A gluten-free diet can be good for the overall health of seniors, and it can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of various medical complications, such as celiac disease. When providing home care, diet should always be taken into consideration. If your elderly loved one is looking for some gluten-free foods to eat on a regular basis, the best place to start is with foods that have additional health benefits.
1. Beans
While on a gluten-free diet, your loved one should incorporate beans into his or her meals. Unprocessed beans contain a complex carbohydrate that doesn’t break down during the digestive process, and they’re full of soluble fiber that can provide many benefits for aging adults, such as:
- Stabilizing blood glucose levels
- Preventing constipation
- Reducing the risk of heart disease
- Keeping waste moving through the digestive system
- Controlling the appetite by increasing the body’s feeling of fullness
- Maintaining weight
A home caregiver can prepare meals that suit your parent’s unique dietary needs. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care service. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Meats
Adding fresh meats, poultry, and fish to your loved one’s gluten-free diet has many health benefits. These foods provide proteins that are necessary for the body to function. Eating skinless turkey or chicken, fish, and other high-quality meats can help your loved one prevent stress and depression. He or she should avoid red meat and watch out for deli meats that contain gluten.
3. Vegetables
While on a gluten-free diet, your loved one should eat plenty of vegetables. Root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips, along with spinach, cabbage, and other green leafy vegetables are good things to add to your loved one’s diet.
Eating vegetables can reduce the risk of various medical conditions and diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Some types of cancer
If you need help making sure your loved one gets proper nutrition, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
4. Eggs
If your loved one is on a gluten-free diet, you should add fresh eggs to his or her meals. Despite what many people think, eating fresh eggs doesn’t significantly increase cholesterol, nor do they cause heart disease. Eggs contain the nutrient choline, which can promote your loved one’s brain function. Fresh eggs also prevent retinal degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among older adults.
5. Dairy Products
Some dairy products are great for seniors who are on gluten-free diets. These foods and beverages are good for bone health and can reduce the risk of heart disease and colorectal cancer. Gluten-free dairy products can also prevent osteoporosis and skin issues among seniors.
Some of the best low-fat dairy products to add to your loved one’s diet are:
- Cheese (cottage, cheddar, mozzarella)
- Milk
- Yogurt
From preparing nutritious meals to performing simple housekeeping tasks, older adults often need help with several activities. Huntsville senior home 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. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and learn more about our premier care plans, call Home Care Assistance at (256) 716-9940 today.