Good Nutrition for Healthy Feet at Every Age

At NY Foot Health, we know that healthy eating makes for healthy feet. Weight management and getting the right nutrients can help you live a long and active life. Just as with podiatric care, each stage of life has its own unique needs. Below is a nutrition guide for every age.

Teens and 20’s—Strong bones are a key focus for this age group. Did you know that nearly a quarter of your bones are in your feet? Build up bone density with lots of calcium-rich foods and beverages such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Not a milk fan? Got to leafy greens, canned salmon, almonds, and certain beans. Look for calcium-fortified cereals, juices, breads, and soy beverages.

20’s to 30’s—Now is the time to build life-long, good eating habits that will lower your risk of obesity and diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which can negatively impact your feet and your whole body. Include dietary fiber, whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your daily meal plans.

30’s to 40’s—Make sure you’re getting the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need to fight inflammation, which is the cause of many foot problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

40’s to 50’s—Be aware that metabolism slows as you age and decrease calorie intake as needed to maintain a healthy weight. It won’t be so easy to get away with sugary drinks and desserts. Look for healthy substitutes that satisfy. In addition to sugar, be mindful of fats and salt in your diet.

50’s to 60’s and Beyond—Make sure your diet contains lots of protein-rich foods like seafood, lean cuts of meat, tofu, eggs, and nuts to maintain bone and muscle strength. Don’t settle for processed foods because they’re inexpensive or easy. They often are high in saturated fats which, can clog arteries and impede circulation in your legs and feet.

At every age, it's also important to maintain a regular checkup schedule with your podiatrist and let the foot doctor know if you notice any unusual changes as you age. Need to find a podiatrist? Use our online directory to find one close to home. It's best to treat foot problems in their earliest stages. To learn more about good foot health for your age, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.