Home Care Assistance: Should Seniors Be Lactose Free?
If you seem to be struggling to help your parents with small tasks like deciding between meals or cooking them, it may be time to consider outside help. Family caregivers can be more comfortable for a senior, so you stepped in, but it can be a lot to handle on your own. It’s time to consider professional home care assistance for your seniors. These caregivers can help when you are unavailable and give you a much-needed break. Home care assistance providers can be interviewed before placing them with a senior. This ensures they are a good fit and have experience in the areas you want to focus on.
Preparing nutritious food for elderly people is a crucial aspect of keeping them healthy, but it may also be difficult. Many family caregivers are unsure whether it’s a good idea to include dairy products in the meals of their loved ones. There are numerous beneficial elements in dairy products like milk and cheese, but some potential health risks are also.
Consider the following advantages and disadvantages when choosing whether or not dairy products are appropriate for your elderly loved one. This may change the way you and your senior grocery shop together.
Advantages of Eating Lactose
There are a few advantages of eating and drinking things with lactose in them. It’s not all bad news and sometimes doctors will recommend it for certain seniors.
Dairy Products May Prevent Osteoporosis
Deficiency in calcium contributes to osteoporosis, a major health problem characterized by brittle bones. Calcium and other vital minerals are abundant in most dairy products. The vitamin D in milk helps the body better absorb calcium, making it especially beneficial for elderly people with osteoporosis.
Boost Gastrointestinal Health With Fermented Dairy
Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms that aid digestion in the stomach and intestines, are sometimes required in larger dosages by many elderly people. Fermented foods are a common source of probiotics. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir, and sour cream, might be a good alternative for seniors who don’t enjoy fermented vegetable options like kimchi or sauerkraut. Healthy bacteria abound in yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses.
It is a Low Fat Protein Option
While protein is a vital component of a healthy diet, many seniors struggle to locate protein sources that are low in cholesterol. Low-fat dairy products are an excellent option for the elderly. With just a single cheese sliver, you’ll get up to a whopping 7 grams of protein in your daily intake!
Disadvantages of Eating and Drinking Lactose
Although there are many benefits to drinking lactose there are some pitfalls of it as well. It is not good for every senior to be drinking or eating this and here is why:
Dairy Products Have High Hormone Levels
Hormones are often used by dairy producers to stimulate growth in cows, and these hormones may be found in milk. Steroids and growth hormones have been related to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer in men and women who use them. Hormone levels in milk from small-scale dairies are frequently lower than those seen in milk from large-scale dairies.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Care Assistance Services in Madeira OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
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