How Nutrition Affects Your Feet
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in the health of your entire body, including your long-suffering feet! Proper nutrition is essential for optimal foot function, and with that in mind, Caring Podiatry wants to explore how food choices affect your feet and how podiatrists can help you nourish them, too.
Structural Stability
Strong bones, flexible tendons, and healthy nerves are essential for foot health.
However, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can weaken these structures, increasing the risk of fractures and sprains.
A study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of fractures in older adults.
Inflammation
Many foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis and neuropathy, are linked to inflammation.
Processed sugars and unhealthy fats can worsen inflammation, whereas fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Nerve Needs
Healthy nerves are vital for proper foot function and sensation, so B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, play a crucial role in nerve health.
Deficiencies lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet, exacerbating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Intrinsix: A Nerve Health Solution
At Caring Podiatry, we often assist with nutritional deficiencies by providing Intrinsix, a pharmacist-formulated dietary supplement. Check out its unique blend of ingredients below:
Alpha Lipoic Acid: This antioxidant is both water and fat-soluble, meaning it is uniquely effective in both preventing and repairing cell damage throughout the body. It can protect nerves from harm and improve symptoms of neuropathy as well.
Benfotiamine: A stable, fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, thiamine, benfotiamine helps the body utilize B1 more effectively, improving nerve function.
Vitamins B6, B12, & D: B vitamins support nerve function, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and overall health.
Research and Benefits:
Research suggests ingredients in Intrinsix may offer considerable benefits for nerve health, and we’ve seen incredible results with our patients.
A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research found that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation improved nerve conduction in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or Neptune (732-455-8700) offices to make an appointment. Podiatrists Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Mark Fillari will be happy to assist you with the warmth, compassion, and expertise that Caring Podiatry is known for!