Have you thought about how the foods you eat can lead to inflammation or even increase your risk for osteoporosis? Inflammation can contribute to forms of arthritis, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporosis can increase your risk of fractures. March is National Nutrition Month, and the doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates want to encourage you to think differently about your food choices.

 Which foods increase the risk of inflammation? 

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Excess sugar, refined grains, junk foods, saturated fats found in red meat, and many others may lead to increased inflammation. Polyunsaturated fats like Omega-6, common in vegetable oils, may also increase the risk if consumed in excess.

What are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods? 

Look for foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats, like Omega-3 and -6, including salmon and fish oil supplements. Balance the Omega-3 fats with the Omega-6 fats. Also, go green. Include green vegetables and fresh plant-based foods in your diet. 

Which foods can improve bone health? 

To boost your bone health, add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. For additional calcium, choose dairy options like milk, cheese, and yogurt — or non-dairy options like green vegetables. For vitamin D, choose fatty fish such as tuna or salmon. 

Eating the right way helps your body feel its best and function its best. Other complications associated with high-sugar diets include peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and  peripheral arterial disease. 

In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, make some changes to what you eat. We’re here to help you spring forward and reduce the risk of complications.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.