More than 53 million adults in the US have arthritis, and seniors are the ones who suffer the most from this painful condition that damages joints. While medications and physical therapy are important for managing symptoms, one powerful and often overlooked tool sits right in the kitchen—food. Even better, home care providers can help seniors make the most of the food available to them to better manage their condition.
The Link Between Diet and Arthritis
At its core, arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Some foods make inflammation worse, which in turn worsens stiffness and joint pain. Others are actively trying to calm it down. With this in mind, it makes sense that studies have consistently shown that diet is an important part of managing both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Home care providers help seniors create meal plans that work for them, not against them, which improves seniors’ daily comfort and overall health and well-being.
Foods That Help Fight Inflammation
Home care providers know that foods like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are key in the fight against inflammation. As a result, they may encourage seniors to enjoy these foods multiple times per week.
Other arthritis-friendly foods include the following:
- Fruits and Vegetables with Color: Berries, cherries, spinach, kale, and broccoli are full of antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress, which makes joint inflammation worse. Bright colors on the plate usually indicate the presence of many protective compounds.
- Extra Virgin Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that works like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. One of the easiest ways for a caregiver to improve a senior’s diet is to use olive oil instead of butter in cooking.
- Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all excellent sources of plant-based omega-3s and can be easily added to oatmeal, yogurt, or salads.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats can help lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is a sign of inflammation in the body.
Foods to Cut Back On or Stay Away From
Cutting back on inflammatory foods is as important as adding healthy ones. Home care workers know to be careful about meals that include red meat, fried foods, processed foods, and refined sugars. Packaged snacks and sugary drinks may be easy to get, but they can slowly make arthritis symptoms worse over time.
How Home Care Helps
Since home care providers are in the home every day, they are the ideal choice to help seniors make positive changes in their eating habits. In addition to helping them understand which foods they should include and which to avoid, they also
- Plan meals and shop for groceries with ingredients that are good for arthritis as a top priority
- Make simple, healthy meals that seniors enjoy eating
- Teaching and motivating without being bossy—small, gradual changes tend to last
- Work with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians when the senior has complicated dietary needs or takes medications that don’t mix well with some foods
- Introduce new foods and cooking styles in a way that doesn’t overwhelm seniors
While home care providers aren’t nutritionists, their training and education—along with collaboration with the health care team and family members—help them create a solid plan to introduce foods to seniors that help them manage their arthritis. As a result, seniors are healthier and more comfortable overall.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Clayton, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411
Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/superfoods-to-ease-osteoarthritis-pain/
- https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/foods-fighting-inflammation-arthritis-and-joint-pain
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/12-best-foods-for-arthritis
- https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/arthritis-in-america-cdc-report/#:~:text=The%20disease%20is%20more%20common,other%20underlying%20health%20conditions%EF%BB%BF&text=If%20you’re%20suffering%20from,with%20arthritis%2C%20federal%20data%20shows.
At Pear Tree we’re innovators. Our goal, to create a family of caregivers looking to provide a one of a kind experience to our clientele.
In 2016, our founders noticed a key problem in home care industry that everyone seemed to be ignoring.
It’s too systematic. Home care isn’t one size fits all. Just like people aren’t one size fits all.
That’s where Pear Tree comes in.
We yearn for you to have the best possible care for your loved ones and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they aren’t only in good hands. They’re in great hands. Because, in the end, that’s what we’d want for our family.
It’s proven. When the home care experience is immersive and personalized, you’re going to produce better success rates with healthier family members.
Please, join us in our journey of revolutionizing the home care industry and creating lasting relationships along the way.
This is not the first Home Care agency for Pat, she was the Director of nursing for Kimberly Nurses in 1980 and after the tragic passing of the companies president she opened and co-founded American Nursing Resources Home Health Agency. Pat opened and passed Medicare certification for ANRHHA Clayton and Washington, MO offices.
For Zachary, the name “Pear Tree” is a tribute to his beloved late friend; Wade Abbadessa. Wade worked at his family’s famous restaurant “The Pear Tree” in Macon, until his tragic death in September 2014. Wade lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer at the young age of 26. His legacy will live on through our company.
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