It’s crucial to focus on ways to help your senior loved one keep his or her kidneys healthy and prevent kidney disease. One way to accomplish this is through a healthy diet, which means certain foods may need to be eaten in moderation or avoided entirely. Here are some foods that could be unhealthy for your loved one’s kidneys.
Animal Proteins
Many seniors grew up in homes where meat products were considered to be the center of a healthy diet. Though protein is a necessity for humans, getting it all from animal sources can be hard on the kidneys. Most forms of animal protein are highly acidic and can put an incredible amount of strain on the kidneys and increase your loved one’s risk of developing kidney stones. This includes animal-based dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions may find it challenging to prepare nutritious meals on their own. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Green Valley, AZ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Embrace In-Home Care. Our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Artificial Sweeteners
Many people switch from processed sugar to artificial sweeteners to boost their health, but alternatives such as aspartame and saccharin come with some major risks. Studies have found seniors who increased their consumption of artificial sweeteners generally experienced a severe decrease in their renal function. As an alternative, your loved one can stick with natural sweeteners like honey and stevia.
Soda
Recent studies discovered seniors who drank just two cans of diet soda per day experienced much higher rates of kidney disease. This can be partially attributed to the artificial sweeteners, but these beverages also contain a wide variety of chemicals that are difficult for human kidneys to process. In addition to damaging the kidneys, ingredients like phosphoric acid are also bad for a senior’s bones.
An experienced, highly trained professional caregiver may be able to identify symptoms of poor kidney function earlier than you or your loved one can. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide senior home care, Embrace In-Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Embrace In-Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Salt
Most of us know salt consumption should be kept to a minimum, but not everyone realizes just how many food products contain sodium. This household staple is dangerous to the kidneys because the sodium must go through them before entering the bloodstream or being excreted. When sodium levels are too high, the kidneys quickly run out of moisture as they try to keep cellular fluids balanced. As soon as the kidneys have no more water to process the sodium, they immediately begin to damage themselves.
Kidney disease is one of many conditions seniors need to be aware of so they can make lifestyle choices that promote optimal health. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. Green Valley families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Embrace In-Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (520) 625-2050 today.