Senior Health: The Impact of GMOs

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A higher risk of toxicity and increased susceptibility to food allergies are just a couple of the reasons seniors should reconsider genetically modified (GM) foods. Made with GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, such foods are meant to be heartier and more resistant to crop diseases and pesticides. While this is a good thing, there are some unintended results that may cause health issues for adults 65 and older. Reduced Nutritional Absorption The Alliance for Natural Health reports GMOs mingle with bacteria in the digestive tract and contribute to issues such as leaky gut syndrome, which reduces the absorption of essential nutrients. This could be a problem for seniors already trying to correct nutritional imbalances through diet. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s 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. Food Allergy Exposure Genetically modified corn and soy have failed suggested allergy tests by the World Health Organization. Since GMOs are mixed with genes from multiple DNA sources, allergens could be passed along in modified foods. Seniors sometimes develop allergies later in life that may be triggered by some GM foods. Possible Liver Risks Animal studies showed increased liver toxicity when subjects were fed genetically modified potatoes and soy. Anything that adds toxins to the liver may boost the risk of developing liver-related conditions or chronic liver disease, which has increased among seniors within the past decade. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Auburn, AL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Lingering in the Body Not all GMOs are absorbed by the digestive system. GM foods could pass genetic modifications on to other genes and reduce cells' ability to fight off invaders. There's no significant research on the long-term effects of modified genes in the human body. An alternative for seniors concerned about possible health risks associated with GMOs is organic foods grown with the minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides. Seniors can also plant small vegetable or herb gardens, which provides additional health benefits through gardening. Seniors can avoid GMOs by carefully reading labels, eating organic foods, or even growing their own fruits and vegetables. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Auburn, AL, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at [hca_phone].

A higher risk of toxicity and increased susceptibility to food allergies are just a couple of the reasons seniors should reconsider genetically modified (GM) foods. Made with GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, such foods are meant to be heartier and more resistant to crop diseases and pesticides. While this is a good thing, there are some unintended results that may cause health issues for adults 65 and older. 

Reduced Nutritional Absorption

The Alliance for Natural Health reports GMOs mingle with bacteria in the digestive tract and contribute to issues such as leaky gut syndrome, which reduces the absorption of essential nutrients. This could be a problem for seniors already trying to correct nutritional imbalances through diet.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s 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.

Food Allergy Exposure

Genetically modified corn and soy have failed suggested allergy tests by the World Health Organization. Since GMOs are mixed with genes from multiple DNA sources, allergens could be passed along in modified foods. Seniors sometimes develop allergies later in life that may be triggered by some GM foods. 

Possible Liver Risks

Animal studies showed increased liver toxicity when subjects were fed genetically modified potatoes and soy. Anything that adds toxins to the liver may boost the risk of developing liver-related conditions or chronic liver disease, which has increased among seniors within the past decade. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Auburn, AL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Lingering in the Body

Not all GMOs are absorbed by the digestive system. GM foods could pass genetic modifications on to other genes and reduce cells’ ability to fight off invaders. There’s no significant research on the long-term effects of modified genes in the human body. An alternative for seniors concerned about possible health risks associated with GMOs is organic foods grown with the minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides. Seniors can also plant small vegetable or herb gardens, which provides additional health benefits through gardening. 

Seniors can avoid GMOs by carefully reading labels, eating organic foods, or even growing their own fruits and vegetables. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Auburn, AL, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (334) 744-7100.

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