March is National Nutrition Month. Usually, when we think of healthy eating, we’re not thinking about our feet. However, the things we eat can have a major impact on foot health. With a careful diet, you can reduce your risk of many illnesses that affect foot health, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Let’s take a moment to explore how different foods can affect the health of your feet.
Your diet can have a major impact on the health of your feet. Certain foods can cause inflammation. Others might increase your risk for osteoporosis. Inflammation can contribute to forms of arthritis, including gout and arthritis. Osteoporosis can increase your risk of fractures.
FOODS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF INFLAMMATION
You should minimize junk food in general. In general, foods that contain an excess of sugar, refined grains, or saturated fats, such as those found in red meat, may lead to increased inflammation. Even polyunsaturated fats like Omega-6, common in vegetable oils, if consumed in excess, may increase the risk.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS
Several foods have anti-inflammatory effects. Foods high in polyunsaturated fats, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, including salmon and fish oil supplements, are excellent choices. Including green vegetables and fresh plant-based foods in your diet can also help.
FOODS THAT IMPROVE BONE HEALTH
Bone health is extremely important for your feet. The human foot each contains 26 bones that suffer a lot of wear and tear. The best way to boost your bone health is to add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Choose dairy options like milk, cheese, and yogurt for calcium. There are also non-dairy options like green vegetables. For vitamin D, fatty fish such as tuna or salmon are great choices.
As always, if you do find an issue or are experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact a specialist right away.
Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Riane Teagarden, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.