Can Home Care Help Your Senior Reduce Their Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is mainly produced in the liver and helps produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that aid digestion. High cholesterol levels in the blood may increase the risk of developing certain types of heart disease. However, what you should keep in mind is that there is good and bad cholesterol.
With so much misinformation, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t true about cholesterol. The truth is there is good and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol, also known as HDL cholesterol, helps to remove bad cholesterol from the body. Bad cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Your senior needs to limit the bad cholesterol to ensure they can live the longest, healthiest life possible and age in place for longer.
What is Low the Consequence of High Cholesterol?
High triglycerides or cholesterol levels in the blood may cause plaque on the artery walls and restrict blood flow. In the same way that a blocked pipe in a home may be an annoyance, this accumulation can disrupt normal function and potentially have harmful effects. Not focusing on the right cholesterol can lead to the following:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Inactivity
- Smoking
If you know your senior needs to lower their cholesterol or you want them to focus on it more, it’s time to get a doctor involved. First, a doctor may use a blood test to measure cholesterol levels.
The test measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, in your blood. If the tests come back negative, a doctor will review the best ways for a senior to focus on this issue. Home care can be in the appointment and then going home with a senior to develop a treatment plan and new routine. Here are some of the best ways to limit cholesterol through the diet.
Increase Fiber!
One dietary component that might help reduce cholesterol levels is soluble fiber. It has been shown to aid the elderly in maintaining healthy blood sugar and lipid levels. Additionally, the increased stool bulk aids older people in keeping regular bowel habits. Try eating legumes, soybeans, and pinto beans.
Fat Intake
Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may also aid in raising HDL cholesterol levels, the so-called “good” cholesterol. The heart benefits from eating foods like fish, which can help reduce the risk of blood clots, inflammation, and more. Bad fat like donuts and pies can be dangerous to a seniors health and should be limited! Everything should be eaten in moderation.
Sodium Content
High blood pressure and cholesterol are only two complications that may arise from consuming too much salt. You may reduce your daily salt intake by eating canned goods preserved in reduced salt, no added salt, or natural juices. Rinsing beans before using them in a recipe is another way to reduce the sodium content.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care in Holdingford, MN please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350
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