Use Your Diet to Help Manage Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects over 50 million Americans, many of them seniors. Although there are treatments for this condition, there is no cure – and the pain and loss of joint flexibility can dramatically affect the quality of life. Along with effective medications, you can help fight osteoarthritis by getting the right nutrients into your diet. Simply follow the advice below from our assisted living team in Gloucester County, NJ.

5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods 

Diet plays an important role in our everyday health and wellbeing. Keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly is essential. For people with osteoarthritis, certain foods with anti-inflammatory qualities can help keep joints from getting sore and swollen. These foods include the following:

1. Fatty acids – Foods rich in Omega-3s are not only good for the heart, but they also fight inflammation too. Foods rich in these fatty acids include chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, trout, salmon, eggs, and avocados.
   
   
2. Spices – Ginger and turmeric have great anti-inflammatory properties. The added benefit is that they also make food more flavorful! Add it to muffins, make yourself a nice warm cup of ginger tea, or season chicken to add it into your diet.
   
   
3. Green tea – A refreshing drink, green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help to fight inflammation. It is lovely as a hot or cold drink, mixed with fresh lemon or fruit juice, or even added into marinades and salad dressings.
   
   
4. Vitamin C – This vitamin isn’t just good for fighting off colds, it also helps the body produce collagen – an essential component of the cartilage in our joints. It is most effective when you eat it in foods rather than taking it in tablet form. Try adding cauliflower, guavas, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, strawberries, leafy greens, and oranges to your diet.
   
   
5. Anthocyanins – This is a type of antioxidant that helps keep connective tissue healthy. It is found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables like beets, cherries, berries, grapes, plums, and pomegranates.
   

Independence for Seniors – Quality Assisted Living in Gloucester County 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality, scalable assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite- and memory care, and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please contact us today or book a personal tour, or visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/use-your-diet-to-help-manage-arthritis/