Eating a well-balanced diet is a great way to keep the body functioning optimally. There are many foods and drinks seniors can consume to strengthen their immune systems and prevent the flu. Here are some foods and drinks to include in your senior loved one’s diet during flu season.
1. Black-Eyed Peas
While eating black-eyed peas for luck on New Year’s Day is a tradition in the South, eating them during flu season is a great way to make sure your loved one gets enough zinc. This important mineral keeps the immune system functioning properly.
2. Carrots
Carrots promote eye health, but eating them is also a great way to keep the flu away because they’re high in beta-carotene. This nutrient can help your loved one stave off respiratory infections.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Tea
Both black and green tea help the body produce interferon, which can keep viruses away. Go ahead and prompt your loved one to drink another cup, even if it’s decaffeinated, because the optimal amount is five cups per day.
It’s important for seniors to stay well hydrated, especially during flu season. Drinking tea is a healthy way to hydrate because the beverage is loaded with important antioxidants and amino acids to fight the flu.
4. Yogurt
Eating just seven ounces of yogurt on a daily basis may keep the flu bug away because of the live cultures contained in it. Look on the label for the words “live and active cultures” for the best results.
Eating yogurt helps the body because it contains probiotics that strengthen the immune system. If your loved one doesn’t eat yogurt, consider offering cottage cheese or sauerkraut instead, since both are high in probiotics.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Opelika families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
5. Almonds
Almonds are packed with important nutrients that strengthen the body’s immune system. If your loved one has difficulty chewing almonds, consider almond butter instead because it packs an even more powerful punch of immunity-boosting nutrients.
6. Mushrooms
Eating mushrooms is a great way to boost the immune system. Mushrooms can naturally build the cells to kill the flu virus. They’re best eaten raw because cooking them quickly destroys some of the nutrients.
7. Oranges
Consuming oranges is a great way to get vitamin C. Because the body cannot store this important flu-fighting nutrient, it’s important for your loved one to consume it each day.
8. Oats
Having a big bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can keep the flu away because the fiber-rich food contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Studies conducted in Norway suggest eating oatmeal can even boost the effectiveness of commonly prescribed antibiotics.
9. Chicken Soup
While eating chicken soup is great on a cold winter’s day, it’s also an effective way to fight the flu bug because it blocks inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which makes people feel even worse. Additionally, the salty broth prevents mucus from forming.
Preventing illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia is important because they can lead to more significant health issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Opelika seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (334) 744-7100.