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Have you noticed your elderly loved one seems to be eating only sweets? Don’t worry, they are not just making up for their moms not allowing them to eat too much Halloween candy when they were younger. There is actually some interesting science behind your elderly loved ones craving sweet and salty snacks.
If you find the elderly person in your care constantly having sweet and salty cravings, it could mean something important is missing from their diet. Constant sugar cravings likely mean the body is not getting enough carbohydrates. A proper diet should include complex carbohydrates like whole grains (wheat bread, oats, etc) in addition to protein, fats, fruits and vegetables.
Salt cravings are generally an indication of dehydration and pass once the senior is rehydrated. Salt intake should be monitored as it can lead to hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) which can cause harm to the heart.
One way to avoid craving sugary or salty snacks is by eating three balanced meals per day along with smaller snacks throughout the day even when the senior is not particularly hungry. This assures they are receiving proper nutrition and can help prevent cravings. Staying hydrated is equally important so keep water handy throughout the day so the senior can sip as needed.
Along with the other changes that happen to our bodies as we age, we also lose some of our taste buds. This explains why some elderly people seem to lose their appetites or suddenly want more seasoning than seems realistic on everything - 2 out of 3 taste buds can essentially disappear by age 70.
Sense of smell begins to decline as well which contributes to food tasting bland. Dry mouth is a side effect of some medications commonly taken by seniors which can make it difficult to swallow. There are many factors that can contribute to eating being less fun as we age, and in order to make it more fun, seniors may start craving sugar.
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Dementia patients struggle with all of these eating-related changes even more than the elderly who are not suffering from cognitive decline.
Studies show that dementia attacks the area of the brain - prefrontal cortex - responsible for self-restraint in food choices. So if your senior loved one is suddenly reaching for the chocolate bars more than they ever did before or are adding sugar to things that don’t quite make sense, this could be a sign of the early stages of dementia.
Here are some healthy snacks you can make for your elderly loved ones when the sugar cravings. You may even enjoy some of them yourself:
Cut up veggies with nut butter
Popcorn sprinkled with cinnamon
Dried fruit
Unsweetened granola with fresh fruit
Dried apples with cinnamon yogurt dip
Applesauce with cinnamon
Fruit and cottage cheese
Baby carrots (which taste sweeter than regular carrots)
Being mindful of our dietary choices can result in improved cognitive health and emotional stability. The food we consume significantly contributes to these aspects, helping us to feel better, think clearer, and reduce stress levels. Senior Helpers Overland Park will explore the wonderful world of nutrition and its impact on our brain and emotional health. We've compiled a list of brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods that are beneficial for everyonefrom seniors looking to boost their cognitive abilities to caregivers needing a little help managing stress.Nutrition and Brain HealthCertain nutrients help to enhance memory and cognition and delay brain aging. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, who are often at risk of cognitive decline. Seniors can stimulate brain function and maintain their mental health by incorporating brain-friendly foods in their diet.Nutrition and Stress ManagementJust as foods can boost your brain health, they can also aid in managing stress levels. The body's response to stress can be intensified by inadequate nutrition. A well-balanced diet can promote resilience towards stress and foster feelings of well-being. Caregivers, who often face high stress levels due to their demanding roles, can greatly benefit from this aspect of nutrition.In the same vein, good nutrition can be pivotal in mood regulation. What we eat can impact our brain structure, brain chemistry, and, subsequently, our emotions. Foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can help regulate our emotions and reduce the risk of mood disorders. This is significant for everyone, seniors and caregivers alike.Fuel Your Mind and Mood With These FoodsHere are 6 brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods to add to your grocery list:BlueberriesDon't underestimate the power of these tiny fruits! Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients work together to delay brain aging, improve memory, and protect your brain cells from damage.Dark ChocolateCraving a sweet treat? Look no further than dark chocolate! This delicious indulgence contains flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. These components not only benefit your brain health but also possess mood-boosting properties, making it a great stress reliever in moderation.BroccoliThis versatile vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients for your brain. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin K, broccoli is believed to support cognitive function and promote brain health.Pumpkin SeedsThese tiny nutritional powerhouses are a fantastic source of brain-friendly nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.TurmericThis vibrant spice has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, boasts impressive brain-protective properties. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance the brain's oxygen intake, keeping you alert and focused.OrangesAs a rich source of vitamin C, oranges are a champion for brain health. Vitamin C plays a vital role in protecting against mental decline and improving overall cognitive function.Adding these brain-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet is simple and enjoyable! Explore different ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks. For instance, sprinkle blueberries and oranges over your morning cereal or yogurt. Enjoy dark chocolate squares in moderation as a delightful treat. Turmeric can be added to soups, stews, or even teas for a subtle flavor boost. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and broccoli can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Remember, a balanced diet rich in these power foods nourishes your body, mind, and emotional well-being.Senior Helpers Offers Nutrition Assistance and SupportNutrition is crucial in maintaining our overall health, particularly brain health and emotional stability. By making conscious dietary choices, we can manage our stress levels, enhance cognitive health, and regulate our emotions. Whether you are a senior aiming to boost brain function or a caregiver looking for stress management strategies, incorporating these brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods into your diet can be a game-changer.For those in Overland Park, Olathe, Johnson County, and Prairie Village needing assistance with senior care, a healthy diet, or stress management, contact us at Senior Helpers Overland Park. We proudly provide premium senior care services!
Everyone craves a little something sweet sometimes, but it may be a challenge to find a pleasurable snack thats also nourishing. Luckily, there are a variety of simple healthy foods that can offer a taste both you and your elderly loved one can enjoy. Try some of these sweet suggestions. 1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack on its own, but pairing it with chocolate can add to the sweetness. You can buy chocolate dips that come in a ready-to-use liquid form that hardens when it dries or in a flaky, dry form that needs to be microwaved before dipping. Your loved one can dip whole strawberries or chunks of banana or pineapple into the chocolate and then let the shell harden before serving. Some seniors find it difficult to eat healthy because of health conditions or mobility issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctors office, medication reminders, and much more. 2. Smoothies Smoothies can be a great choice for seniors who have difficulty chewing harder foods. Simply mix plain yogurt, milk, and your loved ones favorite fruits in a blender, then puree and serve cold. You may also want to check with your loved ones doctor to see if its okay to add a bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional kick. A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing healthy treats and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. 3. Peanut Butter & Jelly With the perfect balance of good taste, comfort, and nutritional value, this traditional sandwich is a classic for a reason. Grab some whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and your loved ones favorite flavor of jelly, and this simple and sweet treat is ready. A thinly sliced banana in the sandwich can also be a healthy addition. 4. All-Natural Freezer Pops Your loved one can make homemade fruit pops with fresh juice and a mold or buy them already prepared in the freezer section of the local grocery store. For the best health benefits from store-bought pops, suggest those made of 100 percent fruit. To offer variety in your loved ones snack choices, puree watermelon chunks with lime juice or peach slices with apple juice. Limiting consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they dont all need the same type of in-home care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
The Sweet Tooth Mystery: Why Seniors Crave Sweets After Eating Do you find yourself or older loved ones reaching for dessert shortly after finishing a meal? If so, you're not alone. It's a common observation that many seniors have a seemingly insatiable craving for sweets after they've finished their main course. And its not just a coincidence, either. There are actually several physiological and psychological factors that are responsible for the guilty pleasure and can explain why seniors crave sweets after eating. Lets shine some light on both the biological and emotional underpinnings of this common occurrence. Changing Taste BudsAs we age, our taste buds undergo significant changes. Think about some of the food items you like now that you wouldnt dare touch when you were a child. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, the list goes on. But as you get older, the sense of taste becomes less acute, and certain flavors, particularly sweet ones, become more appealing. This is often because the perception of sweetness lessens with age, making sugary foods more enjoyable. You may find that you need more intense flavors to satisfy your palate, and sweet foods provide this intensity. Thus leading to seniors craving sweets after eating. Nutrient DeficienciesIts not uncommon for seniors to have some sort of nutrient deficiency due to various factors, such as poor dietary choices or medical conditions. Cravings for sweets can be a result of the body seeking essential nutrients. For example, a deficiency in certain minerals like magnesium or zinc can lead to sugar cravings. Chocolate is a common sugar craving resulting from vitamin deficiency. Eating sweets can provide a temporary boost in energy and mood, but it's important for seniors to address any underlying nutrient deficiencies through a balanced diet or supplements. Emotional ComfortWhat do most of us reach for when were depressed? SWEETS! It doesnt get any easier the older we get. Seniors often face unique emotional challenges, such as loneliness, grief, or the physical limitations that can come with aging. Sweets are associated with comfort and can trigger the release of endorphins, which provide a temporary emotional boost. This psychological connection between sugary treats and comfort can lead to cravings. The taste of sweets provides solace, helping to comfort us during our difficult times. Medications and Side EffectsMany seniors are on various medications to manage chronic health diseases and conditions. Some of these medications can cause changes in taste perception or trigger a metallic aftertaste, which may make sweets more palatable. Additionally, certain medications can affect blood sugar levels or metabolism, leading to sugar cravings as the body seeks to maintain equilibrium. Social and Cultural FactorsThe social aspect of sharing dessert with family and friends after a meal can also be a powerful motivator. Seniors may have fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations where sweets were a central part of the experience. This cultural and social conditioning can create a desire for sweets, especially after a satisfying meal. Habitual BehaviorSeniors who have developed a lifelong habit of indulging in desserts after meals may continue this pattern. Habits are difficult to break, and the association between eating sweets and feeling satisfied after a meal can be deeply ingrained. How to Manage Sweet CravingsWhile some level of craving for sweets after a meal is common, especially in seniors, it's important to strike a balance to maintain a healthy diet. Here are some tips for managing sweet cravings. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure youre following a well-balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs. Incorporate fruits and other healthier sweet alternatives to satisfy your cravings. Monitor Medications: Discuss any medication-related changes in taste or appetite with a healthcare provider and explore potential solutions or alternatives. Emotional Support: Address emotional factors by providing companionship, engaging in activities that bring joy, and connecting with others and support networks to combat loneliness. Hydration: Sometimes thirst can be misinterpreted as hunger or sugar cravings. Make sure you stay adequately hydrated to avoid unnecessary cravings. Small Portions: Instead of eliminating sweets entirely, enjoy smaller portions to satisfy the craving without overindulging. The tendency for seniors to crave sweets after eating isnt as simple as one might think. Understanding the physiological and psychological factors that contribute to these cravings can help you find the necessary support and guidance to ensure you dont overindulge. While a sweet treat can be enjoyable and comforting, moderation and balanced nutrition remain key to promoting overall health and well-being.This article was contributed by VIPcare of Alabama. VIPcare provides primary care for the 65+ community. Call VIPcare at 866-333-7897 for more information or to make an appointment.
Griswold is More Than Home Care. Its Peace of Mind.Griswold offers compassionate in-home care for those who want support to live where they love. With over four decades of experience and a storied legacy of compassion and integrity, we focus on the people we meet and the connections we make. It is our privilege to support your unique needs with respect, empathy, and dedicated attention so you can Live Assured, without the weight of worry.Griswold is an award-winning pioneer in the non-medical home care industry. We believe Care Professionals are the foundation of our success, and our commitment to innovation is based on our desire to improve the lives of everyone we touch in the communities we serve. We focus on personal care, homemaking, companionship, and support for those with conditions, illnesses, or injuries.With almost 200 locations in 32 states, Griswolds reach continues to grow. While each location benefits from the collective expertise of the national network, our deep local community ties are what make us special.