Are Seed Oils Damaging to Your Feet?
Salad dressings. Chips. Snacks. Even the meat at Chipotle. It’s all covered in seed oil. And since these inflammatory ingredients have been getting a lot of bad press lately, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center wanted to give our two cents as to how they negatively affect your foot and ankle health (especially during National Nutrition Month!). Are they truly that toxic? Find out below.
Fatty Foods and Inflammation
Most seed oils are very high in omega-6 fatty acids. While your body needs some omega-6s, the modern diet is often completely out of balance and gives us way more than we need. And when we have an overabundance of these fats, our bodies can shift into a pro-inflammatory state.
For your feet and ankles, this is a major concern. If you are already dealing with an inflammatory condition like plantar fasciitis, a diet high in pro-inflammatory oils is like pouring gasoline on a fire.
These oils can contribute to the systemic inflammation that keeps your tendons tight and prevents your tissues from healing.
But, by swapping out processed seed oils for anti-inflammatory fats, you might find that your chronic foot pain finally starts to settle down.
Impact on Joint Health and Arthritis
Your ankle joints are protected by cartilage and a thin layer of fluid. When systemic inflammation is high due to your diet, that fluid can become filled with inflammatory markers that degrade the cartilage over time.
If you have arthritis in your feet, for example, you know that some days are much stiffer than others. Many patients find that when they reduce their intake of highly processed oils, which are hidden in almost every packaged snack and fast-food meal, their joint mobility improves.
Circulatory Health
Healthy feet require circulation to stay warm and to heal from the daily wear and tear of walking. Some research even suggests that the fats found in heavily processed seed oils can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries.
For those managing diabetes or peripheral artery disease, protecting your blood vessels is the number one priority.
Again, that’s why it’s important to go for whole-food fats like avocados, fish, yogurts, and natural nut butters.
Making Better Choices for Your Feet
You don't have to overhaul your entire kitchen overnight. This March, try making simple swaps. Reach for extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or even grass-fed butter for your cooking. These fats are more stable and provide benefits that support your tendons and joints.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we care for a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our teamare ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.