We often hear nutrition advice about heart, skin, and weight issues, but our diet can be especially important for our feet, which support our weight everyday. There are 26 bones and over 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help us maneuver our way through the day and they all need as many vitamins and minerals as possible to keep us on our feet!

  • Calcium and Vitamin D for healthy bones – Many people are unaware that there are options aside from dairy products. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and fatty fish like tuna and salmon are also packed with calcium, along with fortified foods and drinks like soymilk, cereals, and other breakfast foods.
  • Vitamin C, B12, and zinc for healthy nails – Incorporating these vitamins can help prevent brittle, weak nails to prevent conditions like nail fungus. Foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes provide vitamin C, while poultry, shellfish, eggs, nutritional yeast and fortified foods provide vitamin B12. Nuts, pumpkins, and beans are great sources of zinc.
  • Avoid foods that cause inflammation – Sugar, refined grains, trans fat, red meat, white flour, and sweets can encourage inflammation, which is associated with many podiatric conditions. Avoiding junk foods and incorporating whole grains, nuts, beans, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is an easy way to fight inflammation and provide your body with the nutrition it needs!

Changing your diet is one of the simple ways you can take control of your foot health, but for those who suffer from foot or ankle issues like plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, or nail fungus, it is important to also see a foot care specialist for treatment. Dr. Russell Samofal of Podiatry Center of New Jersey is an experienced and compassionate board-certified podiatrist who can treat all types of podiatric conditions. Our office is conveniently located in Wayne, NJ to serve Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Essex counties, and we are equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment technologies. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 925-4111 or request an appointment online.