Many of us do not get the proper nutrition that our bodies require from the foods that we consume. In general, most people do not maintain a healthy and well balanced diet from which the nutrients could be derived. Failing to do this could result in a number of adverse health effects due to vitamin deficiencies within the body – especially among the elderly. Our bones may weaken because of low calcium intake, our eyesight may fail due to the omission of certain vitamins, or our immune system may become compromised because our bodies are weak and deprived in general.
The following advice really not only goes for people receiving elderly care or even providing the elderly care, but for everyone.
What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are pills, capsules, or drink mixes that contain a mixture of vitamin and minerals to supplement the body‘s intake of the daily requirements of each one that, for whatever reason, is not being achieved through diet alone. Optionally, there is a supplement for each individual vitamin and mineral so that people can pick and choose what’s right for them based on their deficiencies. Supplements may include herbs, animal extracts, and amino acids in addition to their vitamin and mineral content.
Who may need to take a dietary supplement?
People who are not consuming the recommended daily amounts of vitamins or minerals should consider taking a dietary supplement. Meeting the body’s required amount of each one is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. The elderly population often consumes the bulk of dietary supplements due to increased risk factors from having a deficiency that accompanies age.
Who should not take dietary supplements?
People who are taking regular medications, whether they are prescribed or the over-the-counter variety, should seek the advice of their dietician, doctor, and/or pharmacist to rule out any possible interactions between the supplements and their medications. Just because the supplements contain important vitamins and minerals does not ensure that they are safe to take in every circumstance.
People who have recently had surgery or are scheduled for surgery in the near future should not consume dietary supplements. The consumption of dietary supplements before or after a surgical procedure could lead to severe complications such as blood pressure and bleeding issues. People who are already consuming dietary supplements should discontinue their usage two to three weeks prior to having a surgical procedure performed.
Whether you are providing the elderly care yourself or you are using a company like ours to provide the elderly care dietary supplements are best used under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Always consult your doctor with questions and concerns before taking any dietary supplements.
Tags: bremerton, elderly care, home care providers, in home care, port orchard, poulsbo, silverdale
