The Impact of Mineral Imbalance in Seniors
Senior Home Care in Prince William Valley VA
There are some changes that are almost expected as the years pass by, such as decreased flexibility or hearing and vision issues. However, there are other changes that seniors might not realize impact them as much as they do. For instance, an imbalance of minerals could cause issues for some seniors. For healthier aging, seniors should have an understanding of how mineral imbalances affect them, and senior home care can help.
Understanding Common Mineral Imbalances
No two seniors are alike, but there are some commonalities when it comes to mineral imbalances that they should be privy to. With the assistance of senior home care and their loved ones, they can access valuable information about these issues in order to talk with the medical team about their concerns. Some of the common issues are as follows:
Calcium and Bone Health
Imbalance: Not getting enough calcium can weaken bones, which raises the risk of osteoporosis and injuries.
Effects: Seniors who don’t get enough calcium may be at a higher risk for broken bones. This may also impact their mobility, making it harder for them to do daily tasks. When this happens, it can also affect their independence.
Solution: Seniors should focus on adding dairy products, leafy veggies, and fortified cereals to their diets. Along with eating these foods, they may talk to the medical team about the possibility of calcium supplements to increase or maintain bone density.
Magnesium and Muscles
- Imbalance: Not getting enough magnesium can cause muscle cramps, twitches, and weakness.
- Effects: Muscle cramps and weakness can make it hard to move around, which raises the risk of falling and getting hurt. Unfortunately for many seniors, the pain and soreness related to this can last for a long time.
- Solution: These symptoms can be eased by eating foods that are high in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy veggies. If needed, magnesium supplements can also help.
Potassium and Heart Health
- Imbalance: Not having enough potassium in the body can lead to irregular heartbeats, exhaustion, and weak muscles.
- Effects: An irregular heartbeat can lead to more serious heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. Also, when seniors have weakened muscles, it can be harder for them to complete daily tasks or enjoy outings with family and friends.
- Solution: Foods that are high in potassium, like oranges, bananas, potatoes, and spinach, should be a focus for seniors. However, when it comes to potassium supplements, it’s important to include the medical team in the conversation, as too much potassium can have a negative impact.
Iron and Energy Levels
- Imbalance: Not getting enough iron can cause anemia, which shows up as exhaustion, weakness, and pale skin.
- Effects: The effects of low iron could lead to anemia, which can greatly impact seniors’ energy levels, making it hard for them to stay busy and participate in daily activities. It can also change the way their brain works as well as their immunity system.
- Solution: Red meat, beans, lentils, cereals with added iron, and leafy green veggies are all great sources of iron. Like potassium, too much iron is a bad thing and could even become toxic, so talking with the medical team is key.
Mineral imbalances can have a big effect on seniors’ health and way of life, and the ones listed above are only a few that may cause issues. With the help of senior home care, loved ones, and the medical team, seniors can make sure they have the vital minerals they need.
Sources:
https://extension.sdstate.edu/vitamins-minerals-older-adults
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/missing-nutrients
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Prince William Valley, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
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