Synopsis: Your Legs Are Failing First — Here’s Why
In this insightful video, Dr. Eric Berg delves into the importance of leg strength as a critical indicator of longevity and overall health. He explains how various leg-related conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, edema, and restless legs syndrome often signal deeper systemic issues, particularly in those over 50. Dr. Berg highlights the alarming repercussions of diabetes on leg health and discusses effective strategies for prevention and treatment, including dietary adjustments and the benefits of intermittent fasting.
He introduces practical exercises like the Soleus push-up to enhance circulation and discusses the significance of maintaining muscle mass to combat age-related decline, known as sarcopenia. Emphasizing the need for consistent movement and robust nutrition, he offers a comprehensive overview of lifestyle changes that can bolster leg health and, ultimately, life expectancy. Whether you’re aiming to treat existing issues or prevent future complications, this video serves as a vital resource for building stronger legs and supporting a longer, healthier life.
Watch the video by Dr. Eric Berg DC
Author Video Description
Leg strength is one of the best indicators of longevity. Find out how to increase leg strength and longevity with a healthy lifestyle and diet. Discover a simple leg exercise that can make a massive difference in circulation and lower body strength!
Watch these next for more ways to remain disease-free and support your health long-term:
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▶️ https://youtu.be/_Sfbu45piew
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DATA:
https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042%2822%2901141-5
0:00 Introduction: Leg strength for longevity
0:37 Leg problems that affect longevity
10:41 Type 2 diabetes
13:50 The Soleus push-up
16:40 Sitting-rising test and longevity
19:43 More tips for strong legs
Did you know that your legs can give early warning signs about underlying health conditions? The older you are, the more relevant this becomes! The following conditions that affect the legs can provide insight into your longevity and overall health.
1. Peripheral neuropathy
These symptoms of numbness, pain, tingling, or burning in the bottom of the feet or fingertips are often associated with diabetes. High levels of sugar in the bloodstream destroy the vascular and nervous systems.
2. Ankle and foot edema
Puffy legs and ankles, or pitting edema, often signify a serious problem with circulation involving the kidney, liver, or heart.
3. Restless legs syndrome
This often occurs at night and is related to the overconsumption of sugar. Interference with your sleep can decrease longevity. Dietary changes, vitamin B1, and magnesium may help improve this condition.
4. Deep vein thrombosis
Clots in the legs can break off and travel to the lungs. Around 90% to 95% percent of heart attacks are caused by clots.
5. Peripheral artery disease
This type of atherosclerosis goes beyond the arteries of the heart and is caused by damage to the endothelial layer of the arteries.
6. Chronic venous insufficiency
This is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and puts increased pressure on the heart.
7. Sarcopenia
Age-related muscle loss is one of the top predictors of mortality. Protein and exercise are vital, especially as you age.
Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar issues cause problems with the inside of the arteries, which often show up in your legs first. A low-carb diet and intermittent fasting can help reverse these issues, but this is often ignored by doctors. Benfotiamine and alpha-lipoic acid can also help with associated peripheral neuropathy.
The soleus push-up can significantly improve your blood sugar and circulation, and the sitting-standing test is an excellent indicator of hip and core strength.
Potassium, a low-carb diet, and the Soleus Push-up can all help improve edema and reduce excess water weight. Increasing nitric oxide supports the inner walls of the arteries, and consistent exercise and a sufficient amount of sleep can help strengthen the legs and increase longevity.
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
#health #keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle #intermittentfasting #lowcarb
Thanks for watching! I hope this helps you achieve stronger legs and increased longevity. I’ll see you in the next video.
Video “Your Legs Are Failing First — Here’s Why” was uploaded on 11/30/2025 to Youtube Channel Dr. Eric Berg DC


































Thanks alot drberg 🙏 IT is so useful
I can’t do an Asian squat yet. What I am doing is sitting on stools instead of in a chair. I have gone from a 12” stool to a 9” stool and can get up and down fairly easily without a stabilizer next to me anymore.
Dr. Berg, how do you feel about hawthorn? I make a tea blend that is for the heart that I include hawthorn, rose, hibiscus, lavender (I have to put lavender and everything almost lol) and a few other things, but would love your thoughts??
58 years here, and I passed the sitting rising test.
Dr. Berg. First of all, I'm your big fan.
Now, the leg raise practice is thousands of years old in Yog practices exactly for managing blood sugar. No doctor found it first. All ayurvedic vaidyas knew since ages.
I’m 73 and just in the last month or so it’s getting harder to walk upstairs.
My high blood pressure tablets do this to my leg and having diabetes 2 doesnt help
Im healing an arthritic hip and reduce my inflammation by taking NAD.Its an incredible norotropic .
If its that bad why arent banning it..
Could get up without my hands 10 years ago. Now I can't. Only 56 yo.
Thank you❤
I posted on so many videos, because following keto, and eliminating carbs from pasta, rice, and potatoes My husband who's heart stopped 3 times a year ago today beat type 2 diabetes. He has added D3, K2, magnesium gl, and only take 1 prescription now. His A1c is 4.3 as of the 24th. We are so greatful for this information because they sent him home with a life vest and a 17% chance to make it a year. He was prescribed 12 medications and given a diet book of carbs like oatmeal and brown sugar and no fat no butter no eggs. Instead we went with 21 days carnivore diet then 21 days keto. IF 2 days then 2 meals a day for 3 months. IF 1 meal pr day after that with Mondays and Tuesdays only carnivore and Wed going back to meat, broccoli, and carrots. Hes lost 62 lbs. ❤
I cured my edema in 2 days: I wanted to purge microplastics, so I bought blue green algae, which they use in fisheries for that purpose. The impact on my edema was unexpected. I used a large tablespoon amount in water, without any juice, and have no idea if that matters, and blended (you DON'T want to stir with a spoon as it's like cement).
Weird thing for me is I found when I take those OTC sleep aides that have diphenhydramine, I get RLS. Every time.
Thanks
You provide much needed health advice for millions.
You did not talk about the change in skin color and "chronic venous insufficiency".. Please make a video of that. Thanks
That calf pushup guy sounds like Gavin Newsome. LOL
How many of us are freaking out right now because we get a sock mark on our leg when we take our socks off 🤣
Peripheral neuropathy is not just from diabetes…I do not have diabetes or pre-diabetes…yet have peripheral neuropathy. It can come from auto immune diseases too…I still agree that sugar has done damage though…as well as gluten
I agree with you completely. Some medical organization does not help with the overall health of a patient. I think they should be sent to a dietitian. We have to be taught how to take care of ourselves. I was dad use to say that good nutrition and diet can make a big difference. My dad would monitor our sugar and fat intake . I am part European and my dad cooked alot .everything was homemade.i ate alot of cabbage soup lol
i think i blew a knee just watching dude explain the sit down and stand up thing.
An amazing and informative topic. DrBerg is the best Dr on you Tube. Thankful DrBerg for your precious time. The more I watch your video the more I admire your depth knowledge.
What kind of collagen cartilage builder do you recommend? I get confused
Hello drBerg I will send it to my Aunt, she has diabetes type 2.Thank you so much Doctor Berg
Please can you do a video on how to strengthen leg muscles with arthritic knees that cannot hold one's weight. Losing weight may help but is an impossibility for people who cannot sleep due to knee pain (cortisol-insulin due to chronic pain).
Much of this boils down to vascular health, or vascular disease. Keeping the heart and lungs 🫁 working together and in harmony to keep the flow flowing… I’m learning more and more about various things that form coatings on various surfaces. And how they adversely impact everything.
Viscosity in blood flow?
Thank you Dr Berg : )
Dr you are doing very good job and help millions of people.I pray for you that you will become muslim and get a big reward in next life.
Oh crap. I am only 54 and I cant get up anymore for a seated position without using my hands. I was able to earlier this year, but my hips right now are out of alignment and my hamstrings are so tight. I have chronic back pain and it hurts to bad and I loss the flexibility now. 🙁