Category: Nutrition & Exercise

When a senior lives with heartburn, over-the-counter medications won’t always help. Fortunately, Oshkosh senior care providers can resort to more natural methods to help their loved one relieve heartburn pain and discomfort.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is a time-tested solution for heartburn that is both gentle and fast acting. As seniors need to be more concerned with side effects from medication or over-the-counter remedies, a simple solution of water and baking soda neutralizes antacid with no adverse effects to the rest of the system.

Aloe Vera Juice

A widely popular plant for skin health and burn treatment, aloe vera is an excellent anti-inflammatory that quickly reduces stomach inflammation and helps the body heal from prior acid damage. Like baking soda, aloe vera has little to no adverse effects, so it can be safely taken by seniors without risk of side effects. In addition, aloe juice is great for digestion and the regulation of blood sugar by promoting insulin sensitivity.

Mint and Mint Tea

Mint is great for settling stomachs, neutralizing acids, and soothing indigestion. Mint tea is a wonderful way to help seniors deal with current heartburn, but it can also prevent future cases as it slows production of stomach acid. Best of all, mint tea can be served hot or chilled to suit your loved one’s tastes.

Fennel Seeds

Chewing fennel seeds is an old breath freshening technique, but compounds in the seeds themselves help relax the stomach after a meal by reducing the amount of stomach acid released and preemptively reducing heartburn effects. For best results, the seeds should be chewed for at least 30 minutes prior to eating. Periodically chewing them throughout the day is a great way to keep stomach acid at bay.

Ginger

Fresh, cooked, or even candied, ginger has several ways in which it helps keep heartburn away:

• Suppresses nerve impulses that spur acid formation

• Absorbs acid present in the stomach

• Helps keep the esophagus constricted at the stomach, preventing acid from bubbling up

Ginger is easily eaten raw, though seniors may prefer it in a tea with honey, a doubly soothing beverage that helps with other ailments aside from heartburn.

Heartburn can make life challenging for seniors, especially when they live with other health problems. Should your loved one require a helping hand managing an illness, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. In addition to helping seniors around the house with chores, meal preparation, and errands, we also provide illness-specific services such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia care in Oshkosh. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.

Garlic belongs to the allium family that includes leeks, onions, and shallots. It is commonly found in most regions of the world and has long been used as a seasoning in cooking and even as medicine. Documentation indicates that garlic was a common food and medicinal resource dating back to ancient times for Babylonians, Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and even Romans. There are numerous health properties of garlic and some Oshkosh home care providers believe these benefits are especially useful for seniors.

Provides Nutritional Value

One clove of garlic is only four calories and contains vitamins B1, B6 and C. The vegetable also provides a steady source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and selenium in addition to fiber. The diallyl sulfides found in garlic help the body increase ferroportin levels, which is a protein that has the ability to cross cell membranes and enables iron to travel where the mineral is needed.

Has Antimicrobial Properties

The sulfur compounds in garlic also boost the body’s immune system. Researchers from East Sussex in the United Kingdom performed a 12-week study involving 146 volunteers. One portion of the group was given daily garlic supplements. During the course of the study, individuals who took garlic and caught a cold or the flu experienced symptomatic relief 60 to 70 percent faster than those who did not consume garlic.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Garlic’s sulfuric properties additionally offer anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulating and smooth muscle relaxation effects. These properties reduce cholesterol levels and dilate blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. These health benefits are useful for seniors recovering from heart attack or who need post-stroke care in Oshkosh.

Increases Bone Density

According to scientists from the Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Iran, garlic increases estrogen levels in women and decreases the likelihood of bone loss. A steady diet of garlic may very well prevent osteoporosis among senior women.

Garlic can be eaten raw, cooked, or powdered to enhance senior health, but some seniors may have trouble preparing healthy meals with it. Senior Stride Home Care provides flexible live-in and hourly home care Oshkosh seniors can depend on to help with daily activities like grocery shopping and nutritious meal preparation. Whether seniors need part-time or live-in assistance, our dedicated caregivers help seniors maintain independence during their home care experience. To learn more about our services, contact a friendly Care Manager at 920-717-1767 today and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, eating disorders affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Even seniors can be affected by eating disorders for any number of reasons, which can lead to serious health consequences. If you are concerned about your elderly parent’s eating habits, Oshkosh live-in home care providers can help. Here are some red flags that indicate your loved one has an eating disorder.

Extreme Changes in Weight

Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other disorders can cause huge changes in body weight. While some weight changes may be the result of other health issues or medications, major increases or decreases in weight shouldn’t be ignored.

Secretive Behavior

Those with eating disorders will often go to great lengths to hide it. If your loved one is shying away from family dinners and lunch with friends or turns down every offer for food, an eating disorder may be the problem.

Increased Pickiness

If your parent is starting to restrict his or her caloric intake, you may notice that he or she has become a picky eater. While some of this might be blamed on tooth pain or digestive upset as your parent ages, be wary if he or she starts to reject entire food groups or is refusing all forms of fat or sugar.

Secluding His or Herself

Eating disorders can lead to lengthy routines, especially if bingeing, purging or over-exercising are involved. If your previously social parent is now spending lots of time alone, an eating disorder may be the reason. In cases like this, seniors will benefit from elder home care Oshkosh families can trust.

If you’re concerned about a parent’s eating habits, have a frank discussion with him or her and talk to a doctor. Eating disorders are serious but with help from therapists and in-home caregivers, seniors can overcome them. Senior Stride Home Care provides comprehensive Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and Oshkosh dementia home care to promote senior health and wellness. In addition personal care assistance, our highly trained caregivers also help prepare nutritious meals for seniors. Schedule your free consultation today when you call 920-717-1767 and speak to a friendly Care Manager.