Senior Care Needham MA
Through your own research or conversations with the doctor, you probably are well aware of what foods your senior parent should be adding to their diet. However, are you equally as aware of the foods they should be avoiding?
Due to the various changes the bodies of older adults goes through, they may no longer be able to process certain foods the way they could in their younger days. This could cause them to become ill when consuming certain items.
To ensure that your loved one avoids these foods, a senior care provider can be hired to help the senior purchase the right foods during their grocery shopping trips. Below are the top 8 foods that should be avoided.
Soft cheeses. Soft cheeses contain more moisture and are less acidic than other types of cheeses, causing the soft variety to be a breeding ground for food poisoning bacteria. This includes brie or unpasteurized soft cheeses. However, soft cheese is safe to eat as long as it is cooked since the heat will kill the bacteria.
Raw or undercooked eggs. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, but can be very dangerous to older adults if it is consumed undercooked or raw. This is because salmonella bacteria may be present in these undercooked eggs, which can be deadly to older adults with compromised immune systems.
Unpasteurized milk. Higher levels of bacteria are in unpasteurized milk because it does not go through the same process pasteurized milk does to kill bacteria.
Cold meats. Pepperoni, salami, or other uncooked meats may put the elder at risk for toxoplasmosis, which is a parasitic disease. The senior should choose properly cooked meats, like turkey or chicken, instead of deli meats.
Raw sprouts. Raw sprouts could cause the senior to get food poisoning because the conditions needed to grow sprouts causes bacteria to grow on them. However, they are safe to eat if they are cooked until they are steaming hot.
Unpasteurized juice. Similar to unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized juice does not undergo the same process as pasteurized juice to kill all dangerous bacteria.
Raw fish. Raw fish, like sushi, may contain dangerous bacteria that can leave the elder ill when consumed. Yet, by eating sushi that is properly cooked, you will not need to worry about this problem.
White bread and pasta. Instead of these flour-based, starchy foods, opt for whole wheat bread, refined grains, brown rice and whole grain cereals to ensure the senior is getting plenty of fiber in their diet.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Needham MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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