If we are what we eat, we must carefully consider our dining choices. The team at Senior Helpers serving the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and Cape Ann areas knows this to be true regardless of age. In our experience, we’ve seen that consuming the right foods can keep seniors happier and healthier throughout their golden years.
Making healthy choices in regard to our diet promotes better sleep and mood support. Below, we reveal three foods that fight inflammation and reduce the severity of health conditions.
What Chronic Inflammation Is And Why It Matters
Inflammation is actually a sign that your immune system is working. Whenever your body detects a pathogen, fights an injury, or deals with an infection, it stimulates an inflammatory response. This response happens to be a very effective defense against harmful organisms.
In localized areas, it can also expedite the delivery of blood, oxygen, and blood-borne nutrients. Unfortunately, there are times, particularly within the later stages of life, when inflammation can become both chronic and widespread.
This may be due to an unhealthy diet, excess stress, or other lifestyle factors. Irrespective of its cause, inflammation can be a precursor to a host of serious conditions including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
In fact, when widespread inflammation is prolonged, it may even increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. So, including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet won't just alleviate chronic inflammation, it will also minimize your risk of many serious diseases.
Discover The Healing Power Of Ginger Root
There's a good reason why those who suffer from arthritis are often advised to sip on ginger tea, eat ginger candies, or add fresh ginger root to their foods. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been well-documented.
Best of all, unlike Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter drugs for arthritis pain, ginger doesn’t increase the risk of bleeding or cause clotting issues. It’s natural, easy-to-acquire, and easy to incorporate into daily meals.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger are most potent when the root is served fresh. Slicing small amounts into a stir fry or grating a bit over a fresh salad is a great way for seniors to get more ginger in their diet.
Eating pickled ginger is another easy way to increase your ginger intake. Best of all, this method offers the additional benefits that come from eating fermented foods.
Snack On Almonds And Other Nuts For Inflammation Relief
Almonds and other nuts are very versatile foods that fight inflammation. Fresh or roasted almonds are perfect for snacking during mid-mornings and evenings. They provide healthy fats for optimum brain and heart functioning.
They are also loaded with Vitamin E. This nutrient strengthens the skin, promotes faster cell recovery, and fights inflammation. For those who aren't keen on grinding up whole nuts with their teeth, try using the food processor to create a nutrient-dense nut butter out of almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and other types of nuts.
Homemade nut butter tastes great on toast. It can also be stirred into oatmeal or used as the basis of protein-dense, low-sugar cookies.
Fight Inflammation And Boost Your Immune System With Fresh Or Frozen Berries
For family members who are supplementing their in-home caregiving efforts with professional services, our caregivers can help prepare healthy beverages for your loved one.
Frozen berry smoothies are an easy way to give seniors a massive boost of Vitamin C and other important, inflammation-fighting nutrients.
You or the caregiver can blend one cup of fresh or frozen berries with one cup of coconut milk. Choose raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. For a sweeter smoothie, you can also add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
Coconut milk contains a special lipid called lauric acid that also helps reduce inflammation. This delicious smoothie can provide a much-needed energy boost in the afternoon. For light eaters, it can also be the perfect, inflammation-fighting breakfast on a hectic morning.
Our Senior Helpers team serving the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and Cape Ann areas is committed to providing seniors with services that enhance their quality of life.
This includes maximizing the health benefits of the foods they consume. To learn more about how a good diet and reliable care can have a truly positive impact on your loved one’s life, contact us today.