Nutrition and Your Foot Health: The Connection
Most people often don’t associate what we eat and the health of their feet. However, the fact is diet can affect any part of your body, including your feet. Inflammation, fungal infections, poor circulation, bone loss, and pain are all conditions that directly impact our feet. Because March is National Nutrition Month, in today’s post Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX, panhandle share information regarding some foot issues caused by what we eat.
Diabetes: Low or high blood glucose levels often caused by diabetes are a common problem that can result in serious complications such as poor circulation, diabetic foot ulcers, and a loss of feeling.
Weakness/Osteoporosis: Bones that are weakened by osteoporosis are more vulnerable to stress fractures and trauma-related breaks. This affects the body’s entire skeleton structure, including the feet. A diet that is low in vitamin D or calcium, along with hormone levels, low weight, and age, are some of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis.
Foot pain: Inflammation of the feet and pain are some of the most common conditions we see. It has been revealed that eating certain food intensifies inflammation causing swelling and pain. Consuming a diet that is high in processed foods that contain high levels of refined sugars, the consumption of red meat, pasta, white flour, and vegetable oil can all trigger an inflammation reaction. Allergies, diabetes, fungal infections, and heart conditions are all caused by inflammation.
Gout: This is swelling of the joints, typically in the big toe, in individuals who are overweight. The condition is often associated with the consumption of large amounts of red meat, alcohol, or seafood.
Body Weight: The more you weigh, the more force your feet must bear. Obesity can lead to heel pain and plantar fasciitis and can worsen hammertoes and bunions. Obesity is also associated with worsening arthritis symptoms, impacting the ability to exercise regularly, and developing illnesses like diabetes. It also substantially impacts foot health by increasing the risk of developing weakened bones/osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. It can also heighten poor blood circulation, resulting in painful foot ailments like chilblains, and lead to pressure sores and calluses.
Although good nutrition alone may not prevent all of these medical conditions, it can be an essential part of achieving better foot health. Maintain stable blood glucose levels and a healthy body weight and by consuming a balanced diet.
If you’re experiencing stubborn foot or heel pain, it’s time to contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 today to schedule a consultation.