The Shocking Link Between Your Liver and Your Feet: 12 Things Your Feet Can Tell You

Summary

Dr. Eric Berg presents foot changes as possible clues—not a way to diagnose liver disease. He links the following signs to liver function or related issues:

• Purple, brown, or red spots: He associates these with low platelet levels and fragile or “leaky” blood vessels.
• Spider-like red vessels: He connects these to elevated estrogen, which can occur with liver problems.
• Cracked heels: He suggests these may be related to low vitamin B3.
• Dry, scaly skin: He links this to low omega-3 levels or reduced bile production.
• Itchy skin: He describes bile buildup as a possible cause, especially when accompanied by dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools.
• Persistent foot odor: He says impaired detoxification may contribute.
• Pain, numbness, or burning: He discusses peripheral neuropathy and its association with insulin resistance and diabetes.
• Gout: He says liver function may play a role in uric acid processing.
• Toenail fungus: He connects it to gut microbial imbalance and reduced bile.
• Corns: He suggests low vitamin A may contribute.
• Unusually hot feet: He lists this as another possible liver-related sign.
• Pitting swelling in the lower legs or feet: He links this to low blood protein levels and fluid buildup, while noting that swelling can have other causes.

Strategies and self-care recommendations discussed

Things to limit or review

• Medications: Berg advises discussing possible alternatives with a doctor rather than stopping prescribed medication independently.
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates, which he says can contribute to liver fat.
• Alcohol: He recommends avoiding it or reducing it as much as possible.
• Fast food and junk food.
• Highly processed, shelf-stable foods.
• Corn and corn-derived ingredients: He argues that relying heavily on corn products may contribute to low vitamin B3 and tryptophan.

Ways he recommends supporting liver health

• Consider TUDCA, which he describes as supporting bile flow.
• Use milk thistle, which he presents as a liver-protective herb.
• Eat more cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
• Try regular fasting; he suggests two meals without snacks as a minimum and mentions one meal a day.
• Follow a “healthy keto” diet based on high-quality foods.
• Consider cod liver oil for omega-3s and vitamins A and D.

These are the presenter’s suggestions, not a diagnosis or individualized treatment plan. Foot symptoms can have many causes. Persistent or concerning changes—especially swelling, yellowing, or numbness—should be assessed by a qualified clinician.

Presenter/source: Dr. Eric Berg, DC. No other presenters are identified in the subtitles.