Which Foods Can Help Fight Arthritis Pain?

By Marlene Diaz | June 21, 2017 |

The senior loved one in your life is suffering from arthritis. You know that even just doing everyday things like walking or turning doorknobs can be a struggle. You have probably heard of the medications and the exercises that have been proven to help alleviate arthritis pain, but did you know that making some changes in your senior loved one’s diet could help as well?

Senior Care Shoreline WA – Which Foods Can Help Fight Arthritis Pain?

People should try to eat healthy regardless of health problems. But, aside from eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, there are also five foods that can help to reduce joint inflammation and make arthritis pain less severe. Let’s take a look at them.

Turmeric – Turmeric is a yellow spice most often used in Indian dishes. Some of the studies conducted on its connection with arthritis relief have been inconclusive, but it is widely thought to be useful in reducing inflammation. This spice has been used for that purpose for centuries in India, where is originated, so it could be worth adding a bit to your loved one’s food occasionally. If nothing else, it could add a nice spiciness to the dish!
Garlic – Garlic is another curative that has been around for centuries. Not only does it repel vampires, it is known to help stop cartilage damage. It does this by limiting certain enzymes that break down cartilage, which in turn can keep them from degrading and causing pain.
Broccoli – Broccoli is great for people suffering from osteoarthritis, because it, too, contains a compound that helps to slow or stop damage to cartilage. The best thing about broccoli, though, is that it is easy to use. You can use it in practically any dish, or as a side dish, making it the most “approachable” food on this list.
Tart cherries – Cherries can help to reduce inflammation in the joints. Tart cherries (as opposed to sweet cherries, or the maraschino cherries that you use to top sundaes) have been proven to ease pain and stiffness in the joints caused by arthritis or osteoarthritis. You can eat them on their own, or drink tart cherry juice, which might be a bit sour, but will be well worth it, as most of the participants in a study who did just that saw a significant improvement in their arthritis pain and symptoms!
Fish – While most doctors recommend keeping your mean lean, if you have arthritis, you’re going to want to keep your fish fatty! Fatty fish like tuna, trout, mackerel, and salmon all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can greatly reduce inflammation of the joints. You don’t have to eat fish every day, but eating fatty fish a couple times a week can make a big difference in your loved one’s joint health.

If your senior loved one is having trouble with arthritis, try adding a few of these foods to their diet. You can cook them yourself, or have their senior care aide prepare the dishes. Experiment and see what works and what doesn’t, and soon you’ll hopefully see a lot of improvement!

Source: http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/diet-foods-arthritis-pain/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Shoreline WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

Author
Recent Posts

Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.