Cracked, dry heels...and other signs of being essential fat deficient.

You may not be getting enough healthy fats if you have cracked and callused heels and any of these other symptoms:

Dry skin, hair, eyes

Brittle nails

Dandruff

Irritability

Mood swings

Memory problems

Fatigue

Sugar and fat cravings

Not satisfied after eating

PMS

Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 are not produced by our bodies and must come from our diet. These fats are important in order for brain and nervous system functions, producing hormones, regulating blood pressure, thyroid and adrenal activity, the breakdown of cholesterol, and reducing moisture loss in the skin.

Health conditions that may be associated with a deficiency of healthy fats:

ADD/ADHD

Allergies

Arthritis

Depression

Eczema

Edema

High blood pressure

Migraine headaches

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The Chinese Medicine Perspective:

Yin provides the same moistening functions as healthy fats. In Chinese Medicine the Kidney system is the root of all yin in the body. When yin is deficient a common symptom is dryness. Other symptoms can include restless sleep, night sweats, and palpitations. When yin fluids are balanced, skin is smooth, joints are properly lubricated, energy is better, and our mind is calmer.

Consuming the right kind of fats also supports the Spleen system in Chinese Medicine. This is our digestive system that converts food in to energy. When there is a challenge to lose weight, it is often due to a weakness in Spleen energy, or Qi. Intake of omega-3 fats helps with weight maintenance by controlling appetite and burning sugars and fat.

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Sources of the Good Fats:

• Flaxseed and hemp oil

• Pumpkin, chia, and sunflower seeds

• Walnuts

• Eggs

• Cold water fish or fish oils

Keep in mind some oils (even if they have healthy fats) form toxins when cooking. Avoid using corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, walnut, cottonseed, and grapeseed oils at a high temperature.