A healthy diet contributes to overall well being, and many seniors rely upon their meal plans to provide them with the vitamins, nutrients, and other substances their bodies need to remain active. The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Western NC, who offer home care services in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that a well-rounded diet targeted to the needs of seniors can provide significant health benefits.
But how are you to know which foods to incorporate into your senior’s meal plan? Here are a few substances to avoid and a few to make sure that your elderly loved one has enough of. By following these general guidelines, and combining them with the recommendations of your senior’s doctor, you can assist in creating a healthy nutrition plan for your loved one.
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful substances that assist in managing cholesterol. These fatty acids improve heart health and are important in the construction of a well-rounded meal plan. Furthermore, many fish and other popular ingredients contain these fatty acids, making them relatively easy to incorporate into any diet.
• Fiber and calcium are integral parts of a healthy diet for seniors. Fiber works to improve heart health by decreasing calcium and plaque build-up. As a result, fiber can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. This substance also plays an important role in the digestive system, as it aids in the proper digestion of foods. Calcium is a similarly valuable substance. This mineral keeps bones strong, preventing osteoporosis and broken bones.
• Sodium and simple carbohydrates should be limited as much as possible. Sodium, when eaten in excess, can lead to high blood pressure and water retention. Simple carbohydrates can also lead to weight gain, as well as a hazardous blood sugar spike. Your senior should try to replace simple carbohydrates with their complex counterparts by eating whole grains instead of refined flours.
• A steady caloric intake is important in maintaining a healthy weight. Too many or too few calories per day can cause your elderly loved one to gain or lose weight. Both of these consequences can lead to complications of their health, particularly if they already suffer from medical conditions.
Always Best Care of Western NC understands that it can be a bit difficult to help your senior maintain a healthy diet. Despite the challenges you may face, instating a healthy meal plan is important in keeping your elderly loved one active. The services of Always Best Care’s home care professionals are available to you if you would like some assistance in creating and managing a healthy diet for your senior.
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Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
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