland in Endangered Pleasures. Or maybe we should all take our shoes off next time we're at work, and see just how stress-free we become?
Get More Chi
According to some ancient philosophies, life-force energy called Chi (also called Qi or Prana) can be absorbed through the soles of the feet. Ground Chi is absorbed automatically and unconsciously when walking barefoot, which increases the amount of Chi absorbed by the body.
It's said that you can consciously learn to absorb more Chi from the ground as you walk to increase your vitality, your capacity to do more work and your ability to think more clearly. Now there's a reason for going barefoot more often if we ever heard one!
Sources
The Roanoke Times June 15, 2005
Society for Barefoot Living
Barefoot and Healthy
Trade Secrets of Top Athletes
With so much news lately about steroid use by athletes from pros to the high school level, this month we thought we’d share the good news and the good science behind Shaklee’s Active Sports Nutrition products.And as part of our Active Nutrition focus for June, we close with a testimonial from a high school football captain on how Shaklee’s products helped him excel during a rough season with a knee injury.
In this Issue:-
-> Feature Article: Shaklee’s Active Nutrition
--> Summertime Skin Protection--> Time for a Raise!
--> Shaklee Testimonial: High School Football, Knee Injury and Shaklee
Shaklee’s Active Nutrition Athletes naturally want to perform at peak levels. Unfortunately some turn to steroids, which have serious negative health effects, to try to get a competitive edge. There is a better way—the Shaklee way.Shaklee Active Nutrition products were designed to help ambitious athletes achieve extraordinary goals. Going beyond what was thought possible; Shaklee formulas have powered record-breaking achievements for human-powered flight and Mt. Everest expeditions.
It’s no coincidence that Shaklee nutrition has been at the center of eight of Time-Life’s Top 25 Greatest Adventures of All Time. And that athletes powered by Shaklee nutrition have brought home over 30 Olympic Gold medals.Champion athletes understand the important role nutrition plays in helping to achieve peak performance. Shaklee Active Nutrition products such as Physique Workout Maximizer Supplement, Shaklee Performance Maximum Endurance Sports Drink, Shaklee Meal Shakes, Shaklee Multi Munch Protein Boost Energy Bar and Carbo-Crunch Energizing Snack Bars were designed with the needs of athletes in mind. "Shaklee products assist the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes to train and compete in optimal condition." -- Andy Walshe, Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Science U.S.S.A.Shaklee Physique, Shaklee Performance and Carbo-Crunch bars were all clinically tested at the University of Texas by Dr. John Ivy, one of the top researchers in the world in exercise physiology.
The results of the study on Carbo-Crunch and Shaklee Performance showed that athletes were able to significantly extend their endurance; while Ivy's most recent clinical with Physique is regarded as a landmark study in post-exercise recovery. Shaklee Physique was specifically formulated by Shaklee’s Research and Development scientists to be a sports drink that delivers well-supplied nutrients to the body, and optimizes the post- exercise anabolic state for increased body building and enhanced energy return. It will dramatically enhance recovery and rebuilding if taken immediately after a workout as it replaces these important macronutrients with a unique balance that’s been shown to stimulate the body's natural anabolic hormone insulin. It is a completely natural food product, contains only nutrients which are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as determined by the FDA, and is free of all drugs, hormones, and steroids. With
Shaklee’s Physique athletes not only get the protein and carbohydrates they need, but they also stimulate the body's metabolic machinery to make use of those nutrients. Physique represents a state-of-the art approach to maximizing the benefits of a workout and recovering afterwards.
Shaklee Performance® Maximum Endurance Sports Drink aids in improving endurance, and quicker recovery, by replacing bodily fluids. Because Shaklee Performance is formulated with fructose, which is slowly metabolized by the body, one's stamina can be sustained for a considerably longer period than sports drinks lacking this important muscle fuel.
Furthermore, Shaklee Performance provides glucose for immediate energy and maltodextrin as a highly concentrated source of bioavailable carbohydrates. In one clinical study, a group of cyclists consumed either water or Shaklee Performance® after 3 hours of vigorous cycling. Afterwards, they continued to cycle at a faster speed. The cyclists that drank only water lasted just 2 minutes before succumbing to fatigue, while the Shaklee Performance® drinkers lasted over 15 times longer!
Every moment you push your body to the max, you are losing important fluids, burning through your energy reserves, and subjecting your body to fatigue and pain. In fact, professional athletes can sweat away as much as 5-8 pounds during a game or event. Ask any professional athlete, and he or she will tell you how important it is to stay hydrated, maintain energy, and recover quickly. It takes more than skill to be the best you can be. It takes proper nutrition - Shaklee Active Nutrition - to get the competitive edge.
The following Shaklee Products can help athletes of all ages;
To Boost & Sustain Energy: Carbo-Crunch®, Multi-Munch(tm) http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/CarboCrunch http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/20224To Stay Hydrated: Shaklee Performance® http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/PerformanceMuscle Building and Recovery: Shaklee Physique® http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/20306For Pain Relief and Joint Health: Joint & Muscle Pain Cream, Pain Relief Complex, Joint Health Complex: http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/PainRelief
For more information on Shaklee's Active Sports Nutrition Products or to order them online go to: http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/SportsNutrition
Summertime Skin Protection
The days are getting longer, filled with more sun and summer fun. Drag out those flip flops..It's time to get the skin ready to be seen.For those dry patches of skin- try Shaklee's wonderful herbal blend "green cream" as I call it.
Tough Skin Deserves a Soft Solution, Dry, chapped, rough skin is no match for this soothing cream, which softens even the hardest, callused skin on knees, elbows, and feet. Its cooling, mentholated, non-greasy formula vanishes as you massage it in, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/31751
Natural Protection for a Sunny Day- Ask any dermatologist what the number one skin care essential is, and they'll say a quality sunscreen with a high level of sun protection. Nothing is more important to the quality and health of your skin than sunscreen.
Enfuselle SPF 30 for the body is designed for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, this patented, waterproof, oil-free sunscreen smoothes easily into your skin and absorbs quickly, without leaving a sticky residue. Soothing and moisturizing, it does not irritate the skin. Patented Vital-Repair+® contains antioxidant vitamins and botanicals. The formula offers UVA and UVB protection and adds an extra defense against premature skin aging. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/32519
Lip Treatment SPF 15 Soothing Lip Care Drenched with vitamins C and E, calendula extract, and moisturizing plant oil, this nourishing lip treatment softens vulnerable lips while SPF 15 provides UV protection. Smoothes vertical dryness lines and prevents peeling and chapping. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/32517
Pesticide Protection- Going barefoot may seem blissful, but remember 80% of what touches the skin enters your body. I'm probably the first to take off my shoes and go barefoot. At our farm I know it's safe... we use only natural safe products!Here's my confession... when I travel it is a different story... many hotels spray bedroom carpets- and especially bathroom floors- with pesticide's to keep bugs at bay. May I make a suggestion... when you travel pack your slippers or flip flops while you're on the road to avoid exposure from potentially harmful elements!
Time for a Raise!
Learn how you can get an immediate pay raise with tax savings by starting your own home business. I just put up a new website with several online movies that gives you information about a home Shaklee business, tax savings, why a healthy home is important for your family.
Take a look and let me know what your think...
Go to: http://barefootsuccess.net
Shaklee Testimonial: High School Football, Knee Injury and Shaklee
“On the third day of football as a high school senior I re-injured my left knee, which had been giving me problems for two years. The swelling was severe and the more I played, the worse the pain and swelling became. A specialist told me that I had probably torn some cartilage and that I needed surgery. Being a captain, I wanted to keep playing, so the surgery was planned for the end of the season.
I supplemented with Shaklee Protein, Vita-Lea, B-Complex, Vita-E, Super Cal Mag Plus, Formula I, Vita-C, Lecithin, Essential Omega-3 Complex and Alfalfa. The doctor told me that medication would not help until I quit playing and that the swelling would go down when the cartilage was repaired. We decided to try Shaklee’s Physique as we thought it might help healing since it was supposed to help repair strained muscle tissue for weightlifters. After only three days taking the Physique three times a day, the swelling was almost totally gone even though I was still playing football!At the end of the season I had the surgery. After seeing the extent of the tear the doctor was amazed that I had been able to play at all. He removed about ¼ of the cartilage because it was irritating the joint.
I was told to stay on crutches for five days, but I only used those two days and didn’t even need the pain pills. Eight days later the doctor wrote on his chart: “Matt is now eight days following partial lateral meniscetomy for locked chronic bucket handle tear. Amazingly he had no effusion, full motion, good strength. The wounds are nicely healed. Sutures are out.” The doctor told me that I was at least three weeks ahead of schedule in healing. We told him about the Shaklee supplements and the Physique and he admitted he was impressed. Playing injured, I made all-conference for our team and was selected to be on the All Area first team defense. I began lifting regularly and I weigh between 145-150 pounds. At the beginning of football season I could bench 205 pounds. After surgery I was benching 190 pounds, but after 2 ½ weeks of using Shaklee Physique 3 to 4 times a day (after lifting, 2 hours later, before bed) I was able to bench 245 pounds. I really believe Shaklee’s Physique made a big difference and I will definitely continue to use it and recommend it.” –Matt Larson
Thank you for letting us share our product information with you and we look forward to continuing to be of service.
If you have any questions about our New Shaklee Website feel free to contact us. Yours in Health,
Cindy
Barefoot in the Garden
McAsey Enterprises
www.barefootmerchant.com
In this Issue:-
-> Feature Article: Shaklee’s Active Nutrition
--> Summertime Skin Protection--> Time for a Raise!
--> Shaklee Testimonial: High School Football, Knee Injury and Shaklee
Shaklee’s Active Nutrition Athletes naturally want to perform at peak levels. Unfortunately some turn to steroids, which have serious negative health effects, to try to get a competitive edge. There is a better way—the Shaklee way.Shaklee Active Nutrition products were designed to help ambitious athletes achieve extraordinary goals. Going beyond what was thought possible; Shaklee formulas have powered record-breaking achievements for human-powered flight and Mt. Everest expeditions.
It’s no coincidence that Shaklee nutrition has been at the center of eight of Time-Life’s Top 25 Greatest Adventures of All Time. And that athletes powered by Shaklee nutrition have brought home over 30 Olympic Gold medals.Champion athletes understand the important role nutrition plays in helping to achieve peak performance. Shaklee Active Nutrition products such as Physique Workout Maximizer Supplement, Shaklee Performance Maximum Endurance Sports Drink, Shaklee Meal Shakes, Shaklee Multi Munch Protein Boost Energy Bar and Carbo-Crunch Energizing Snack Bars were designed with the needs of athletes in mind. "Shaklee products assist the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes to train and compete in optimal condition." -- Andy Walshe, Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Science U.S.S.A.Shaklee Physique, Shaklee Performance and Carbo-Crunch bars were all clinically tested at the University of Texas by Dr. John Ivy, one of the top researchers in the world in exercise physiology.
The results of the study on Carbo-Crunch and Shaklee Performance showed that athletes were able to significantly extend their endurance; while Ivy's most recent clinical with Physique is regarded as a landmark study in post-exercise recovery. Shaklee Physique was specifically formulated by Shaklee’s Research and Development scientists to be a sports drink that delivers well-supplied nutrients to the body, and optimizes the post- exercise anabolic state for increased body building and enhanced energy return. It will dramatically enhance recovery and rebuilding if taken immediately after a workout as it replaces these important macronutrients with a unique balance that’s been shown to stimulate the body's natural anabolic hormone insulin. It is a completely natural food product, contains only nutrients which are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as determined by the FDA, and is free of all drugs, hormones, and steroids. With
Shaklee’s Physique athletes not only get the protein and carbohydrates they need, but they also stimulate the body's metabolic machinery to make use of those nutrients. Physique represents a state-of-the art approach to maximizing the benefits of a workout and recovering afterwards.
Shaklee Performance® Maximum Endurance Sports Drink aids in improving endurance, and quicker recovery, by replacing bodily fluids. Because Shaklee Performance is formulated with fructose, which is slowly metabolized by the body, one's stamina can be sustained for a considerably longer period than sports drinks lacking this important muscle fuel.
Furthermore, Shaklee Performance provides glucose for immediate energy and maltodextrin as a highly concentrated source of bioavailable carbohydrates. In one clinical study, a group of cyclists consumed either water or Shaklee Performance® after 3 hours of vigorous cycling. Afterwards, they continued to cycle at a faster speed. The cyclists that drank only water lasted just 2 minutes before succumbing to fatigue, while the Shaklee Performance® drinkers lasted over 15 times longer!
Every moment you push your body to the max, you are losing important fluids, burning through your energy reserves, and subjecting your body to fatigue and pain. In fact, professional athletes can sweat away as much as 5-8 pounds during a game or event. Ask any professional athlete, and he or she will tell you how important it is to stay hydrated, maintain energy, and recover quickly. It takes more than skill to be the best you can be. It takes proper nutrition - Shaklee Active Nutrition - to get the competitive edge.
The following Shaklee Products can help athletes of all ages;
To Boost & Sustain Energy: Carbo-Crunch®, Multi-Munch(tm) http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/CarboCrunch http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/20224To Stay Hydrated: Shaklee Performance® http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/PerformanceMuscle Building and Recovery: Shaklee Physique® http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/20306For Pain Relief and Joint Health: Joint & Muscle Pain Cream, Pain Relief Complex, Joint Health Complex: http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/PainRelief
For more information on Shaklee's Active Sports Nutrition Products or to order them online go to: http://www.shaklee.net/amcasey/product/SportsNutrition
Summertime Skin Protection
The days are getting longer, filled with more sun and summer fun. Drag out those flip flops..It's time to get the skin ready to be seen.For those dry patches of skin- try Shaklee's wonderful herbal blend "green cream" as I call it.
Tough Skin Deserves a Soft Solution, Dry, chapped, rough skin is no match for this soothing cream, which softens even the hardest, callused skin on knees, elbows, and feet. Its cooling, mentholated, non-greasy formula vanishes as you massage it in, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/31751
Natural Protection for a Sunny Day- Ask any dermatologist what the number one skin care essential is, and they'll say a quality sunscreen with a high level of sun protection. Nothing is more important to the quality and health of your skin than sunscreen.
Enfuselle SPF 30 for the body is designed for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, this patented, waterproof, oil-free sunscreen smoothes easily into your skin and absorbs quickly, without leaving a sticky residue. Soothing and moisturizing, it does not irritate the skin. Patented Vital-Repair+® contains antioxidant vitamins and botanicals. The formula offers UVA and UVB protection and adds an extra defense against premature skin aging. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/32519
Lip Treatment SPF 15 Soothing Lip Care Drenched with vitamins C and E, calendula extract, and moisturizing plant oil, this nourishing lip treatment softens vulnerable lips while SPF 15 provides UV protection. Smoothes vertical dryness lines and prevents peeling and chapping. http://www.shaklee.net/barefoot/product/32517
Pesticide Protection- Going barefoot may seem blissful, but remember 80% of what touches the skin enters your body. I'm probably the first to take off my shoes and go barefoot. At our farm I know it's safe... we use only natural safe products!Here's my confession... when I travel it is a different story... many hotels spray bedroom carpets- and especially bathroom floors- with pesticide's to keep bugs at bay. May I make a suggestion... when you travel pack your slippers or flip flops while you're on the road to avoid exposure from potentially harmful elements!
Time for a Raise!
Learn how you can get an immediate pay raise with tax savings by starting your own home business. I just put up a new website with several online movies that gives you information about a home Shaklee business, tax savings, why a healthy home is important for your family.
Take a look and let me know what your think...
Go to: http://barefootsuccess.net
Shaklee Testimonial: High School Football, Knee Injury and Shaklee
“On the third day of football as a high school senior I re-injured my left knee, which had been giving me problems for two years. The swelling was severe and the more I played, the worse the pain and swelling became. A specialist told me that I had probably torn some cartilage and that I needed surgery. Being a captain, I wanted to keep playing, so the surgery was planned for the end of the season.
I supplemented with Shaklee Protein, Vita-Lea, B-Complex, Vita-E, Super Cal Mag Plus, Formula I, Vita-C, Lecithin, Essential Omega-3 Complex and Alfalfa. The doctor told me that medication would not help until I quit playing and that the swelling would go down when the cartilage was repaired. We decided to try Shaklee’s Physique as we thought it might help healing since it was supposed to help repair strained muscle tissue for weightlifters. After only three days taking the Physique three times a day, the swelling was almost totally gone even though I was still playing football!At the end of the season I had the surgery. After seeing the extent of the tear the doctor was amazed that I had been able to play at all. He removed about ¼ of the cartilage because it was irritating the joint.
I was told to stay on crutches for five days, but I only used those two days and didn’t even need the pain pills. Eight days later the doctor wrote on his chart: “Matt is now eight days following partial lateral meniscetomy for locked chronic bucket handle tear. Amazingly he had no effusion, full motion, good strength. The wounds are nicely healed. Sutures are out.” The doctor told me that I was at least three weeks ahead of schedule in healing. We told him about the Shaklee supplements and the Physique and he admitted he was impressed. Playing injured, I made all-conference for our team and was selected to be on the All Area first team defense. I began lifting regularly and I weigh between 145-150 pounds. At the beginning of football season I could bench 205 pounds. After surgery I was benching 190 pounds, but after 2 ½ weeks of using Shaklee Physique 3 to 4 times a day (after lifting, 2 hours later, before bed) I was able to bench 245 pounds. I really believe Shaklee’s Physique made a big difference and I will definitely continue to use it and recommend it.” –Matt Larson
Thank you for letting us share our product information with you and we look forward to continuing to be of service.
If you have any questions about our New Shaklee Website feel free to contact us. Yours in Health,
Cindy
Barefoot in the Garden
McAsey Enterprises
www.barefootmerchant.com
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