Celebrate National Nutrition Month!
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Why would a group of Monmouth County foot doctors encourage their patients to get proper nutrition? Because when you eat a healthy diet, you’re also helping to keep your feet and ankles healthy.
What you eat nourishes your body - or not
When your nutrition is off, you can damage your feet and end up with problems such as weak muscles, clogged blood vessels, or brittle bones. In honor of National Nutrition Month, let’s look at how to avoid damages like these.
You can fight weak muscles by eating the recommended dietary allowance of protein - 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. You may need more than that if you’re very active. Talk with your doctor or nutritionist about the right amount of protein for you. And speaking of being active, if you engage in weight-bearing exercises such as running or lifting weights, you’re already ahead of the game in terms of keeping your feet and ankles strong.
Blood vessels can become clogged with plaque when you’ve got high cholesterol or elevated blood sugar. Keep sugar and cholesterol levels low by eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, and other high-fiber foods and limiting your intake of red meat.
You can get brittle bones, also known as osteoporosis, if you’re not getting enough Vitamin D or calcium. Both nutrients are essential to maintain strength in your bones. You can’t feel that your bones are getting weaker - indeed, for many patients, the first indication that they’ve got brittle bones is when they sustain a foot fracture. Prevent surprise foot fractures by understanding your risk, getting screened for osteoporosis, eating calcium-rich foods. Also, take Vitamin D supplements if your doctor recommends them.
Most noteworthy, poor nutrition can lead to obesity, which puts a huge strain on your feet and ankles. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. Consequently, you’re less likely to develop weight-related foot issues such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic neuropathy.
Take steps to improve your diet this month and contact Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center if you have any concerns about weakness, numbness, or pain in your feet. Call board-certified podiatrists Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka at (732) 905-1110 for an appointment at our Howell or Jackson podiatry offices, or contact us online.