Food is critical to the well-being of your loved one. This is because food is the primary source of nutrients for the body and thus has a direct impact on the health of your loved one. Eating food is not just about ending pangs of hunger. Your stomach could be full but you can still suffer malnutrition because some of the food that we eat has no nutrient value to the body. Some food such as fizzy drinks and fast food can actually cause harm to our bodies. With this in mind, here are some essential nutrients that your loved one must get in order to have a healthy life.
Calcium
As our years advance, there is a tendency for our bones to become less dense and thus easy to break. This means that even minor falls can lead to bone fractures or even worse. The good news is that calcium can help to reverse this process and ensure that your bones stay healthy and strong. Even among people who suffer from osteoporosis, which is a chronic condition that affects the bones, an increase in calcium intake has been observed to have a beneficial effect on victims of this condition. Food items that are rich in calcium include yogurt, cheese, cabbage, and many others.
Vitamin D
This is a critical nutrient that helps the body to absorb calcium. Unlike most other nutrients, Vitamin D is formed on the skin after exposure to sunlight. To get the best of this nutrient, it is important to enjoy the warmth of the sun every now and then. Ensure to bask during the early hours of the morning or when the sun is setting. This way, you minimize your exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays
Dietary Fiber
Fiber is mostly found in vegetable dishes and is useful in promoting a healthy digestive system. Many Americans suffer from constipation and stomach upsets. A healthy diet of fibrous food can minimize the occurrence of these conditions and allow for easier digestion of food.
Vitamin B12
Another critical nutrient that your loved one must get is Vitamin B12. This vitamin hastens the process of creating red blood cells and is critical especially for people who are anemic. Food items such as fish, milk, and poultry are rich in this nutrient.
Magnesium
Another critical nutrient that helps to keep bones strong and healthy is magnesium. This mineral can be obtained from different kinds of food including nuts, seeds as well as some vegetables.
It is important to practice good cooking techniques in order to preserve some of these delicate nutrients. You should not overcook food because this is one surefire way of destroying the nutrients. At the same time, you should try as much as possible to source natural and organic products as they tend to be richer in many of these nutrients.
Discovery Village At Dominion is your best bet when it comes to assisted living communities. We offer a variety of services, all geared towards improving the quality of life of your loved one. These include top-notch laundry and housekeeping services, which ensure that you save your energy for activities that you enjoy. Give us a call today to learn more about our living community.
