An anti-inflammatory diet can be the key to healthy aging. Your diet and lifestyle choices play an important role in how you look and feel as you age. Practicing healthy habits can increase the enjoyment you get out of your retirement years, allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle.
At Senior Living Redefined Northfield, we care about the health and well-being of our residents. Our dining services have been carefully thought out to include nutritious foods that meet seniors’ needs while also promoting a relaxing, social dining experience. Discover more by calling us at 844.334.1490.
How Can an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Help Support Healthy Aging?
Inflammation is at the root of many health conditions of the mind and body. Much of the inflammation we encounter is the result of diet and lifestyle factors. Changing your diet to include more anti-inflammatory foods can help fight inflammation and reduce or prevent symptoms from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Some foods that contribute to chronic inflammation include:
- Red meat
- Fried foods
- Margarine
- Soda
- Foods made from white flour such as bread, cakes, and cookies
When you are looking to reduce inflammation from arthritis or other health conditions, it is best to limit your intake of the above foods. Certain lifestyle factors can also lead to or exacerbate chronic inflammation:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Being inactive
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Experiencing chronic stress
In addition to following an anti-inflammatory diet, making some lifestyle changes can also help fight inflammation. Eliminating unhealthy habits, participating in regular physical activity, and practicing stress relief techniques can help alleviate chronic inflammation.
In some cases, your medication may even contribute to inflammation. If you have switched to an anti-inflammatory diet and have implemented healthy habits in your life but are still experiencing chronic inflammation, talk to your doctor about your medication.
What are the Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet?
To help fight inflammation and improve your overall health and well-being, incorporate as many anti-inflammatory foods into your diet as possible. The popular Mediterranean diet is a good example of an anti-inflammatory eating plan. This diet focuses mainly on fruits, vegetables, grains, and small portions of fatty fish and olive oil.
Here are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods to help you get started:
- Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel – baked, grilled, or canned is best.
- Olive oil – can be used for cooking or as a condiment drizzled over your food.
- Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale – sautéed, raw, or blended into a smoothie.
- Tomatoes – added to salads, eggs, rice, and pasta dishes.
- Nuts – great for snacking.
- Antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and oranges enjoy a snack mixed into yogurt or oatmeal or blended into a smoothie.
As you can see, eating to reduce inflammation can be quite enjoyable. The foods listed above are versatile and delicious, so you will never get bored with your anti-inflammatory diet. For the most part, you will be eating more fresh, whole foods and moving away from processed foods. If you want to dive into the whole Mediterranean lifestyle, enjoy your meals in the company of others and take time to savor your food and good conversation.
Northfield: Providing a Healthy Dining Experience for Senior Living
Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to support your quality of life as you age. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help you stay healthy and active during your retirement years.
At Northfield, we understand the value of healthy eating for seniors and take pride in the nutritional value and flavor of the meals we serve in our dining area. Our residents can enjoy a wide variety of anti-inflammatory foods prepared from scratch by our caring, creative chefs. We are always open to suggestions for improving our dining experience to provide our residents with optimal nutrition for vibrant health. If you would like to know more about our dining options, give us a call today at 844.334.1490 or use our online form.
