JAKARTA - When you take off your shoes at the threshold and step into the house with bare feet, there is a sense of freedom that is hard to resist. However, does this simple habit really have an impact on body health? According to doctors and experts from various disciplines quoted in an article on HuffPost, Thursday, January 8, the answer is more complex than just "good" or "bad."
Surprisingly, walking barefoot at home has some real health benefits. Podiatrists explain that direct contact of the feet with the floor without shoes or socks helps strengthen the small muscles in the feet that are often overlooked because they are protected by shoes every day. These muscles are essential for body stability and mobility, so strengthening them can contribute to better balance and walking ability as you get older.
In addition, dermatologists add that the free air on the feet can reduce excess moisture. So it helps prevent conditions such as fungal infections on the skin that often appear because of the dampness of the closed foot environment.
However, there are also potential risks to be aware of. Walking barefoot makes you more vulnerable to exposure to irritants or allergens on the floor surface such as dust, animal mites, or remnants of cleaning materials that may trigger a skin reaction in some people.
In addition, without a protective layer, the feet will immediately touch the hard surface. Which for some people can cause muscle fatigue or joint pain, especially if you often stand for a long time to cook or do housework.
For some people, especially those with special health conditions such as diabetes, poor blood circulation, or chronic skin disorders, walking barefoot at home is not recommended due to the risk of more serious injuries or infections.
The point is, the trend of walking barefoot at home can be considered as part of a healthy lifestyle if it is done selectively and wisely. Maintaining floor cleanliness, knowing the body's tolerance limit, and combining it with the use of comfortable socks or sandals when needed can be a wise choice for a modern lifestyle that still pays attention to overall health.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
