Have you seen those commercials that say that eating their foods can help you be healthier? Eat this cereal to lower cholesterol. Drink this product to build strong bones. Eat spinach to get strong. (Okay, that last one was from the cartoon Popeye, but still.)

Have you ever seen any commercials telling you what to eat for healthier feet? Probably not. It’s another way that your feet can get neglected when considering your overall health. If you think about it, your feet have bones, joints, tissues, and skin, just like the rest of your body. So eating for your feet benefits your whole body!

So what are some foods that you should make sure to include in your diet?

For starters, dairy products and dark, leafy greens like spinach have the calcium needed for strong bones. Make sure to have some each day, as well as some sunlight for vitamin D (which helps to absorb calcium into the bones).

Raw vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are all foods that have a variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes. Foods like ginger, walnuts, and salmon have great anti-inflammatory properties. Enzymes, as well as protein, are needed to assist with muscle repair, especially after a workout. Those with arthritis pain should look for anti-inflammatory foods and stay away from sugar and fried foods.

And don’t forget about your skin! Make sure to drink plenty of water (bonus if you have electrolytes) to increase circulation, support muscle tissues, and keep skin hydrated. Foods with antioxidants such as wild blueberries and dark chocolate can help your tissues stay nourished and help protect skin and bones from cancer.

Don’t forget about exercise!

While healthy food is helpful for foot health, exercise is also important for preventing injuries and disease. Weight bearing exercises help to build strong bones, while stretching and strengthening allows for flexibility and resilience. Since your body needs to “eat” some Vitamin D from sunlight, try to get in an outdoor workout, such as running, biking, or hiking a few times a week. Remember that while cardiovascular workouts are great, some weight lifting can also do the body good.

Need more information on how to improve foot health? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.