Anti-inflammatory foods are very important for seniors as they reduce inflammation. The immune system comes into action as soon as the body realizes that a foreign body, illness, injury, or infection has entered. This results in inflammation. 

Inflammation is the body’s natural protective mechanism against injury.  

Inflammation can sometimes be good; other times, it is an insidious, chronic condition that signals underlying diseases.  

Inflammation can considerably lower an old person’s quality of life. Some foods can actually aggravate inflammation, making it even tougher for older adults to stay fit.    

Food that induces inflammation includes red meats, commercially baked foods, white-flour products such as bread and pasta, fried foods, foods with added sugars, and trans fats in extreme amounts. Processed foods are among the greatest contributors to chronic inflammation within all age groups.  

Keeping that in mind, the role of anti-inflammatory foods for seniors is to ensure good health for the elderly.  

In this article, we shall look at several anti-inflammatory superfoods for the elderly, their natural anti-inflammatory properties, and their abilities to indirectly help boost the life they lead. 

How To Reduce Inflammation Naturally in Older Adults    

There are two forms of inflammation, one is acute inflammation, and the other is chronic inflammation.  

Acute inflammation refers to the body’s short-term response to injuries, illnesses, or infections. Pain, redness, warmth, and swelling are common symptoms of an acute inflammatory condition.  

Chronic inflammation can be the same body response, notwithstanding the absence of injury or illness needing healing. Chronic inflammation can signal underlying issues that can cause persistent inflammation.  

Natural remedies for inflammation in seniors help manage inflammation and keep them healthier. If your seniors live alone, knowing the remedies or prevention for inflammation can be helpful for you.   

You can also avail of senior citizen care services for home and allow them to keep in mind the following:  

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Anti-inflammatory food that contains all necessary nutrients can do wonders in older adults. 

It is, therefore, proper that they have a balanced diet since they can suffer from many diseases like joint inflammation or arthritis. 

For instance, the elderly diet meant to relieve joint pain can be used to treat acute inflammation cases, such as soreness in the joint.   

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, and seeds are inevitable in the diet of older individuals.  

Physical Exercise

For seniors, physical exercise is necessary. Physical exercise helps maintain overall wellness and keeps inflammation at bay.   

With physical exercise, seniors can also manage their comorbidities effectively.   

For elderly citizens at home in Kolkata, or availing nursing services in Kolkata, physical exercise is indispensable.  

Sleep Prioritization

Good sleep hygiene helps keep the body and mind active and fit. Old people who sleep enough are usually physically and mentally healthy.   

Seven to nine hours of sleep help reduce inflammation.   

Lack of sleep does more harm than good; hence, proper sleep time is necessary.  

Hydration

Dehydration is known to worsen inflammation, so it is necessary to stay hydrated throughout the day.   

Consuming water-dense foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can add variation and help manage inflammation.   

Weight Management

Excess body weight, particularly in the abdominal region, can be a factor that causes inflammation.   

Diet and physical activity can help the elderly shed excess weight and minimize the chances of inflammation.   

Weight management is among the key factors in the management of chronic inflammation. 

Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking can help reduce inflammation significantly. Smoking does not just affect inflammation but has severe effects on comorbidities.   

For example, seniors who smoke regularly are not only risking exacerbating their symptoms of inflammation but are also allowing heart-related ailments to arise.   

Mental Health Prioritization

Since stress is a risk factor for many mental health conditions, it can also be linked to increased inflammation.   

Older adults living alone are more at risk of poor mental health and stress.   

Therefore, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, and avoiding triggers is necessary to prevent chronic inflammation.   

What Are the Best Anti-inflammatory Foods for Seniors

One of the best natural remedies for inflammation in seniors is introducing anti-inflammatory meals for elderly adults.   

The best superfoods for inflammation in elderly ensure reduction in inflammation without needing medication.   

These foods fight inflammation in aging adults and are ideal for seniors to stay healthy and healthy.   

Looking for foods for chronic inflammation in seniors? Read more to learn about some anti-inflammatory eating tips for seniors and the best diet to reduce inflammation in elderly:    

Fatty Fish

Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are also excellent providers of strong anti-inflammatory ingredients.  

These are full of potent anti-inflammatory compounds that protect heart and brain health. Older adults should consume fatty fish at least 2-3 times per week.  

Fruits and Vegetables

Dark leafy greens, such as broccoli, spinach, and kale, are rich sources of antioxidants that can help combat inflammation.  

Moreover, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of anti-inflammatory compounds.  

Citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes are other excellent anti-inflammation agents.  

Whole Grains

Replacing refined grains with whole grains can substantially help alleviate inflammation. Quinoa, oats, and brown rice are among the mighty fiber sources that potentiate gut health and reduce inflammation. Therefore, exchanging refined grains for whole grains is especially helpful for older people with changing nutritional needs.   

Spices and Herbs

Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are some of the spices that have anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin is known as the anti-inflammatory ingredient found in turmeric. Evidence from a 2018 review, points toward the ability of curcumin to have therapeutic effects in chronic conditions such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.  

Like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, these spices and herbs possess anti-inflammatory characteristics that promote innate immunity. These varieties of spices and herbs will effectively provide relief to the elderly. 

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Yogurt and kimchi are foods rich in probiotics, also known as fermented foods. These support gut health by means of well-balanced microbiomes.  

For controlling inflammation among older adults, healthy microbiomes are worth noting, making such superfoods among the top gains against inflammation for the older generation. 

Nuts and Seeds

Omega-3 healthy fats are found in almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. These fatty acids are essential in reducing inflammation. All these foods have a more incumbent role in relieving symptoms of multiple comorbidities, such as cardiovascular issues, brain health, and being a fundamental part of treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases.    

To Sum Up

Anti-inflammatory foods may appear challenging to take at first and somewhat overwhelming, but they are ultimately beneficial.  

No single food is capable of eliminating inflammation by itself. However, a diet that is healthy and holistic in nature reduces the likelihood of developing inflammatory disease.   

An anti-inflammatory diet is crucial, especially for older citizens. When away from home, you can instruct or train your ayah, set up a healthy diet plan, and assist your seniors with maintaining their health.  

With these few simple and commonly available foods, you will help keep your elderly with those foods healthy and happy.