Most seniors know that maintaining good balance as they age is crucial to avoiding falls and injuries. However, they might not know that nutrition is also important for maintaining stability and balance. Gaining this knowledge and making the necessary changes might be difficult on their own, but seniors with companion care at home services benefit from added support.
The Relationship Between Balance and Nutrition for Strong and Healthy Muscles
Balance is directly affected by the health and condition of the body’s muscles. Unfortunately, muscle loss can begin much sooner than seniors realize, meaning they’re already feeling the effects as they hit the older years. The good news is that the right food choices can help with support from companion care at home providers, which then leads to better balance. Consider the following:
- Protein: Keeping muscle mass intact is essential for maintaining equilibrium. Lean meats, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and plant-based proteins like lentils and beans should all be included in a senior’s diet.
- Amino Acids: Amino acids are found in diets high in protein. This is significant, as essential amino acids improve muscle growth and repair.
The Relationship Between Balance and Nutrition for Healthy Bones
Stability depends on strong bones. Calcium promotes bone density and is present in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified meals. Additionally, the body needs vitamin D to properly absorb calcium. Seniors can improve their vitamin D levels by taking a walk in the sun with companion care at home providers, as well as ensuring they eat foods fortified with vitamin D or fatty fish. Also, magnesium, which is found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds, can also help maintain healthy bones.
The Relationship Between Balance and Nutrition for the Nervous System
B vitamins, particularly B12, are important for supporting the health of seniors’ nerves. Deficits might result in coordination and balance problems. To ensure seniors have the nutrition they need, their diets should include foods like meat, eggs, and fortified cereals. Also, Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon, promote nerve and brain function, which can enhance balance.
Tips for Seniors
Once seniors understand how nutrition and balance are linked, they will need strategies for correcting the situation. Some ideas are listed above, but there are other tips they can incorporate as well, which are seen below:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause lightheadedness and unsteadiness. To stay hydrated, seniors should consume water throughout the day and try to include foods high in water, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Speaking of fruits and vegetables, both are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress. This support reduces the likelihood of age-related disorders that impair movement, which can improve general health and balance.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight promotes improved balance and reduces physical stress on the body. Seniors should prioritize a healthy diet above severe calorie restriction. Talking with their medical team and working with companion care at home providers for healthy meal planning is key.
Nutrition is essential for seniors to preserve balance and reduce falls. By concentrating on a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, seniors can maintain their bone health, muscle strength, and general stability with the help of companion care at home providers.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, please contact the caring staff at La Jolla Nurses Homecare today. Call (858) 454-9339
La Jolla Nurses Homecare is a top provider of home care services in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Point Loma, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Kensington, Coronado, University City, Pacific Beach, and all of San Diego County.
Sources:
- https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/2024/03/the-importance-of-good-nutrition-for-seniors
- https://westhartfordhealth.com/news/senior-safety/balance-issues-older-adults
- https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-causes-balance-issues-in-older-adults
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