For all the focus on hearts and arteries, brain tissue and muscle mass, we tend to neglect one critical part of the body with dramatic influence over how we fare in later decades. It’s little surprise really. Feet don’t exactly garner much attention, let alone media time. Yet, the stakes are big.
For example, research shows that foot conditions like hallux vagus (HV, a common forefoot deformity in older people commonly referred to as “bunions”) was directly associated with marked decreases in quality of life. Foot pain, reduced foot function, lowered social capacity, and even degraded general health. That sort of thing.
But that’s just one foot condition, right? Yes…and no. The picture of averages looks rather bleak.
Read MoreI’ve always preferred traversing natural surfaces. Growing up in New England, I developed my cross country running chops actually running across the country surrounding my house. My favorite endurance events were those involving trees and trails to the point that I might still be doing them if they were exclusively nature-based. Even today, I cherish my hikes through the Malibu hills and rather begrudgingly go for neighborhood walks only because the sidewalk is so convenient. Walking on flat, linear, manmade surfaces is certainly fine, especially if I’ve got my wife or dog or a friend?or I’m exploring a new city?but naturally deposited ground full of dips and peaks and studded with random deformations is ideal.
And there’s growing evidence that it’s better for you, too.
Read MoreIt happens to the best of us. You start sneaking a few more bites of bread when out to dinner and trying your buddy’s delicious-looking pizza. Your workouts trickle to once a week, sometimes none. You walk less, couch more. And then one day, you realize you’ve gone off the wagon. You’ve gained belly fat. You’re getting winded going up the stairs. Your once-pleasurable hikes have become grueling affairs that you dread and end up avoiding. Your fridge is full of takeout boxes and you realize you haven’t cooked in two weeks. You need to restart your Primal lifestyle, and fast.
How do you do it?
Turns out there are more than a few ways that you probably haven’t considered. Let’s explore them:
Read MoreLet me get this out of the way: treadmill running is better than sitting on the couch reading blogs that outline the reasons running outside is better than running on a treadmill. If it’s your only option – or even just the way you prefer to exercise — have at it. You have my blessing. The best exercise is the one you’ll do, remember. But there are limitations, risks, and biomechanical changes that occur when treadmill running. It’s not the same as running outside, and there’s evidence to suggest it might be worse in some respects.
So let’s explore the potential problems associated with treadmill running:
Read MoreFor today’s edition of Dear Mark, we’ve got a four-parter. First up, how safe are indoor candles? Do some emit toxic fumes? Are there certain types of candles we should prefer over others? The second question concerns the carb content of Quest Bars. Can we really disregard all the fiber and sugar alcohols when determining the amount of digestible carbohydrates contained in the bars? Third, what should a high school track athlete look for in a minimalist running shoe, assuming Vibram Fivefingers are out of the question? I help her narrow down the most important attributes. And finally, I may caution against making high omega-6 nut oils like walnut oil a daily staple, but do those recommendations change if a person is using it to actively solve a health issue?
Let’s go:
Read MoreToday, I’m answering one hot-topic question for this week’s Dear Mark. It concerns an issue that’s inspired several dozen emails from readers: the Vibram FiveFingers lawsuit and settlement. If you want to skip ahead to the take home point, it’s that I’m not getting rid of my Vibram FiveFingers anytime soon. Heck, I’m wearing a pair as I type this. I may even be typing with my FiveFinger-clad toes. (It could happen…) If you want my more extensive take on it, read on.
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Ⓒ 2023 Mark's Daily Apple
