People are often told what NOT to eat in order to improve their health, but less focus is put on what they should be eating instead. Our podiatry team believes that health begins from the inside out, and recommend several foods to promote whole-body healing.
Simple Changes in Your Diet Can Have Big Rewards for Your Feet
The easiest modification to make is to drink more water. Water is essential for the entire body, and can prevent skin and toenail damage, ease muscle cramps, and promote healing when an injury occurs.
Foods that may have foot and ankle benefits include:
- Cherries and berries. The dark pigments in the skins of blueberries, raspberries, and cherries may reduce gout, a painful swelling of the joints in the fingers and toes. These fruits contain antioxidants that may reduce the pain and inflammation associated with gout, as well as promote a healthy immune system.
- Dark green vegetables. Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale) contain high levels of B vitamins, which can help prevent and ease peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes. Spinach also contains riboflavin, which can aid in skin health and healing to prevent diabetic foot ulcers from becoming infected.
- Fish and nuts. The fats present in nuts and oily fish (such as salmon) contain omega-3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory that may reduce the effects of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the feet.
- Yogurt. Osteoporosis is a major contributor to stress fractures and joint damage, particularly in older people. Yogurt is full of calcium, which strengthens bones and reduces the effects of osteoporosis. In addition, the bacteria present in yogurt contains anti-fungal properties that may help in the treatment of athlete’s foot.
Whether you have an ongoing condition or need immediate intervention for an injury, the foot specialists at Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry are here to help. We offer free initial consultations to determine the root cause of the problem, and create a customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Simply fill out our online contact form or call us at (301) 515-FEET to set up your first visit.
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