Late-onset food allergies can occur in people between the ages of 18 to 86. The older an individual is at the time of onset, the more severe the allergic reaction will be. Some of the most common food allergies involve fish, nuts, peanuts, shellfish, and soy products, and they affect up to 10 percent of the elderly population. If your loved one has just been diagnosed with food allergies, here are a few ways you can address this issue.
Determine the Causes of Food Allergies
Food allergies can develop as the immune system ages through a process known as immunosenescence. The degradation of immunological mast cells, decreased gastrointestinal acid, and insufficient levels of vitamin D, iron, and zinc lead to abnormal levels of immunoglobulin E, which is associated with allergies.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-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.
Address Food Allergies
Once a food allergy is suspected and diagnosed, the senior must stop eating the item. Older adults or family members should check food labels for allergens when shopping for groceries.
Care must also be taken when eating out at restaurants or in the homes of relatives. When you’re attending community or family gatherings with your loved one, make sure to bring nonallergenic food for him or her.
Consider Additional Therapeutic Options
If a senior accidentally eats an item that causes a reaction, doctors sometimes recommend over-the-counter antihistamines. If anaphylaxis is a possibility, physicians may prescribe epinephrine pen devices for emergencies.
Seniors might undergo evaluation for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and they may need vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E along with iron and zinc. Supplements are necessary if avoiding the suspect food causes a nutritional deficiency.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna interfere with histamine release and reduce inflammation. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and L-glutamine boost gastrointestinal health by preventing the absorption of amino acids in allergens. These probiotics are found in kefir and yogurt. Your loved one can also boost his or her immune system by reducing alcohol intake and getting 30 minutes of exercise five times each week.
As a family caregiver, helping your loved one manage food allergies can be an overwhelming task at times. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Auburn, AL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Learn about Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. Reactions may occur on the skin, the eyes, lips and mouth, ears, or in the upper respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, or the cardiovascular system. When the reaction affects the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation occurs, which prevents nutrient absorption and leads to anemia and fatigue.
When vague symptoms occur, they’re often mistaken for autoimmune disorders, environmental allergies, infections, or sleep pattern disorders. Some traits are considered a natural part of aging. However, other symptoms may indicate long-term health conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or cognitive decline. When planning your loved one’s diet, it’s important to consult his or her physician.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Auburn families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (334) 744-7100 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.