Dietary Do’s and Don’ts for Your Podiatric Health

March is National Nutrition Month, and at Goldsmith Podiatry we know that the health of your feet can be affected by the foods you eat. Below are some do’s and don’ts to help you make the food to foot connection.

Do: aim to eat a healthy diet comprised of lean protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will ensure that your body gets all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to run efficiently and avoid diseases that can harm your feet and reduce your ability to be active.

Do: ask your physician about a safe, weight-reducing diet if you are overweight. Excess pounds mean excess pressure on knees and feet, which increases pain from existing conditions and makes you more prone to develop foot problems. Flat feet and heel pain are just two examples of conditions where being overweight is listed as a risk factor.

Don’t: consume too much sugar. Not only can this cause weight gain, but it can also increase your risk of developing diabetes—a disease that can have devastating consequences for your feet. Beware of “hidden sugars” in products where you wouldn’t expect them such as spaghetti sauce. Always read labels to see how many grams of sugar are contained in a serving of the food you are buying.

Do: explore the possibilities of using food to help fight inflammation. The discomfort and pain from many podiatric conditions, such as arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis stem from inflammation. Ask our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, if something in your diet may be increasing inflammation. There are also foods like blueberries, almonds, salmon that have been shown to suppress the body’s inflammatory response.

Don’t: forget about the role that hydration plays in your health. Drinking plenty of water will help rid the body of toxins and excess uric acid which can cause gout. It will also help reduce your risk of edema or swelling of the feet and ankles. Avoid sugary sports drinks as these contain unwanted calories.

If you have questions about your diet and your feet, ask our podiatrists at your next appointment at our Upper West Side office or call us at 212-877-1002.