A healthy diet is important for all ages, but it’s particularly beneficial for seniors to be well-nourished. However, a lot of common foods can actually cause health problems in the golden years. Here’s a list of ten foods seniors should consider removing from their diets.
1. Diet Sodas
Diet fizzy drinks might sound healthy, but they contain a lot of harmful chemicals. Drinking something that tastes sweet without containing calories can stimulate hunger responses and encourage overeating. It can also cause blood pressure spikes that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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2. Raw Eggs
Salmonella can lead to a number of diseases in seniors who have weak immune systems. Seniors should avoid eating undercooked or raw eggs, which can be found in items such as eggnog and hollandaise sauce.
3. Lunch Meat
Smoked and processed meats are associated with higher risks of cancer, and lunch meats contain dangerous chemicals such as nitrates. Deli meats are also high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels.
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4. Soft Cheese
Immune systems weaken with age, making it difficult for the body to fight off bacterial infections. Unpasteurized soft cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort can also increase the risk of food poisoning.
5. Bean Sprouts
Many outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella have been linked to bean sprouts. These vegetables are grown and stored in a warm, moist environment that lets bacteria flourish.
6. Uncooked Shellfish
Seniors who love shellfish may need to quit eating raw oysters and switch to baked or fried shellfish. Like eggs and unpasteurized cheeses, raw shellfish may contain bacteria that can harm a senior’s health.
7. White Bread
It’s essential for seniors to get enough fiber because it can stave off cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. White bread is high in sugar and low in fiber and nutrients, so seniors should eat whole grain bread instead.
8. Unpasteurized Juice
This type of juice offers several health benefits, but it can be dangerous for seniors with weak immune systems. To prevent food poisoning or other health issues, aging adults should switch to juices that are pasteurized and contain no added sugar.
9. Grapefruit
Not all seniors need to avoid this fruit, but it can impair the effectiveness of certain prescription medications. Seniors who take medications should talk to their doctors before eating grapefruit because it can keep certain drugs from working properly.
10. Alcohol
Doctors recommend seniors cut back on alcohol as they age because it raises blood pressure, irritates the organs, and makes healing difficult. Alcohol is especially bad for seniors who are sick, and it can worsen existing health conditions such as diabetes.
When it comes to boosting overall health in the golden years, eating nutritious foods may not be enough. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Columbia, MD, 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. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at 443-233-1245 today.
