If you are a golfer but don't like the cold temperatures in winter, Revs® Massage Insoles are the answer! Here's why Revs® should be an essential part of your golf kit, beyond the usual benefits in fair weather...

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not just “feeling a bit low in winter” — it’s a biological mood and energy disorder driven by changes in light, hormones, sleep rhythms, and nervous-system regulation. Reflexology happens to hit all of those systems at once, which is why many people feel noticeably better in winter when they wear Revs® reflexology shoes or have reflexology sessions regularly.

Revs aren’t just “comfy shoes with bumps”, and that’s why so many people feel better wearing them. Revs work on three layers at once: mechanical, neurological, and biological.

We designed Revs® so we can offer a therapeutic approach to support people’s health and well-being. Revs® uses Reflexology principles to do this - Reflexology aims to achieve homeostasis - a state of balance mentally, physically and emotionally. Revs® aims to decongest areas of imbalance or toxicity. Try wearing Revs® every day and feel how it changes your health and outlook.

Discover how Revs® reflexology footwear support recovery for athletes and gym-goers by improving circulation, reducing muscular tension, and supporting foot biomechanics.

At Revs®, we take pride in being the original creators of high-quality, reflexology-based massage footwear and insoles — a reputation built over years of innovation, craftsmanship, and customer trust.

Wearing Revs® gives you this valuable feedback on a daily basis. The sensitivity from the Revs® massage sole will change when you are dehydrated, over-tired, congested etc. Give yourself the gift of Revs® insights. They give you an individual discovery to what your body needs. You will find when wearing Revs® you want to drink more water, you need to rest, you eat more slowly  - if that is what Revs® is telling you. 

You don’t need a full-body transformation right now. You just need a survival kit.

A simple, steady, realistic way to get through the month with fewer flares, more stability, and a body that doesn’t feel like it’s fighting you at every turn.

Because December isn’t when your body is “weak.” It’s when your systems are doing triple the work.

Over-Indulgence in Food and Alcohol

Periods of over-indulgence — particularly involving rich foods and alcohol — are common during holidays, celebrations, and times of stress. While occasional excess is a normal part of social life, repeated or intense over-consumption can place significant strain on multiple physiological systems.

Understanding what happens inside the body after over-indulgence can help reduce guilt, replace shame with knowledge, and support more informed recovery choices.

The Digestive System: Overload and Inflammation

Gastric Distension and Delayed Gastric Emptying - Large volumes of food cause gastric distension, stretching the stomach beyond its comfortable capacity. This can lead to:

• Bloating

• Abdominal discomfort

• Acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux)

High-fat meals delay gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer, increasing pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter and worsening reflux symptoms.

Increased Acid Secretion

Rich, fatty, and sugary foods stimulate increased gastric acid production, which can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to:

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)

• Heartburn

• Nausea

Alcohol further exacerbates this by directly irritating the gastric mucosa.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Glycaemic Volatility - Rapid Glucose Spikes

High-carbohydrate and high-sugar foods lead to rapid increases in blood glucose levels. In response, the pancreas releases insulin to facilitate glucose uptake into cells.

Large or frequent spikes can result in:

• Reactive hypoglycaemia (post-meal energy crashes)

• Increased hunger shortly after eating

• Fatigue and irritability

Insulin Resistance Over Time

Repeated cycles of excessive intake, particularly when combined with inactivity, can contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity, a precursor to metabolic dysfunction if patterns become chronic.

The Liver: Metabolic and Alcohol Burden - Hepatic Processing of Alcohol

Alcohol is metabolised primarily in the liver via enzymes such as:

• Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)

These processes generate acetaldehyde, a toxic intermediate that contributes to:

• Inflammation

• Oxidative stress

• Cellular damage

Fat Accumulation in the Liver

Excess calories — particularly from alcohol and refined carbohydrates — can be converted into triglycerides and stored in the liver, contributing to hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) if habitual.

The Cardiovascular System: Fluid Balance and Blood Pressure - Fluid Retention

High sodium foods increase extracellular fluid retention, leading to:

• Temporary weight gain

• Peripheral oedema (swelling)

• Increased blood pressure

Alcohol further disrupts fluid balance by initially acting as a diuretic, followed by rebound fluid retention.

Increased Cardiovascular Load

Heavy meals increase cardiac output as blood is diverted to the gastrointestinal tract, which can feel uncomfortable for individuals sensitive to palpitations or fatigue.

The Nervous System: Neurochemical Effects - Dopamine and Reward Pathways

Highly palatable foods and alcohol stimulate dopaminergic reward pathways, reinforcing pleasure-seeking behaviour. While normal in moderation, repeated stimulation can increase:

• Cravings

• Reduced satiety awareness

• Emotional eating patterns

Sleep Disruption

Alcohol interferes with REM sleep and suppresses melatonin production, resulting in:

• Fragmented sleep

• Reduced sleep quality

• Daytime fatigue

Even when sleep duration appears adequate, neurological recovery may be impaired.

The Inflammatory Response

Over-indulgence can increase systemic inflammation, particularly when involving:

• Refined sugars

• Saturated fats

• Alcohol

Markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) may transiently rise, contributing to:

• Joint stiffness

• Brain fog

• General malaise

This inflammatory response is usually temporary but can feel significant.

Hormonal Disruption - Appetite Hormones

Over-eating disrupts the balance of:

• Leptin (satiety hormone)

• Ghrelin (hunger hormone)

This can result in reduced fullness signals and increased appetite the following day.

Cortisol Interaction

Stress-related eating combined with alcohol can elevate cortisol, which further affects blood sugar regulation, fat storage, and energy levels.

Post-Indulgence Symptoms

• Fatigue
  
  

• Bloating

• Low mood

• Brain fog

are the combined result of:

• Digestive strain

• Blood sugar fluctuations

• Dehydration

• Inflammatory processes

• Disrupted sleep architecture

These effects are physiological, not moral failures.

Supporting Recovery 

The body is highly adaptive. Recovery does not require punishment or restriction.

Helpful steps include:

• Hydration to support renal and hepatic clearance

• Balanced meals with protein, fibre, and micronutrients

• Gentle movement to aid insulin sensitivity and digestion

• Sleep prioritisation to restore neurological balance

• Reducing alcohol intake temporarily to allow hepatic recovery

• Detox naturally - wear Revs® - to stimulate the liver and kidneys to support the role of these organs efficiently. 

A Revs Perspective

At Revs, we view over-indulgence as a temporary physiological state, not a personal failing. Understanding the body’s responses allows for informed, compassionate choices rather than guilt-driven reactions. Health is determined by patterns, not single events.

We designed Revs® so we can offer a therapeutic approach to support people’s health and well-being. Revs® uses Reflexology principles to do this - Reflexology aims to achieve homeostasis - a state of balance mentally, physically and emotionally. Revs® aims to decongest areas of imbalance or toxicity. Try wearing Revs® every day and feel how it changes your health and outlook.

Revs have never felt prouder of our Scottish roots. Scotland making it to the World Cup shows that every international journey begins on a local pitch. Just like Revs®, we started small, designing our footwear in Glasgow, Scotland and now we supply it on an international scale. 

Women talk openly about hormones, mood changes, energy levels and even skin changes — but one area that gets almost no attention is how hormonal shifts affect your feet.

Yes, your feet.

From pregnancy to perimenopause to the later stages of life, hormonal changes directly impact:

• Foot shape

• Arch height

• Joint flexibility

• Fluid retention

• Stability

• Daily comfort

It’s one of the most overlooked areas of women’s health, yet it affects your movement, posture, joints and overall wellbeing.

Here’s what every woman should know.

1. Pregnancy: When Foot Changes Begin

Pregnancy is one of the biggest hormonal shifts a woman will ever experience — and it often leads to noticeable changes in the feet.

✔ Relaxin causes ligaments to loosen

Relaxin is the hormone that prepares your body for birth.
But it also affects your feet by loosening the ligaments that support your arches.

This can lead to:

• Flattened arches

• Widened feet

• New or increased foot pain

• Changes in shoe size (often permanent)

A huge number of women go up half to a full shoe size after pregnancy due to these structural changes.

✔ Extra weight = extra pressure

The added weight of pregnancy increases strain on:

• Arches

• Ankles

• Knees

• Lower back

This is why supportive shoes are essential, especially in the final trimester.

2. Perimenopause: The “Invisible Change” Women Don’t Connect to Their Feet

Perimenopause can start as early as your 30s and last over a decade — and many women never link its symptoms to foot discomfort.

✔ Falling estrogen affects joint and ligament health

When estrogen levels drop, the tissues supporting your feet become:

• Less elastic

• Less cushioned

• More prone to inflammation

This is why women often develop:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Burning feet

• Arch collapse

• Increased ankle instability

✔ Fluid retention becomes more common

Fluctuating hormones cause swelling in the feet and ankles, leading to:

• Tight shoes

• Soreness

• Tingling or numbness

✔ Hot feet & nighttime discomfort

Many women report a “burning” sensation in their feet during perimenopause — a symptom often dismissed but very real.

Proper airflow and cushioning in footwear help manage this.

3. Menopause: Long-Term Changes in Foot Structure and Comfort

Once estrogen drops significantly, the foot changes become more noticeable and long-term.

✔ Arches may flatten further

This leads to:

• Overpronation

• Knee and hip pain

• Lower back strain

✔ Fat pads on the feet thin out

This means less natural cushioning, making walking or standing more painful — especially on hard floors.

✔ Bone density changes increase foot sensitivity

Some women experience more aches in:

• Ankles

• Heels

• Toes

• Midfoot

Supportive, shock-absorbing footwear becomes essential — not optional.

4. Why Hormonal Foot Changes Matter for Your Whole Body

Your feet are the foundation of your movement.
When hormones affect your foot structure, the impact travels upward through the whole body.

Common chain reactions include:

• Knee pain

• Tight hips

• Lower back aches

• Poor balance

• Reduced motivation to walk or stay active

The right footwear can significantly reduce these issues by keeping your body aligned and supported.

5. Signs Your Feet Are Being Affected by Hormonal Changes

You may be experiencing hormonal foot symptoms if you notice:

• Your shoes suddenly feel tight

• Arch pain or heel pain

• Worsening foot fatigue

• Burning or tingling

• A new shoe size

• Swelling that comes and goes

• Pain after long days standing

• Feeling unsteady on your feet

These are not “normal signs of ageing” — they’re hormonal effects.

6. The Right Footwear Makes a Huge Difference

During pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, footwear should prioritise:

• Arch support

• Cushioning for impact protection

• A stable heel

• A wider, natural toe box

• Breathability for swelling and comfort

• Lightweight materials

Supportive shoes protect:

• Knees

• Hips

• Lower back

• Daily movement

• Long-term mobility

This is where a good pair of everyday supportive shoes becomes a genuine part of women’s health — not just style.

The Bottom Line

Hormonal changes don’t just affect mood, weight, or skin — they affect your foot structure, comfort, movement and overall body alignment.

Pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause all create real, physical changes that deserve support.

The right footwear can:

• Reduce pain

• Improve posture

• Increase comfort

• Boost energy

• Support daily movement

• Protect long-term mobility

It’s one of the simplest ways women can support their wellbeing through every stage of life.

Women are far more likely than men to experience foot pain, joint issues, and chronic discomfort. And it’s not just about uncomfortable shoes — it’s about how foot health influences posture, energy levels, mobility, and long-term wellbeing.

From back pain to tired legs to low energy levels, footwear plays a major role in how your body feels — and most men are wearing shoes that simply aren’t doing them any favours.