Supplements Aging Adults Should Discuss with Their Physicians

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What Supplements Should Seniors Ask Their Doctors About in Des Moines, IA

Seniors need to find a way to get the vitamins and minerals they need to maintain robust health. Many adults choose to take supplements to boost their mental and physical health because consuming adequate amounts of vital nutrients isn’t always easy. To ensure they get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients their minds and bodies need, aging adults should ask their primary care physicians about the following supplements.

Vitamin B6

This vitamin can prevent depression and heart disease, which the elderly are more susceptible to due to isolation, inactivity, poor eating habits, and higher stress levels. In many cases, people can take supplements like vitamin B6 and rely less on medication for good mental health. Speak with your senior parent’s doctor about vitamin B6 to learn how it can benefit your loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional health as he or she ages. If your loved one needs assistance with planning and preparing nutritious meals, help is just a phone call away. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Zinc

Maintaining a robust immune system is beneficial to seniors because it helps them heal and fight off dangerous bacteria and germs, including those that lead to illnesses like the flu, colds, and pneumonia. Taking zinc supplements is a good way for the elderly to boost immune functioning and stave off infectious diseases. It would be best for seniors to speak with their doctors before taking the supplement to avoid consuming too much and overwhelming their bodies. The objective is to boost the systems in the body, not cause damage.

Calcium

Seniors are more prone to bone diseases like osteoporosis. However, minerals such as calcium can stave off the condition and help aging adults increase balance and flexibility while reducing pain and tension in the bones. To get adequate amounts of calcium, seniors need to consume foods like fish, dark leafy greens, and low-fat dairy products. Even when these foods are included in aging adults’ diets, their calcium intake can still be lower than necessary, which is why taking calcium supplements is a good idea. Ask your loved one’s doctor about calcium’s many benefits and how your parent should take the supplements. Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia often find it challenging to meet their nutritional needs on their own. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Des Moines families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

Vitamin D

Falling is one of the top causes of head traumas for aging adults, and accidents can lead to severe problems, including fractures, infections, and death. Getting plenty of vitamin D is an excellent way to prevent falls and boost balance and flexibility in the senior years. When you take your loved one to the doctor, ask about vitamin D supplements. This nutrient could boost your parent’s bone health and stave off falls, head traumas, broken bones, and more. Stronger bones also increase physical activity, lower stress levels, help with weight management, and boost independence.

Magnesium

When it comes to preventing cardiac problems, your loved one will need to get enough magnesium each day. Doing so could lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. The nutrient also benefits the bones. Calcium stimulates the muscles, but magnesium can relax those muscles again. If your parent is taking multiple supplements such as calcium and magnesium simultaneously, ask his or her doctor about the benefits and if there are any side effects. You want to ensure your loved one gets what he or she needs without causing any health issues.  In Des Moines, senior home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (515) 264-2438 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.

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