Most Americans consume more than twice the recommended daily amount of sodium, which is found in processed foods and beverages and even in some over-the-counter medicines. As your elderly loved one ages, excess sodium intake can lead to many dangerous health conditions. Here are some of the health risks of a high sodium intake.
Fluid Retention
One of sodium’s natural jobs is to maintain proper water balance in the body. The more sodium your loved one ingests, the more fluids he or she may retain. Excess fluid retention can lead to swelling, which can cause or exacerbate pain from arthritis, injuries, and other conditions.
Hypertension
Fluid retention also causes swelling in blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure. When blood pressure becomes too high, it’s called hypertension, which means the heart is having difficulty pumping blood. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and heart failure.
Reducing sodium intake isn’t the only way older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive Professional care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Stroke
When hypertension becomes serious enough, the arteries can become blocked and lead to a stroke, which is a stoppage in blood flow to the brain. A severe stroke can be fatal, and even a mild stroke can cause permanent brain damage.
Kidney Disease
Kidneys filter toxins out of the body and eliminate them through the urine. As your loved one ages, his or her kidney function may weaken, and the kidneys will have to work harder to eliminate fluids. This can cause excess fluid and toxins to build up, which can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure.
It can be challenging for overworked family caregivers to assist their loved ones with preparing low-sodium meals every day. In Columbia, elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Osteoporosis
The higher the salt intake, the more calcium your loved one’s body may excrete through the urine. High levels of calcium excretion can result in kidney stones or osteoporosis, a thinning and weakening of the bones.
Stomach Cancer
Excessive salt intake can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach to occur, which can lead to a condition called atrophic gastritis, a precursor to stomach cancer.
From preparing healthy meals to exercising on a daily basis, older adults may need help with a wide variety of everyday activities. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving more extensive Home Care. Columbia, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 443-233-1245 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
