Food is a crucial part of our lives. We not only need it to sustain ourselves, but it is also an important aspect of our culture. Every big or small milestone in our lives is celebrated with food. However, as you grow older, your eating habits change. You might become allergic to certain foods or restricted from some others because of medical conditions. Regardless of our eating habits, elders should always have a healthy diet. They should reduce the consumption of some foods or avoid eating anything that could negatively impact their health. Here is a list of seven foods senior citizens should avoid eating.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs and Meat
Senior citizens are at higher risk of getting food poisoning, sepsis and septic shock from consuming raw or undercooked foods like eggs, fish, meat and poultry. Hence, while preparing their meals, you need to be alert and attentive not to serve them any uncooked food.
High-sodium Foods
Elderly people with hypertension will have health problems if they consume too much salt. Remember to read and check the sodium levels whenever purchasing food items. If the meal you prepared lacks taste, try mixing herbs or spices in it instead of salt.
Fast Foods
Fast food might fill your stomach, but it doesn’t provide nutritional value. Furthermore, as older people are usually less active, it is hard but necessary to cut down on those extra calories.
Grapefruit
If your elderly members have been taking particular medication for anxiety, insomnia or high blood pressure, then the doctor might have advised them not to consume grapefruit. Grapefruit and its juice can increase the effects of some drugs, making them unsafe for the patient. Make sure your seniors adhere to the doctor’s warnings.
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. It disrupts one’s sleep, can increase anxiety and make your heart beat quicker, which could be unsafe for seniors with heart conditions. Hence, elders should not consume caffeine.
Sodas and Sugary Drinks
Sodas and cold drinks contain high amounts of sugar, and their daily consumption can raise a senior’s blood sugar and cause diabetes or increase the sugar levels of an existing diabetic patient, which would be harmful to their health. Ensure your elderly family members aren’t drinking any artificial sugary drinks; instead, you can serve them fresh fruit juices to quench their thirst.
Alcoholic Beverages
If senior citizens suffer from conditions like diabetes and hypertension or consume certain medications and painkillers, alcohol should be avoided entirely. Make sure your seniors don’t drink alcohol after taking their medications.
At Cherokee Angel Senior Care and Training Center, we provide your senior family members with a loving abode. Our trained and certified healthcare professionals provide every senior in our facilities with the utmost care and attention. Contact us today.