You may know about the foods that can cause a senior to be stressed more, like sugar and alcohol, but do you know about the foods that can help lower stress? It is true, some foods can help calm a senior down when they feel stressed or anxious. Instead of turning to the heavily processed foods that are easier to make, try hiring help at home like professional senior home care. These caregivers can help ensure a senior is eating the natural foods you recommend.
It is best to ensure seniors always communicate with their doctor about what they should be eating and which foods they should be avoiding. Senior home care providers can help drive them to activities like the doctors and help them keep track of how they’re fueling their bodies. This can be especially useful if your senior wishes to age in place but doesn’t have the time to help them through aging. Professional caregivers can be the best tool that you and your loved one utilize.
When a senior is stressed, it means their body is producing more cortisol; certain foods will increase that while others lower that response. Finding the right foods to battle stress will help a senior work through it. Diet plays a huge role in mental health but is also one that seniors may not focus on for many different reasons. Sometimes seniors cannot taste like they used to, they’re less hungry, or they may forget how to cook simple dishes. It is important to have access to quick and healthy foods that will help relieve them of stress instead of triggering it. Take a look at this list of foods that can help seniors lower stress levels.
High Vitamin B Food
Things like chicken, eggs, organ meats, and nutritional yeast are all high vitamin B foods. Why should seniors eat vitamin B rich foods? It helps them metabolize the stress hormone better. Finding ways to burn up or eat that cortisol in the body will help limit the amount of stress they feel on a physical level. Finding vitamin B12 may be the best way to combat stress on a biological level.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Eating avocados, anchovies, chia seeds, and salmon all have one thing in common, they are high in omega 3 fatty acids. All of these foods can also help fight inflammation as well as help with mental stress. The fatty acids cross the blood-brain barrier which can help influence the brain and central nervous system.
Magnesium Rich Foods
Eating a piece of dark chocolate, broccoli, or a handful of spinach can also have stress-reducing qualities. It is filled with magnesium which can help metabolize cortisol and also fight inflammation in the body. If you are trying to find ways for a senior to relax through diet, this is one of the best ways to do it. You can try an avocado and spinach smoothie to get all of the magnesium rich ingredients into one meal.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/omega-3s-for-anxiety
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR HOME CARE IN PALO ALTO, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY (408) 317-4969.
