As people age, their dietary needs often change. There are certain foods seniors should avoid due to their high-fat or bacterial content. Here are eight foods aging adults should consider removing from their diets.
1. Sprouts
Some healthy foods aren’t ideal for seniors. Sprouts are a prime example. They are grown in humid conditions, which allows bacteria to grow. Seniors are more susceptible to illness than younger people, and when they ingest bacteria they can become sick.
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2. Diet Soda
Seniors who love carbonated beverages may like to sip on diet soda. However, calorie-free soft drinks aren’t any healthier than the full-fat alternatives, and studies have linked them to vascular events, diabetes risk, depression, and sugar cravings. Seniors should consider swapping their diet sodas for water.
3. Grapefruit
While many seniors can eat grapefruit, those who take prescription medications should check the warning label. Grapefruit can exacerbate the effects of several medications, such as those prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
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4. Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful substances because they contain moisture and are not subject to bacteria-killing heat. Seniors should avoid mold-ripened and unpasteurized soft cheeses such as gorgonzola, brie, blue cheese, and camembert.
5. Salt
Seniors should avoid high-sodium foods, as they can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. People over the age of 71 are advised to aim for a daily sodium intake of 1.2 grams or lower. To accomplish this goal, seniors should pay more attention to the sodium content of their food. The most common sources of salt include bread, cured meats, sandwiches, pizza, and soup. Seniors who like to cook should ditch the table salt and try experimenting with varied herbs and spices.
6. Baked Goods
Sweet treats can be hard to give up, but seniors shouldn’t make a habit of indulging in donuts, cookies, and cakes. Baked goods are extremely high in sugar content, and they can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain. Sugar may also speed up the body’s aging compounds, essentially accelerating the aging process. While seniors can indulge in their favorite desserts on special occasions, they should try eating fruit to sate their sweet tooth.
7. White Bread
When seniors eat bread, they should always go for whole grain options. Whole grain bread is packed with fiber and nutrients, which assist with digestion and keep the heart healthy. White bread, on the other hand, is essentially empty calories. This rule doesn’t just apply to bread. Seniors should also seek out whole grain pasta, cereal, and rice.
8. Cold Meats
When it comes to pepperoni, salami, lunch meats, and hotdogs, it’s best for seniors to abstain because these cold meats increase the risk of the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis. Seniors with weakened immune systems should stick to properly cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, and salmon.
Switching to a healthy diet is one of the many ways your aging loved one can maintain a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To create a customized care plan for your elderly loved one, give us a call at (256) 716-9940 today.