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THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMINS IN SPRING

Spring is the most magical time in the life of nature. When everything around wakes up and life, as if reborn, begins to open up in a whole new way: it gives us the sun, the warmth, the chirping of birds. At this beautiful time, everyone more than ever wants to enjoy life, dance, meet guests and find pleasure in a special, inspirational mood.

But unfortunately spring also brings one negative attribute – in spring usually our organism is weakened and needs vitamins replenishment.
That is why let’s talk about vitamins for the elderly, both men and women.

Aging is a natural process of the body development. With age metabolic processes are slowed down, protein biosynthesis is disrupted, the work of endocrine glands is weakened, the work of the body’s immune defense is disrupted, and atherosclerosis develops. The decrease in height, muscle atrophy, the appearance of wrinkles, changes in the vascular walls, heart muscle, bone tissue, changes in the digestive tract are all the result of the aging of cells.

Taking into consideration all these changes in the body of the elderly, special attention should be paid to nutrition, which must meet the following requirements: moderation, variety in food, using of foods and dishes that have easy digestibility, antisclerotic orientation of the diet, the food should be sufficient and relevant to the needs of the body, the content in it of Vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins are the same necessary for people of all ages. But as you know, aging slows down the oxidation-reduction processes, metabolism, and associated with this weakening of the functional capacity of organs and systems happens. Vitamins can accelerate the reactions taking place in the body, restrain the development of the processes observed with aging in elderly men and women. Their important role in preventing atherosclerosis and delaying its progression has been revealed.

What vitamins are elderly people lacking?

Constant fatigue, problems with skin and hair, frequent headaches and colds … Most likely, your already aged organism simply does not have enough vitamins.
Malnutrition for older men and women is much more dangerous for health than it seems at first glance. If the body loses certain vitamins, it begins to malfunction. At the first alarming symptoms, revise your menu and include in the diet foods that are rich in vitamins you need.

Vitamin A

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency: increased fatigue, poor appetite, dull and brittle hair, seborrhea, dryness of skin and mucosae, poor eyesight, frequent colds and ARVI.

Include in the menu: red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, cabbage, greens, egg yolks, fatty fish, liver, butter, milk.
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, so vegetables should be eaten with sour cream or oil.

B vitamins

Symptoms: depression, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, constipation, upset stomach, poor appetite, rashes on the skin, dull complexion, hair loss and frayed ends, brittle and cracked nails, cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Meals: dairy products (cottage cheese, cheese, kefir, sour cream), meat, fatty fish, eggs, green vegetables (broccoli, celery, spinach), nuts and seeds, vegetable oil (olive, linseed, sunflower), dry brewer’s yeast.

Reduce (and better eliminate!) The consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and tea – they remove the B vitamins from the body.

Vitamin C

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency: anemia, frequent colds, nosebleeds, weakening of tooth enamel, bleeding gums, dry and brittle hair, constant weakness and fatigue, depression, body aches, muscle pains, apnea.

Include in the diet: vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, green onions, carrots, radishes, radishes), fruits (citrus fruits, apples, apricots, persimmons, bananas, grapes), berries (rosehips, cranberries, raspberries, currants, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon), milk.

Vitamin D

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency: irritability, pressure surges, clotting disorders, muscle weakness, convulsions, sweating, pains in the lower limbs and joints, caries.

Necessary food products: mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, champignons), pork and beef liver, fish (mackerel, herring, flounder), cod liver, fish oil, fatty dairy products, egg yolks.
Try to walk more: vitamin D is synthesized in the body under the influence of sunlight.

Vitamin E

Symptoms: impaired vision, muscle weakness, a constant sense of fatigue, sudden mood swings, dark circles under the eyes, bleeding gums, pigment spots on the skin.

To include in the menu: nuts, seeds, vegetable oil (corn, sunflower, soy, olive), cereals, vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, radish, onions, broccoli, spinach), fresh peas, dry beans, beef, liver, egg yolks, milk.

Vitamin K

Symptoms of deficiency: nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruises, fatigue and weakness, constipation, prolonged and painful menstruation, anemia.

Include in the menu: vegetables (spinach, broccoli, green leaf, purple cabbage and cauliflower, cabbage lettuce and watercress, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes), beans, soybeans, cereals (wheat, rye, oats), eggs, meat, pork liver, chicken, cod.

Vitamin PP

Symptoms: poor appetite, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, bad breath, soreness of the gums, insomnia, headaches, redness of the skin, its dryness and dullness.

Diet: citrus fruits, berries (raspberries, blueberries, cherries, black currants), grapes, apricots, cabbage, tomatoes, pod-pepper, green salad, greens, buckwheat, dark chocolate.

Essential vitamins necessary for the elderly

It is established that in the elderly the need for vitamins is increased. First of all, this refers to water-soluble vitamins (C, P and the whole group B). These vitamins should be included in the diet of the elderly in full, because they have vascular-strengthening and antisclerotic properties.
Postponement of senility and prolongation of life are primarily associated with maintaining the normal state of the cardiovascular system.

Thus, nutrition of elderly people should be full and balanced. Particular attention should be paid to vitamin supply. It should be borne in mind that in elderly people, hidden forms of vitamin deficiency can also develop, associated not only with their small intake into food, but also with the development of any disease process, atherosclerosis and hypertension.
But even an ideal diet can not completely cover the physiological needs of the elderly person in vitamins and minerals. The only true solution is the regular intake of multivitamin complexes or vitamin-mineral complexes, as well as the inclusion in the diet of specialized vitamin-enriched products. It is considered appropriate to take such complexes throughout the year, regardless of the season.

DEHYDRATION IN SENIORS: all you need to know about this illness

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The normal course of vital processes both, in a healthy state, and in the cases of illness, regardless of age requires maintaining the stability of the internal environment of the tissues, for example, temperatures, acidity, concentrations of various substances, such as sugar, mineral salts and other. The regulatory apparatus serves to maintain these normal conditions, or the so-called homeostasis. Unfortunately, the regulatory and metabolic processes of elderly people are not as perfect as they used to be at a young age, and perhaps therefore dehydration occurs very often in geriatric patients.

The proportion of water to our body weight is approximately 60%, however this number is slightly larger at a young age that in the elderly. Water is in the blood vessels, in intercellular space and in the cells themselves. Water is a solvent for the salts, proteins, lipids and other substances forming our body. A balance between intake and loss of water indicates about the normal water parameters. Drinking liquid depends on access to its source, from mental factors and the sensitivity of the thirst center, which can be found in the brain.

One should not underestimate the role of water for our body. The insufficient amount of water in the body may result in devastating consequences, causing the development of many diseases. And on the contrary, this state itself – dehydration – can be kind of a signal of the developing diseases. Thuswise it is extremely important to have sufficient information about dehydration.

Dehydration may appear at any age but the most dangerous it is to elderly people and children. That is why it is so significant for caregivers to learn more about the symptoms and reasons of dehydration, and understand how to prevent it.

The main reasons of dehydration

There are several reasons that lead a person to dehydration. Among the major factors of fluid loss can be identified the following:

• long-term overheating in the open sun – heat stroke;
• excessive sweating;
• loss of water due to some gastrointestinal tract diseases -diarrhea, vomiting;
• inadequate nutrition;
• temperature changes during fever;
• increased urine output at different diseases, such as diabetes, Addison’s disease, kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, incorrect use of diuretics;
• decreased feeling of thirst, and as a result drinking not enough water;
• poor kidney function;
• for disabled or frail seniors – inability to reach a glass of water or sometimes it is just difficult or painful for them to get up from the chair to get some drink.

In a normal state blood plasma is composed of 90% of water. The lack or thickening of blood provokes constriction of peripheral capillaries and vessels, which manifests itself in the hemodynamic disturbances – hypotension, vegetative-vascular disorders or hypertension. In cases when the stage of dehydration is extremely severe, it often ends in death.

Symptoms and signs of dehydration

A major indicator of dehydration is a quick weight loss. In just a few days you can lose up to several pounds. A quick weight loss (when you lose more than 10% of your body’s total weight) is considered severe. The problem is in the fact that very often it is hard to distinguish signs of dehydration from the symptoms of other diseases, but, in general, dehydration has the following signs:

• viscous saliva, dry mouth;
• increased thirst;
• mucous membrane of the eye cannot tear;
• wrinkled skin;
• swings of emotional state – at first excitement, then – sudden irritability;
• a slight dizziness;
• decreased urination, at the same time urine has a dark color;
• cooling of the limbs;
• skin numbness;
• occurrence of muscle cramps.

In severe cases of dehydration you may observe the following signs:
• severe dizziness, which occurs in the supine position;
• changes in behavioral responses – a sharp sense of fear, inattention, embarrassment, etc .;
• lightheadedness, shown after 2 minutes after lifting;
• weakness in limbs, when you cannot get up or move around;
• rapid breathing and weak pulse;
• clammy and cold skin, and sometimes the opposite – hot and dry;
• no urination for more than 12 hours;
• loss of consciousness.

Prevention of dehydration

The danger of dehydration consequences is so high that at times it can cost too much. In order not to expose your body to such endurance it is necessary to prevent possible dehydration in the very first stage. To prevent dehydration some simple recommendations should be followed:

1. In dry weather, during long journeys, active physical activity or high body temperature, always have on hand a bottle of water.
2. Make sure that children and the elderly in your family consume a sufficient amount of fluid per day.
3. Avoid exercise, when the weather is hot and dry.
4. Avoid alcohol, especially in hot weather, because it blocks the ability to feel the symptoms of the first stage of dehydration.
5. In sunny and dry days, try to wear clothing in bright colors, preferably made of natural fabrics and loose-fitting.
6. Try to be in the shade or air-conditioned environments.
7. Healthy eating is also important – the diet should include food containing water, such as fruits, vegetables, soups.

Take care of your loved ones and help them to hydrate normally. And mind, that cases of severe dehydration need an urgent medical attention.

Nutritional Warning Signs

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Taking care of an aging parent or your loved ones requires great attention, not only personal, but attention to the things they do, to the stuff they prefer, or to the things they forget…

With age, certain things that seem usual to us can become really difficult for them: personal care, driving, shopping, cooking and eating. Malnutrition has become a serious problem among seniors that cause a variety of health problems.

It is very significant to look for the signs of malnutrition, so you can help you loved ones before serious problems can happen. In many cases malnutrition is a result of difficulties with cooking process, shopping or a matter of forgetfulness.

If you’ve noticed the warning signs, you need to consult a doctor and make a special correction plan for food intake.

Below is the list of signs that will indicate the problem of poor nutrition.

1. Weight Loss

Weight loss is the biggest and the most obvious sign. If you notice that your aging parent or loved one has lost weight, it’s time to check with a doctor, especially if you are not sure, what is the main reason for the weight loss.

2. Empty refrigerator of a great number of spoiled products

It is very important during your visits to your loved ones, to check the content of the fridge and the pantry. If you notice that there are not so many products left or there are spoiled items, this might indicate that they do not shop or eat properly. Ask your parent or loved ones about their mobility, about the desire to cook and eat, about their memory.

3. Depression and social isolation

Very often the roots of the problem do not lie on the surface; most often they are hidden inside the person. Malnutrition can be caused by depression and social isolation. The person does not feel needed and important things become insignificant to them.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is also one of the main signs of improper nutrition. When seniors do not get enough food, their bodies stop functioning normally, these seniors will have dental problems, can bruise easily, etc.

At Day View Adult Family Home we understand and try to meet the needs of seniors. If you have questions about our adult family home or about the topic we’ve discussed, please free to contact us. We are here to help you and your loved ones!

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Tag Archives: nutrition

THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMINS IN SPRING

DEHYDRATION IN SENIORS: all you need to know about this illness

Healthy Food for Seniors