When talking about elder care, there are many ways you can keep seniors happier and healthier. One of the ways you can do this is through vitamins. There are many different types of vitamins that the senior’s doctor might recommend they take to stay healthy. Part of the reason many seniors need so many vitamins is that they aren’t getting enough through their meals and snacks. As a caregiver, it can help you to learn more about what nutrients and vitamins the senior needs.
Getting Enough B12 Vitamins
One of the top vitamins that the elderly need is Vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for creating DNA and red blood cells. It is also helpful in maintaining healthy nerve functions. It isn’t as easy for seniors to absorb the B12 in food like it is for people who are younger. With that being said, there are many foods, in addition to the vitamin, that has B12 in it including milk, eggs, poultry, meat, and fish.
The Importance of Calcium
Calcium is another very important nutrient for the elderly. If you are taking care of a senior citizen, you should make sure they are getting enough calcium. This is essential for building up and maintaining healthy bones. In addition, research shows that it reduces the risk of fractures. Some of the best ways to get calcium through the diet include milk, kale, broccoli, and calcium-fortified juice.
Essential Folic Acid
A type of B vitamin that is essential for the senior’s diet is folic acid. This is essential for improved overall health, along with improving the function of blood supply throughout the body. Seniors can get this through their diet from folate-fortified cereals, vegetables, and fruits.
Getting Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential in many ways. It helps with the maintenance of bone density, helps one’s body take in calcium, and works with the prevention of osteoporosis. A lot of research also shows that Vitamin D is helpful in the prevention of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and many diseases. There are many different foods that have Vitamin D in them including milk, cereals, juices, yogurt, and more. Getting enough sunlight will help the body to get enough Vitamin D, as well.
Fiber is Essential
Fiber is another essential vitamin for seniors. This is helpful for improving digestion and protect against heart health issues. Some of the foods that have fiber in them are vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Amp Up the Magnesium
Another vitamin that can be truly essential to the elderly’s diet is magnesium. This does a lot of things to help the body. It supports nerve and muscle functions, keeps the heart rhythm steady, supports immune functions, and builds up the strength of bones. Some of the foods that have magnesium in them include seeds, nuts, peas, beans, and vegetables.
When talking about elder care, it is important to have their doctor test for any vitamin deficiencies. If they can’t seem to get enough of a certain vitamin in their diet, the doctor may recommend that they take vitamins.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Dana Point, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today!
1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Source
Cancer.gov
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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