After a gout diagnosis, you and your senior loved one may be looking at what foods to eliminate from his or her diet. But did you know there are actually certain foods that can relieve the discomfort and pain caused by gout? If you provide home care for a loved one with gout, here are just a few foods you might add to the daily menu.
Water
Water isn’t a food, but it can play a huge role in reducing gout pain. Research has shown people who drink five to eight glasses of water a day are about 40 percent less likely to experience gout attacks compared to those who drink less water.
Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are essential for optimal health, and a professional caregiver can be a fantastic resource if your loved one needs help with these activities. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Rocklin families trust BeyondWell Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Cherries
Cherries aren’t just a sweet and tasty fruit. They also provide a way to reduce gout flare-ups. The antioxidants present in cherries and cherry extract maintain a normal level of uric acid. One study found eating 20 cherries a day cut the risk of recurrent gout attacks by nearly 50 percent.
Vegetables
Vegetables high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, and low in purines can help seniors with gout manage their uric acid levels. Antioxidants protect against free radicals, while fiber promotes digestive health and slows the absorption of nutrients, which is actually a benefit when trying to keep uric acid levels low. Good choices include tomatoes, red cabbage, kale, carrots, and raw onions, while veggies like lentils, mushrooms, and asparagus should be enjoyed in moderation.
For some older adults, shopping for fresh foods and preparing nutritious meals on their own can be challenging. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to BeyondWell Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Rocklin seniors can depend on.
Flax
Flaxseed contains essential omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce inflammation and lower levels of uric acid. Although research is ongoing, two recent studies found regularly consuming a flax supplement lowered uric acid levels by as much as 34 percent.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. You can rely on BeyondWell Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic BeyondWell Home Care Program was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our home care services offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today at (916) 485-4663 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.