Our diet is important for our overall health. But did you know that what you eat affects your foot health too?
Making healthy choices in your diet can lower your risk of certain diseases including heart disease and stroke, diabetes and cancer. But eating a poor diet can lead to inflammation. When the body receives an inflammation signal, it tries to cope with an internal injury threat. This can lead to chronic inflammation such as with osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation Can Cause Foot Pain
Some foot pain such as plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia, is caused by inflammation. Plantar fasciitis can actually get worse when certain foods are consumed in excess, including:
- Animal protein sources with too much saturated fat, such as red meat
- Prepared foods with refined grains, sugar and trans-fats
- White flour that you find in pasta, snacks and desserts
- Vegetable oils with a lot of omega-6 fats such as corn, soybean and sunflower oils
These foods can aggravate other inflammation conditions like arthritis, heel spurs and painful arches.
Eat a Balanced Diet for Foot Health
A balanced eating plan with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits can reduce chronic inflammation. Other healthy foods to add are:
- Protein sources like beans and legumes
- Omega-3 rich fish including tuna and salmon
- Whole grains
- Lean meats
- Nuts and seeds
Your feet – and your whole body – will thank you for these nutritional powerhouses!
For more information on foot health, contact your Cornerstone Foot & Ankle podiatrist! Cornerstone Foot & Ankle is a full service foot and ankle specialty office with locations in Sewell, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt. Holly, Woodbury, and Glassboro; serving the South Jersey region. We offer a full suite of services including surgery, fracture care, fungal nail care, diabetic foot care, pediatric podiatry, custom braces and orthotics, wound care, limb salvage, and treatments for arch pain, heel pain, and sports injuries; just to name a few. If it hurts below your knee, we can help you! CALL NOW or request your appointment online TODAY!