The food we eat is important for our overall health. But did you know that what you eat affects your foot health too?
We are usually unaware of the importance of keeping our feet healthy until they hurt. When your feet are achy, inflamed, and tired, it can make it difficult to complete your everyday activities.
Eating poorly 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. Some foot pain such as plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia, is caused by inflammation." (source) For more information click here
There are several foods that can support foot health and be used as a beginning point for great overall health and wellness.
1. Vitamin C rich foods
Vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of our skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, and wound healing (source). Vitamin C can also help in reducing inflammation.
Consider increasing your intake of foods high in vitamin C to take advantage of their anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory nutrients can be found in vegetables and fruits such as berries, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, mandarins, kiwifruit, broccoli, and capsicums.
2. Calcium and Vitamin D
No matter your age or health status, you need calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.
Increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D helps in preventing or reducing the risks of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases the density of the bones and increases the risk of fractures. (source)
Calcium is an essential component to building strong bones, and vitamin D can assist with the absorption of calcium.
Foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D include dairy products and green leafy vegetables, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, collard greens, and broccoli. Your body can also produce vitamin D from sun exposure.
3. Proteins rich in B vitamins
Neuropathy is a challenging medical condition that can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet (source). Foods high in B vitamins are vital to good nerve health.
To reduce your risk of vitamin-deficiency neuropathy, make sure to include foods rich in vitamin B such as beef, tuna, cottage cheese, sardines, eggs, and salmon.
If you prefer not to eat animal products make sure to eat a variety of legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas as well as grains and seeds. One of the most nutritious grains, high in protein, B vitamins, amino acids, and various antioxidants, is quinoa.
So, if you want to make the most of your everyday well-being, to give your feet superior protection, and to feel the best way possible, consider enhancing your diet...Your whole body will thank you for it, from your head to your FEET!