Sufferers of foot pain know well the debilitating effects of not having healthy and happy feet. Foot pain can manifest itself through a variety of causes including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, bursitis, and more. Regardless of the causes of foot pain, the root of the problem could be a poor diet. The foods we eat impact our overall health. According to Xyngular, the huge amounts of sugar and processed foods in our modern diet make it is easy to gain weight and develop health problems like inflammation and joint pain. Too much inflammation can be the direct cause of various body pains, including discomfort originating in the feet. Here are seven of the top anti-inflammatory foods believed to help treat the root of foot pain:
Berries
These sweet nuggets are one of the most popular anti-inflammatory foods for good reasons. Boasting the antioxidant anthocyanin, berries reduce inflammation while also delivering a host of immunity-boosting benefits. Enjoy a variety of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for the best results.
Fatty Fish
The benefits of fatty fish have long been touted by nutritionists. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are called marine fatty acids because they come from fish. What makes these omega-3 sources worthwhile menu additions for people with arthritis is their ability to inhibit inflammation.” Choosing fish with high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA will ensure that your body receives an adequate amount of anti-inflammatory benefits. Good choices include salmon, sardines, and anchovies.
Avocados
As a true superfood, the benefits of avocados are vast. The carotenoids and tocopherols in avocados combine to reduce inflammation as well as to cut the risk of developing cancer.
Grapes
According to Delicious Living, “ Red grapes (and, to a lesser extent, green grapes) have resveratrol in their skins. Resveratrol inhibits the COX enzyme, which is what NSAIDs do.” That is to say, they have anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties. The invaluable anthocyanins in grapes has also been shown to reduce inflammation while the compound resveratrol works to lessen the risk of developing other potentially painful conditions.
Turmeric
As one of the most popular spices on the market, turmeric has a loyal following in large part because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. The compound curcumin can be combined with black pepper to provide even greater benefits compared to eating the turmeric alone.
Dark Chocolate
According to Dr. Mercola, “certain types of chocolate, as well as cocoa powder and cacao, are turning out to be powerful superfoods that rank right up there among the most anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods known to mankind.” Chocolate lovers can rejoice in the knowledge that this sweet treat is actually good for you. The flavanols in cocoa and dark chocolate work to keep the artery-lining endothelial cells healthy and functioning at optimal levels, delivering the anti-inflammatory benefits in the process.
Tomatoes
This nutritional powerhouse boasts massive levels of lycopene, known for its ability to reduce the risk of cancer and also lessen the effects of inflammation. Cooking tomatoes in heart-healthy olive oil provides even greater protection and relief from pain. With so many delicious and nutritious foods to choose from, it is easy to get in enough anti-inflammatory goodness to get you back up on your feet with no pain.
If you are experiencing some joint or foot pain, try eating these seven foods that can help reduce the inflammation which is causing the pain. If the pain persists, contact your doctor or get some better running shoes that will provide the proper comfort and support for your feet.