When you were younger, you could generally explain joint discomfort as an injury experienced while participating in sports. Joint discomfort may emerge as you age for no apparent reason. It simply appears.
However, before you accept that your aches and pains are the consequence of aging, there are things you can do to alleviate most of the discomfort, such as eating foods that are excellent in offering joint pain relief.
Identifying the Cause of Your Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint ailment caused by the breakdown of cartilage between joints and bones, resulting in inflammation and discomfort. Although arthritis is the most prevalent cause of joint pain, other causes of joint pain are not caused by arthritis. The following are on the list (in alphabetical order):
- Being obese
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain
- The strain on the muscles
- Sedentary way of life
- Smoking
Even depression may create aches and pains, so visit your doctor to determine and treat the root of the discomfort.
Foods to Help Ease a Seniors Joint Pain
According to the Osteoarthritis Foundation International, three studies indicated that maintaining a diet consisting of six food categories is helpful for osteoarthritis and joint health in general.
The diet to follow is high in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, beans, seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, and whole grains, all of which have been shown to reduce joint discomfort and decrease the course of joint degradation.
- Fruits include antioxidants, which may help to decrease cell damage. Citrus fruits are abundant in vitamin C, which helps to reduce arthritis inflammation. Anthocyanins in tart cherries, in particular, have been found to lessen inflammation. Similarly, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are beneficial.
- Sulforaphane, found in vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, has been associated with a slowing of cartilage deterioration.
- Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory characteristics of nuts, beans, and seeds include monounsaturated fat, protein for mass muscle maintenance, fiber, and minerals.
- Oleocanthal, found in extra-virgin olive oil, is thought to reduce inflammation.
- Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa, include fiber, which may help you maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, some research suggests that whole grains help reduce inflammation.
If a senior needs help to find ideas or they need help cooking, it is time to find the right home health care professional. Some of these professionals include nutritionists. These can be a huge help when it comes to food, diet, and nutritional advice. Seniors may need help baking and cooking things, and this is something that home health care can help with.
Helping a senior understand what foods are best for their body can seem exceptionally challenging, but the more you both learn about nutrition, the happier and longer they will live. Talking to a professional like a nutritionist or a doctor is crucial if you are unsure where to begin. If you need inspiration when it comes to senior cooking, there are now tons of websites that focus on nutritional value.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Health Care in Brooklyn, NY please contact the caring staff at Prime Care, Inc. today. (212) 944-0244