March is National Nutrition Month
You’ve heard of the mind-body connection, but how much do you know about the mouth-foot connection? Do you even know there is one? That’s just our way of reminding you there is a relationship between what you eat and the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. As we commemorate National Nutrition Month in March, Middlesex County podiatrists Dr. Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osemene want to take this opportunity to remind you that prevention is always a better option than treatment. Here are three good reasons to eat for good foot health:
Your risk of many illnesses that affect foot health, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, are reduced with a careful diet.
Maintaining a moderate weight through mindful eating will mitigate your risk of some foot deformities such as flat feet.
Combining a sensible diet with weight-bearing exercise will reduce your risk of osteoporosis, a dangerous weakening of the bones that can cause fractures and other foot and ankle injuries.
So, now that you know why to improve your diet, let’s talk about how. Here are some suggestions from our doctors:
Eat a diet rich in lean protein and whole grains. That means options like chicken and fish instead of beef and brown rice instead of white.
Go meatless occasionally! Beans are a great source of protein.
Be sure your diet includes plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Go easy on sweet, sugary beverages. Drink plenty of plain water instead.
Be sure to eat plenty of calcium to prevent osteoporosis. You’ll find calcium in milk, cheese, and other dairy foods, as well as in leafy green vegetables, and fish eaten with their bones intact, such as sardines and anchovies.
Painful was once known as the “disease of kings” because painful gout attacks often precede eating rich meals of meat, seafood, gravies, and alcohol. Save such choices for special occasions.
Are you worried about the effects of your diet on your foot health, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly Advanced Feet and Ankle Care staff at (732) 679-4330 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with Middlesex County podiatrists Jason Grossman, DPM, and Paul A. Osemene, DPM, in our modern, comfortable offices in Old Bridge and Sayreville today.