Have you ever stopped to consider how the foods you eat may affect your feet? If you’re like most people, you appreciate the benefits of eating healthy foods for maintaining good health. Because March is National Nutrition Month, today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, shares the best foods for keeping your feet healthy.
We often think about food in relation to heart health and weight management, but not typically about our foot health. It’s interesting that the condition of your feet can reveal a lot about your overall health. And while proper nutrition alone won’t prevent certain conditions from developing, what you eat can play a fundamental part in achieving better overall health, including your feet.
The building blocks of nutritional health are the nutrients such as minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. With processed food, the nutritional quality and quantity are affected. Choosing your food wisely can benefit your overall health and foot health.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These acids, which can be found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, help diminish inflammation. They can also be found in soya, flax, walnuts, linseed oils, avocado, and grapeseed oil. Fish oil supplements are a great choice as well.
Vegetables and Fruits: Green leafy vegetables and beans contain complex carbohydrates, fiber and iron, and antioxidants, all of which help to prevent obesity, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kale aid calcium absorption, which is important for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
On the other hand, berries contain antioxidants to fight off disease and have anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits that are high in Vitamin C help with collagen production, which makes up all ligaments and tendons in your body, including those in your feet!
Vitamin D and Calcium: Because our bodies naturally lose calcium daily, we need to ensure that it’s replenished via the foods we eat. Vitamin D aids your body in absorbing calcium. This robust duo (Vitamin D and calcium) is needed for building strong bones. To boost the calcium in your diet, be sure to include foods like dairy products, nuts and seeds, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.
Whole Grains: Whole grains provide dietary fiber, which helps you feel full and helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, thereby decreasing your risk for heart disease. Eating these grains also reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. These foods include oats, barley, brown and wild rice, oats millet, quinoa, whole wheat and cracked wheat.
Your entire body – including your feet - will be grateful for your good nutritional habits. In return, your body will give back by keeping you active to do the things you love the most. So, make some wise food choices today, your body and feet will thank you for it.
If you are having any issues with your feet, be sure to contact Dr. Hubert Lee and his team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
