A common concern during this festive time of the year is navigating all the rich, calorie-laden holiday food offerings. From Christmas cookies to eggnog to roasts, to chips, dips, and other classic favorites menus can be landmines just waiting to blow up your healthy eating plan. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we know that what you eat also impacts the health of your feet. Your feet carry the weight of your entire body and when you are overweight or obese you significantly increase your risk for several foot conditions and can make existing disorders much worse. In addition, foods can trigger an inflammatory response in conditions such as arthritis and gout.

If you have a podiatric condition that is associated with inflammation check with one of our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas, about the best strategies for relieving or preventing inflammation. In some cases the foot doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments. If the inflammation seems to be increasing it’s important for the podiatrist to re-evaluate your condition to check its progression and rule out other complications.

Below are some healthful swaps to keep in mind as you make your way around the party buffet:

• Eat nuts and berries instead of chips and pretzels. Not only are nuts and berries healthier choices they also help fight inflammation whereas chips and pretzels are made with refined flour that can increase inflammatory response.
• If you are prone to gout eat chicken instead of red meat.
• Choose sparkling seltzer or wine spritzers over multiple alcoholic beverages. Excess alcohol intake can trigger gout, increase inflammation and pack on the pounds.
• Pick the smoked fish over the fried oysters. Fatty fish are known to decrease inflammation while fried foods increase it and are also are much higher in calories.
• Load up on greens and salads instead of potatoes and rolls. If you plate your salads and vegetables first there will be less room for higher calorie foods.

Healthy eating is just one way to protect your feet this holiday season. If you have questions about your feet and how to best care for them contact our Long Beach office by calling: 562-420-9800.