Seniors Should Be Careful of These 4 Foods!
Seniors Should Be Careful of These 4 Foods! – In the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons,” the title character Benjamin Buttons, who hunky Brad Pitt plays, starts his life as a senior and ages in reverse.
At the beginning, when he’s old and at the end when he’s a toddler are the most vulnerable (weakest) times of his life, since his body is so fragile and in need of assistance from adults.
When you were a baby, you required extra care from your parents because you lacked proper immunity to defend yourself. Similarly, when you hit 60, your body will become more prone to contracting diseases and less likely to heal itself quickly.
That’s why you need to pay more attention to the foods you eat since it can become a matter of life and death.
So, what foods should you avoid?
Table of Contents
Raw and Undercooked Food
That sashimi might look delicious when you’re out with some friends, but the night won’t end in peace if you frequently go out to your favorite sushi corner.
While all people should be careful when they eat raw food, people above 60 should be more cautious with their dining choices because of the high risk of food poisoning.
Raw food like sushi or chi kofte (Turkish meat delight), and undercooked eggs, should be avoided at all costs if your body’s immune system is weak. Even if your body is healthy, you should be cautious and eat on infrequent occasions.
Grapefruit
Though grapefruit contains a considerable amount of Vitamin C, which is beneficial to your immune system, it can also harm you.
Seniors who take blood pressure medication should be highly wary of eating grapefruit since this fruit can increase the drug’s potency. This will result in dangerous and adverse effects.
Instead, opt for sweet peppers or lemon to get your recommended vitamin C requirement.
Salty Foods
Doctors say that hypertension is a silent killer.
They’re not wrong since high blood pressure can creep up on you without any prior signs.
Your heart can stop, or you can have a stroke if you carelessly consume too much salt.
If you’re used to adding salt for taste, consider replacing it with herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil. These herbs not only improve the flavor of your dishes but also help digestion.
High blood pressure can be problematic when you live alone and don’t have the energy to cook, so take-out always seems like an option. On the other hand, wrapping some pastrami and cheese in bread feels like a quick fix for your rumbling stomach.
However, it’s good to know that senior living communities, cater to your nutritional needs and make sure that your health is always in check!
Caffeine
It’s alright to have a cup of coffee in the morning, but letting your body run of caffeine can be hazardous.
Too much caffeine can accelerate your heart rate and put tension on your heart. If you already have heart problems, beware since caffeine is also present in teas, sodas, and over-the-counter medications.
Two small cups of coffee are fine as long as you have it after eating something since drinking coffee on an empty stomach can irritate your stomach lining.
Finally, remember to read the labels of products and ask your pharmacist to be on the safe side.