The Value of a Healthy Diet When Your Dad Has Arthritis

Your dad has arthritis, and there are times when the pain is extreme. It’s on those days that he cannot manage routine chores on his own. One of his biggest challenges is meal preparation. He’s never enjoyed cooking, and arthritis makes it hard for him to prep vegetables and meats. Yet, a healthy diet is essential.

 

A Healthy Diet Helps With Muscle and Bone Strength

What causes arthritis? It comes down to the type of arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis, and it’s caused by wear and tear of the joints. As the cartilage within the joint wears out, the bones rub together and can cause pain and inflammation.

 

One way to help is by making sure your dad eats foods that can help with cell health, such as fresh produce that’s rich in antioxidants. If he has gout, which is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid build-up in the joints, he needs to lower his intake of deli meats, shellfish, alcohol, and red meat.

 

A healthy diet also helps build strong bones and muscles. While that won’t stop joint pain, it can lower the risk of a fall. If he’s walking down the stairs and his ankle aches, strong bones and muscles can help him stay balanced through the painful twinge.

 

It May Reduce Inflammation

Over the years, studies regarding the benefits of certain foods on inflammation have been performed. One study found that the Mediterranean diet may play a role in reducing inflammation. The link is likely that the Mediterranean diet places vegetables as the most important aspect of the daily diet, especially vegetables that contain carotenoids, such as bell peppers, winter squash, and papayas.

 

Studies have also looked at the benefit of the Mediterranean diet when you have rheumatoid arthritis. It appears that the produce, fish, and heart-healthy oils in this diet do help with inflammation.

 

A Healthy Diet Can Help With Weight Loss

Being overweight can lead to more arthritis flare-ups. The extra weight puts more stress on the joints, which makes the pain more likely. Your dad can lose weight by following a healthy diet. He wants to focus on lean proteins, dairy, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, are also beneficial.

 

Who supports your dad when he’s alone during the week? You may not be able to considering your work schedule and personal demands, but you can arrange home care aides to help him. Have caregivers available on the days he has errands to run, laundry to do, or whatever else he can’t do without assistance. Call a home care agency to get started.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Chantilly, VA please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/can-diet-improve-arthritis-symptoms

https://ard.bmj.com/content/62/3/208