The foods seniors eat can affect their circulation, stress levels, and the way their brains function. Therefore, family caregivers and older adults need to learn what can trigger cardiovascular problems such as strokes and keep those items off their grocery lists. Monitoring your aging loved one’s diet could lower his or her odds of heart disease and enhance his or her quality of life. Below are some foods that can trigger a stroke and the reasons your loved one should avoid eating them.
Sausage
Pork is an unhealthy option for older adults, and eating too much red meat can increase the risk of a stroke. Sausage is high in saturated fat, which can clog arteries and prevent blood and oxygen from moving throughout the body, especially to the brain.
Plaque buildup in the arteries as a result of eating red meat could trigger a stroke and prevent your loved one from performing daily tasks independently. Find healthier alternatives to meat-based sausage, such as plant-based patties or links. You can also encourage your loved one to eat more fatty fish and lean meats instead of pork.
If your loved one needs help planning and preparing healthy meals, a professional caregiver can be a great source of support. In Carmichael, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pizza
Although this food is a simple meal choice for families, it’s a bad option for older adults, and it could trigger a stroke. Most pizza contains high levels of sodium, which can increase blood pressure levels.
The pizza ingredient with the highest sodium content is tomato sauce. Your loved one should limit his or her intake of foods and soups made with tomato paste.
Before ordering pizza or preparing a frozen one for your parent, search for the sodium content on the menu or nutritional label. You should also encourage your loved one to try other options that contain less sodium as well as vegan pizza.
Sweet Treats
The excessive amounts of sugar found in cookies, cakes, candy, and other sweet treats can trigger a stroke, which is why seniors should avoid these items. Baked goods and candies are traditionally high in trans fats, which can lead to blocked arteries.
The ingredients in muffins, cakes, cookies, and candy bars can increase bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol. Sugary beverages can also increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack, which is why older adults should drink more water, green tea, and low-fat dairy products.
If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Carmichael, CA, live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.
Processed Cheese
Dairy products naturally contain sodium, but processed cheeses contain significantly higher amounts of the element, which could trigger a stroke. Eating too much processed cheese could raise your loved one’s blood pressure and disrupt his or her breathing abilities.
The ingredients in processed cheese can also cause plaque buildup in arteries and prevent blood from reaching the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke. Instead of processed items, your loved one should eat plant-based vegan cheese or natural dairy products made with whey.
Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (916) 485-4663 today.