Eating a nutritiously dense diet is important for all, but especially for the elderly. As we get older, our body metabolizes things differently and we are also at greater risk for certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. According to the World Heart Federation, about 10 million people a year die due to cardiovascular disease.
What role does salt play in this? High salt intake is connected to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Olivia Dimmer of Northwestern Medicine explains that recent studies show that “salt substitutes may be effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular events in residents of elderly care facilities.” ` Peking University studied 1,612 residents among 48 elderly care facilities in China. Over a two-year period, residents were either given meals containing regular salt amounts, had a salt substitute, or had their salt intake restricted. It was found that using a salt substitute lowed blood pressure and resulted in fewer cardiovascular events. Although previous studies have concluded that reduced salt intake reduces blood pressure, it was inconclusive in this study because the residents who had their salt intake restricted were able to add table salt to their meals. The study did conclude that salt substitutes are very effective in lowering blood pressure and cardiovascular events. It is important to note that more research is needed. Additionally, there may be situations where salt substitutes may not be as helpful. For example, if food has a high amount of salt when purchased prior to any cooking/seasoning. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults should choose foods with no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Plenty of protein should be eaten every day as well as fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated is also important as well getting enough vitamins such as B12. To eat a balanced diet, it is recommended to add fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks. Additionally, substituting herbs for salt can have health benefits. Meal planning can help improve and maintain a nutritious diet. Examples for a healthy breakfast include:
Examples for a healthy lunch include:
Examples of a healthy dinner include:
Examples of healthy snacks include:
If you have any questions about home care for your loved ones, you can contact us. You can also check out the rest of our blog posts on our website. Written by Madison Chalmers
Image by wirestock on Freepik
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