Arthritis Awareness Month: Staying Healthy in Ft. Myers Active Adult Communities

Arthritis is a disease that impacts 50 million Americans and is the number one cause of disability in the country. That is why they declared May as National Arthritis Awareness Month. It is important to stay informed and spread awareness so it can be addressed and those living with the disease can get the help and support they deserve. At Cypress Cove in Ft. Myers Active Adult Community, we offer five-star dining with meals catered for aging adults. In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to share some foods to include in your weekly diet if you are one of the 50 million Americans living with Arthritis.

1. Fish.

   • The American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend you eat fish at least twice a week. Of course, the more the better! Why? Some types of fish (salmon, tuna, scallops, and more) are a good source of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Nuts & Seeds.

   • A handful of nuts daily will be a great source of inflammation-fighting monounsaturated fat. The best nuts for anti-inflammatory diets are walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and almonds.

3. Fruits & Veggies.

   • 9+ servings of these a day will provide you with a team of antioxidants. Antioxidants are your body’s natural defensive line. Specifically, the anthocyanins found in red and purple fruits have been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

4. Olive Oil.

   • 2-3 Tablespoons daily contains heart-healthy fats and oleocanthal. These enzymes help lower the body’s inflammatory reactions and reduces pain sensitivity. Extra virgin olive oil is the most potent in these items because it goes through less refining and processing.

5. Beans.

   • One cup, twice a week will be a great source of fiber and phytonutrients. The best beans for the job are small red beans, pinto beans, and red kidney beans. Those 3 beans along with wild blueberries are the most antioxidant-rich foods according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1. Whole Grains.

   • 6 ounces of grains per day. With 3 of those being whole grains. If you notice that you get flare-ups after eating gluten, select grains that are safe for you. To gain the benefits of fiber-rich foods, you want to make sure you select sources that are made with the entire grain kernel.

At our Ft. Myers Active Adult Community, Cypress Cove, we serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We source local, seasonal, and organic foods when they are available and offer a wide variety of menu items to fit everyone’s needs. If you are living with arthritis and looking to include more of these items in your diet, we are happy to help!