Diet & Your Feet: A Powerful Connection
What you eat impacts your feet! Here at Amarillo Foot Specialists, we know that it takes a multifaceted approach to ensure healthy, fit feet and ankles. Since it is National Nutrition Month, we’d like to devote a little time to exploring how the right vitamins and minerals make a high-value difference to your lower extremities.
Keep reading to learn what you can do to eat right and fuel your feet for whatever comes next. We'll cover a few of the most common conditions that proper nutrition can really make a difference in managing.
Good Nutrition Helps You Deal With…
Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels from diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet, with the resultant loss of feeling increasing the odds of dangerous diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetics can benefit from nerve-boosting vitamin B supplements and incorporating healthy fibers over complex carbohydrates.
Weak Bones
A diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D, or one combined with other risk factors, can contribute to osteoporosis and stress fractures in the feet. Go for fatty fish and egg yolks to grab a little more to boost your bone health for your feet and ankles.
Inflammation
Processed foods, red meat, and refined sugars can worsen inflammation, a culprit behind foot pain and swelling. Try omega-3 fatty acids and fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines for a little vitamin D boost as well.
Gout
This painful condition, often affecting the big toe, is linked to excess red meat, seafood, and alcohol consumption. It’s important for those who suffer from gout to avoid foods that are high in purines, so anything rich like gravy is a big no-no.
Body Weight
Obesity puts extra stress on your feet, joints, and ankles, increasing the risk of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and worsening bunions and hammertoes. It can also hinder exercise, exacerbate arthritis, and contribute to diabetes – all impacting foot health.
Prioritizing a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood sugar levels are crucial for optimal foot health. If you eat right, good things will surely come for your feet, ankles, and overall well-being.
Experiencing persistent foot pain? Contact Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists in Amarillo, TX, for a consultation. Give us a call at (806) 322-3338.