Food Choices that Promote Foot Health
By now, most men and women in America have gotten the message that “you are what you eat.” We know that, combined with regular exercise, smart diet choices will help reduce the risk of chronic illness including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
What many people don’t know, however, is that you can also make dietary decisions that will promote foot health, helping you stay on your feet without pain for a lifetime. Here are four tips from Dr. Eric Kosofsky and Dr. Robert Rutstein to guide your food choices:
Osteoporosis and its precursor osteopenia are conditions in which bone density diminishes, increasing the likelihood of fractures. With 26 bones in each of your feet, of course they are impacted. Reduce your risk of osteoporosis by eating foods that are high in the mineral calcium. This can be found in sources including green leafy vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and fish such as sardines that are eaten with their bones. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. You can take supplements, but the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, so get outside!
Vitamin C is believed to reduce swelling throughout the body and can help ease the symptoms of inflammatory conditions including plantar fasciitis. Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, berries, and broccoli.
Obesity is a contributing factor in many foot and ankle injuries including stress fractures. Maintain a moderate weight by eating a diet high in colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol.
Be sure to support your healthy dietary choices with regular exercise. You can go to the gym, take a walk, or even attend a gentle yoga class…it’s all good for you.
If course, the best choice you can make to promote foot and ankle health is to see your podiatrist regularly. With years of specialized training and experience, a board-certified podiatrist like Eric Kosofsky, DPM and Robert Rutstein, DPM is the best-qualified doctor to care for this part of your body. Schedule a convenient visit in our modern, comfortable Hartford and Rocky Hill offices today. Call the friendly Hartford Podiatry Group staff at 860-523-8026 or click here to get started today.