Probiotics add helpful microbes directly to the digestive tract, benefitting brain function and lessening the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease. To ensure your senior loved one is getting enough of this good bacteria, here are a few easy ways to add probiotics to his or her diet.
1. Add Yogurt to Breakfast
Adding yogurt to your loved one’s breakfast is a simple way to incorporate probiotics into his or her diet. Make sure the yogurt has live and active cultures to reap the full benefits.
Sometimes seniors need motivation to eat healthier, and professional caregivers can help. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Use Fermented Foods as Side Dishes
Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh, naturally have probiotics as a result of the fermentation process. Try serving your loved one kimchi or tempeh alongside the main dish at dinner or topping a sandwich with sauerkraut at lunch.
If your busy schedule can’t accommodate extra attention to your loved one’s diet, consider hiring a professional caregiver. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of respite care. Huntsville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
3. Offer Drinks Rich in Probiotics
Kefir is a thick, creamy drink that many describe as a cross between yogurt and milk. It’s naturally high in probiotics and comes in many delicious flavors, making it one of the easier ways to ensure your loved one is getting plenty of gut-friendly bacteria. Acidophilus milk and buttermilk are also rich in probiotics and may be enjoyed as a snack or in addition to a meal.
4. Give Probiotics as Supplements
Probiotic supplements come in the form of tablets, capsules, and powders that can be mixed into drinks. For the greatest benefit, ensure the supplement has at least 20 billion live and active cultures.
Early research indicates probiotics may help those with diabetes by making cells more sensitive to insulin. If your loved one is pre-diabetic or has diabetes, probiotics may keep his or her blood sugar levels under control.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. Huntsville families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (256) 716-9940.