Inflammation Fighting Food for a Healthy Senior Diet
When your body becomes injured or ill, inflammation is its way of directing the immune system to the area that needs to be cared for. This often shows as swelling, heat, redness, and discomfort. Sometimes, other things can cause inflammation as well.
If you are particularly stressed, not sleeping well, or eating the wrong kinds of foods in your diet, you may be contributing to the levels of inflammation you are experiencing. These foods include things that are fried, full of refined sugars and flours, artificial additives, and hormones or antibiotics. There are foods that fight inflammation however and help to reduce the effects it has on the body.
Best Foods to Reduce Inflammation
- Apples: Apples contain quercetin, which is an inflammation reducing antioxidant. Quercetin also helps to boost endurance.
- Nuts: The plant-based anti-inflammatory omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in nuts. Walnuts in particular have a high level of ALA. Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative damage which is a result of inflammation and can be found in almonds.
- Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach, kale, bok choy, and chard contain carotenoids, a plant pigment. Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory properties, as do the other vitamins these foods contain such as vitamin A, C, and K.
- Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids, the antioxidants in cocoa, have been shown to provide a variety of heart benefits. These flavonoids also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic: Allicin, the enzyme responsible for the smell of fresh garlic, has demonstrated evidence that it may be a potentially useful treatment for reducing inflammation.
- Broccoli: Broccoli, along with asparagus, cauliflower, tomatoes, oranges, and watermelon, are high in what is known as glutathione. This substance is a potent antioxidant that can protect the body against arthritis.
- Salmon: Salmon and other oily fish have lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent anti-inflammatories. Unlike the omega-3s found in plants, those found in fish are already active, making them more efficient at decreasing excess inflammation.
- Pineapple: These fruits contain an enzyme known as bromelain that digests proteins and has been shown to possibly reduce pain in people living with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also observed to stop platelets from building up on the walls of blood vessels, which is a cause of heart attack and stroke.
At The Holiday Retirement communities, we offer a wide selection of nutritional meal choices to promote healthy living, a fit lifestyle, and appeal to a wide variety of palates. There are games, crafts, activities, and programs to help seniors live their life to the fullest and enjoy themselves. With regular excursions and outdoor events, we provide many different options to help keep our residents engaged, active, and happy. We take care of each one of our residents like they are our own family.
Call us at 860-233-8208 to learn more about the services and amenities we provide at our retirement communities in Rhode Island and West Hartford, Connecticut. Fill out this online form if you would like to book a tour.