Healthy Eating – Healthy Feet
A healthy diet has enormous overall benefits that are known to everyone, such as a healthy heart and slim waistlines. However, what people don’t realize is that a well balanced diet also affects parts of the body one would not expect like your feet and legs. Eating the right foods can result in the proper health of feet and legs, while a poor diet adversely impacts their health. Here are four preventative methods and will be helpful to you in keeping and improving your foot and leg health.
Preventing Inflammation
Certain foods can increase chemicals in your body that cause tissue inflammation. This inflammation could appear as plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, in your heel, or elsewhere in your foot. Examples of common foods that can cause inflammation are refined grains, sugar and trans fats in baked and junk foods, saturated fat in red meat, omega 6 fats found in many commonly used oils such as vegetable oil, corn, soybean and sunflower oils. The intake of these foods should be reduced or substituted for better and healthier choices.
Preventing Obesity
A managed overall weight is essential to keeping a healthy body. Excessive weight can cause abnormal amounts of strain on your feet that can lead to common foot problems. One should have nutrient-rich foods such as nonfat and low-fat dairy products, dark and leafy greens, beans, whole-grain foods, avocados, nuts, berries, and lean cuts of meats. Consuming healthy foods in moderate quantities, coupled with a regular exercise regimen is essential in keeping mind and body fit.
Managing Osteoporosis
Filling your diet with high calcium and vitamin D rich foods can help build stronger bones which helps prevent osteoporosis. As we grow older, our body's balance becomes worse, making us more vulnerable to falls and eventual fractures. The stronger the bones, the better the body will be able to handle any stress caused by accidental falls. Foods fortified with vitamin D include dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel. The best way to get more calcium in your diet is through milk, cheese, yogurt as well as kale, spinach, soy, and white beans.
Improving Circulation
Circulation is very important to lower legs and feet. Proper circulation can be achieved by ensuring that your diet is low in saturated fats, trans fats and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and beans. Better circulation can also be managed with an appropriate exercise routine. Diabetes, the leading cause of damaging arteries that bring blood to your lower extremities, can be managed by both proper diet and exercise.
If you feel like you can relate to any of the conditions mentioned above, —remember that there is no need to suffer further when you can come to see our team at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Specialists of Clifton. We offer comprehensive treatment for a wide range of common (and not-so-common) ailments.
For more information on injuries or any other facet of foot care, call (973) 365-2208. While on the line, request your appointment at our office located in Clifton, NJ today!