The Top 7 Food That Trigger Foot Pain

Your chance of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, can be reduced by adopting a diet that emphasizes good eating habits. On the other hand, consuming an unhealthy diet might cause inflammation. When the body receives a signal for inflammation, it makes an effort to deal with a potential threat of internal harm. This might result in persistent inflammation, manifesting in conditions such as osteoarthritis and autoimmune illnesses.

There are various causes of foot pain, depending on the type of food you eat. Certain decisions will increase your probability of experiencing foot pain relief. Others will raise your chances of experiencing inflammation and pain. Read on to learn about the food you should avoid to ensure optimal foot health. 

7 Foods That Trigger Foot Pain

1. Seafood

Gout, a painful form of arthritis that affects the limbs and feet, can be brought on by eating foods high in purine, which can be brought on by eating foods like various types of fish. Gout occurs when crystals form in the joints as a result of an accumulation of uric acid to an unhealthy level. Following the breakdown of a chemical known as purine, which can be present in various foods, your body will produce uric acid. You could try reducing the number of purines in your diet, which could help you better control your gout. It is essential to remember that although the food you eat can influence the amount of uric acid your body produces, the effects are minimal compared to medicine.

2. High Salt Intake

Salt is an essential ingredient that enables your body to regulate fluid levels. If you consume excessive amounts, you risk swelling your ankles and feet. You can test to see if your edema is caused by lowering the amount of salt you consume daily to between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg.

3. Vegetable and Seed oils

It was always thought that consuming a reasonable amount of trans fat was not harmful; however, more recent studies have shown that this is not the case. There is evidence that trans fat, linked to an increased risk of inflammation, is present in various vegetable, seed, and hydrogenated oils. Furthermore, the most significant threat posed by trans fat is that it can cause the membranes of cells to become abnormally distorted and also cause foot inflammation.

4. Red meat and Processed Meat

Processed and red meats are a significant source of saturated fat in the diet, and consuming too much of this fat can lead to inflammation of the feet. The fatty acids in saturated fat can build up in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and preventing essential nutrients and oxygen from reaching the feet. This can lead to pain, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. In addition, the fats in processed and red meats can also contribute to obesity, which puts additional strain on the feet and makes inflammation more likely. If you love meat, choose leaner cuts and limit your portion size to help reduce your risk of developing foot problems.

5. Alcohol

Consuming alcoholic beverages causes your body to hold onto extra water. The body’s increased ability to hold onto water leads to a temporary increase in swelling, but this condition often improves within a day or two. Consuming alcohol regularly, on the other hand, is associated with an increased risk of longer-term health issues, including issues with inflammation as well as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “chronic alcohol use impairs not only the functions of the gut and the liver but also multi-organ interactions, leading to persistent systemic inflammation and organ damage.”

6. Refined Carbohydrates

French fries, sugary cereals, and bread likely promote inflammation of the foot because of the high levels of refined carbohydrates they contain. This is because your immune system eliminates the extra sugar from your blood supply. In the same way, as sugar does, refined carbohydrates cause a surge in blood sugar, elevating your inflammatory response.

7. Artificial Trans Fats

Foods containing artificial trans fats are generally unhealthy and can lead to several health problems, including foot inflammation and pain. Trans fats are created when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oils to solidify them. This process makes the oils more shelf-stable and extends the shelf life of products containing them. However, trans fats also increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease. Trans fats are also linked to inflammation, which can cause foot pain. In addition, trans fats can make it difficult for the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. For these reasons, avoiding foods containing artificial trans fats is best.

Get Rid of Foot Pain With NetStep Custom Orthotics

If you’re experiencing chronic foot pain, look at your diet and see if any of the following items may be causing problems. While triggers for foot pain vary, some foods are more commonly associated with discomfort. Eliminating these foods may help reduce symptoms and get you on the road to recovery. Have you tried NetStep Custom Orthotics? Our orthotic devices can relieve common foot pains caused by dietary triggers. Contact us today at (888) 718-3957 to learn how we can help you achieve long-term foot health!