Step Lightly: 3 Types of Foods to Avoid for Healthy Feet and Happy Steps

The relationship between your feet and your diet may not be very apparent, but in honor of National Nutrition Month, the team at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants to make the connection for you! The foods we consume play a significant role in determining the condition of our feet, and that means there are certain things we should avoid if we want to keep our feet happy and healthy. In this blog post, we’ll uncover three types of foods that may be detrimental to your foot health and provide insights on why you should reconsider including them in your diet.

Excessive Added Sugars and Inflammatory Foods

Diets with high levels of sugar and inflammatory foods can cause inflammation all over the body, and your feet are no exception. If your feet do experience inflammation, this can exacerbate conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis, resulting in discomfort and pain.

High Sodium Content

In moderation, salt is a necessary nutrient for our bodies. However, excessive sodium intake is a whole other story, with potentially serious consequences on our overall health, in addition to our foot health. Consuming too much salt can raise blood pressure and contribute to fluid retention, leading to swollen feet and ankles. Edema, or fluid buildup, can cause discomfort and compromise mobility.

Fatty and Fried Foods

Foods high in unhealthy fats, especially trans fats found in fried foods, can contribute to poor circulation. Reduced blood flow to the feet may lead to numbness, tingling sensations, and slow wound healing. Fried foods can also trigger a painful attack of gout, a form of arthritis that mainly stems from diet-related issues.

By avoiding excessive sugars, high sodium content, and unhealthy fats, you can contribute to the prevention of inflammation, swelling, and poor circulation, ensuring your feet carry you through life comfortably.

However, we know that changing certain aspects of your diet is easier said than done. If it’s time to spring clean your diet and you’re looking for guidance and advice on making the best food choices for you and your feet, make an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia.