Should My Aging Mom Take Probiotics?
Terry’s aging mother had endured some digestive issues for a few years now, and he was worried about her. She had always been active but as her bowel issues grew more serious, she chose to stay closer to home and wasn’t going out as much. When Terry and his mother brought up the trouble with her doctor, she suggested giving probiotics a try.
Elder Care Anderson. OH: Probiotic Health
Probiotics are helping many people throughout the country deal with gastrointestinal issues, and seniors are no exception. If your elderly mom’s doctor is recommending she take probiotics to help out her digestion, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about them so you can incorporate them as part of her elderly care health regimen.
So what are probiotics, exactly? Probiotics are supplements that contain live bacteria that people ingest in order to bring bacterial balance to the gut. They can be taken in pill or powder form, as well as found in some foods like drinks, yogurt, and sauerkraut. The human body has billions of bacteria in there that work on digesting food, battling disease and keeping the gastrointestinal functions operating well. There are good bacteria that are helpful to the body and bacteria that are more harmful. When the bad bacteria outnumber the good, the body may be more prone to issues like diarrhea, cramping, and other digestive disturbances.
When it comes to elderly people, they are more likely to have an imbalance due to age, stress, and illness. For those that have a greater number of unfriendly bacteria, they can take probiotic supplements to help restore a balance. Doctors recommend probiotics for people that suffer from specific conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. They can also help protect aging adults from bacteria that cause food poisoning. Because elderly people are at a greater risk for gastrointestinal conditions they often greatly benefit from taking probiotics with a doctor’s recommendation.
As with many supplements, some brands are more effective than others, while ineffective probiotic products have flooded the market.
Family caregivers should work with their loved one’s doctor to ensure they are choosing their probiotic supplements carefully. For example, the probiotic must have the correct strain of live bacteria and the right amount of bacteria, often 10 million or more.
When it comes to figuring out the best way to balance bacteria in an elderly person’s intestines, many doctors recommend probiotic supplements. It’s up to family caregivers to take the first steps in getting treatment for any bowel and digestive conditions by asking about probiotics for their elderly relatives.
After several weeks on the probiotics, with a regular prebiotic snack as part of her elderly care regimen, Terry’s mother reported feeling much better. Her digestive issues had died down to manageable levels and she was able to resume her regular activities. The serious physical discomfort and worries she had were eliminated thanks to probiotics.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Elder Care in Anderson OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Source:
http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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