Treating Bunions with Diet
Can what you eat really affect the state of your bunion? Well, as with any condition that presents with inflammation, there are foods that can help to reduce the swelling in the body. On the other hand, there are foods that will only contribute to your misery.
For most bunion sufferers, bunions exist in a state of constant inflammation, either jammed into fitted shoes with pointed toes and an ill fit. If the degree of the bunion deformity is extreme, almost any shoe will rub the bony nubs into a red and raw fit. For others, inflammatory arthritis is the direct cause. In either scenario, bursitis (inflammation of fluid filled sacs) may accompany your bunion. Either way you slice it, you are dealing with inflammation in your foot. For that reason, you have nutritional decisions to take into account, and they can help to reduce the level of inflammation you are dealing with, regardless if whether said inflammation is the cause or the effect of your bunion.
After reviewing the suggestions below, you should discuss them with your doctor to formulate your best strategy for your specific condition.
Inflammation produces free radicals (which are bad) and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Selenium, Carotenes, and Bioflavonoids (which are good, and protect the body from the effects of inflammation) to help bring your bunion pain relief.
Here’s a list of foods that top each category.
Foods known for their anti-inflammatory properties include:
- Onions and garlic
- Berries (including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
- Cherries (tart cherries are 10 times better than aspirin!); 2 tbsp per day
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish such as salmon, sardines, oysters and herring, to name a few)
- Canola Oil, flax seed and flax seed oil)
- Bromelain (for example, pineapples)
- Ginger
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits (Such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit)
- Kiwis
- Broccoli (That’s right — eat your broccoli!)
- Spinach
- Kale
- Bell peppers
- Nuts (Pistachios and walnuts)
Nutritional supplements known for their anti-inflammatory properties
- Arnica
- Tumeric (a mustard yellow spice found in yellow curry)
- White willow
- Feaverfew
- Burdock
- Grape seed extract
- Selenium
Foods to avoid because of their inflammatory properties:
- Soft Drinks
- Sugar
- Junk food
- Refined flour
- Omega-6 foods (such as corn and soybean oils in margarine, candy, crackers and processed food. Eating these is ok in moderation, but too much of it will counteract the good Omega-3s that are hard at work to reduce inflammation.)
- Hot dogs
- Smoked Sausages (it’s the nitrates!)
- Corn fed meats (The living conditions of these animals results in meat that is high in saturated fats. And that’s all not to mention the hormones and antibiotics they are given. Let’s stick to grass-fed!)
- Trans fats (Including baked goods, chips, snack foods and deep fried foods)
- Dairy Products (They contain a common allergen that can trigger inflammatory responses in many people.)
- Alcohol (You knew it was coming. Split the difference and have a glass of red wine, then call it a night!)
At the end of the day, you know what’s best for your body in general. So follow the basic laws of good nutrition and your bunions will thank you!