Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can be the result of several things:

the way a person walks
poor circulation
a skin problem like eczema or psoriasis
fungal infection
nutritional deficiencies

Finding the Cause:

Since cracked heels can have a variety of causes, it is important to find the root of the problem. Often, I’ve seen cracked heels improve with dietary changes. Deficiencies of zinc, magnesium and omega-3 can contribute to cracked heels, and fat soluble vitamins and gelatin are also important.

Skin related problems and fungal infections can often be helped with regular detoxifying foot soaks and a homemade healing salve.

Personally, we take fermented cod liver oil daily and make it a point to consume wild-caught fish to maintain Omega-3 levels.
As a general rule, I suggest trying any remedy for at least a few weeks to see if it is working. For best results, try external and internal approaches at the same time.
Internal Remedies for Cracked Heels:

Consuming enough Zinc, Magnesium and Omega-3s in food or supplement form
Consuming Gelatin and Vitamin C which increase skin elasticity and may help reduce cracking
Optimizing fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin D (found in Fermented Cod Liver oil, supplements or from sun exposure) and Vitamin K (found in grass-fed butter or supplements). Consuming foods like bone broth and organ meats is also helpful.
Drinking enough water and consuming trace minerals

External Remedies for Cracked Heels:

Exfoliating with a natural pumice stone or Ped Egg (looks like a cheese grater but it works)
Soaking in detoxifying food baths or regular detox baths (here are my three favorite recipes)
Adding 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm foot soak
Using magnesium oil on the feet before bed
Using a homemade nourishing foot salve (see below) each morning and night
Using a homemade peppermint magnesium foot scrub to exfoliate feet in the shower

Cracked Heel Foot Salve Recipe:

Ingredients

¼ cup Shea Butter
¼ cup Coconut Oil
3 Tablespoons Beeswax
¼ cup Magnesium Flakes + 2 Tablespoons boiling water (Or ¼ cup of pre-made Magnesium oil, though this won’t yield as much magnesium in the final product)
10 drops Oregano Essential Oil (Not for use during pregnancy or on children)
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions

Pour 2 tablespoons of boiling water in to the magnesium flakes in a small container and stir until it dissolves. This will create a thick liquid. Set aside to cool.
In a quart size mason jar inside a small pan with 1 inch of water, combine the coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter and turn on medium heat.
When melted, remove the jar from the pan and let the mixture cool until room temp and slightly opaque. At this point, put in to a medium bowl or into a blender.
If in a bowl, use a hand blender or immersion blender on medium speed and start blending the oil mixture.
Slowly (starting with a drop at a time) add the dissolved magnesium mixture to the oil mixture while continuing blending until all of the magnesium mix is added and it is well-mixed.
Add the oregano and peppermint essential oils if using and whip until combined.
Put in the fridge for 15 minutes and re-blend to get body butter consistency.
Store in fridge for a cooling lotion (best consistency) or at room temp for up to two months.
Use on cracked heels at night. Apply a thick coat and wear socks until the salve absorbs.