Should Seniors Avoid Gluten?
As a senior, it can be hard to understand how the body is changing and the new nutritional needs. Although many older adults still need the same amount of calories, they may have never needed to focus on diet, thanks to a fast metabolism for burning through the junk food they’ve consumed. Many older adults wish to age in place until their final days, but this can be exceptionally hard. Sometimes personal care at home providers is one of the best options when considering this route.
Personal care at home providers will help a senior make healthier choices and keep up with the light housework. If you have not been able to stop by your parent’s house or been so busy taking care of your family, there is no need to stress about your parents. Caregivers are meant to help families like you can create a care plan that you, the seniors, and even doctors agree on. It takes a team to allow a senior to age in place.
With growing health awareness among both young and old, it’s unsurprising that the number of individuals embracing gluten-free diets has increased in recent years. While life without gluten is a sacrifice, more and more individuals are adjusting and finding its many benefits on a daily basis.
What Exactly Is Gluten?
Personal Care at Home in Novi, MI: Seniors and Gluten
Gluten is a family of proteins present in various grains, including wheat, barley, rye, and more. Among these proteins, glutenin and gliadin are the two most abundant. When grain flour is combined with water, these proteins provide a sticky texture to the dough and enable the bread to rise during baking. Gluten’s adverse health consequences are also a result of these proteins, namely the one termed gliadin.
What Happens When You Eat Gluten?
Seniors may consume gluten without experiencing adverse health implications. However, it cannot be denied that the adverse effects of gluten on the body are rapidly increasing. If seniors struggle with celiacs, gluten sensitivity, or have other allergies they may experience worse side effects than someone without these problems.
Gluten and Celiacs
Additionally referred to as coeliac disease, this is the most severe form of gluten sensitivity and is becoming more widespread among seniors. Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune illness in which the body mounts an immune response in response to gluten consumption. Gluten proteins are mistaken for foreign particles by the body’s cells, resulting in severe damage to the small intestine, digestive problems, anemia, and vitamin shortages.
Gluten Sensitivity
Not all gluten-related issues are caused by celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity is often shown by digestive discomfort after gluten consumption, anemia, difficulty gaining weight, fatigue, stomach aches, bloating, and depression.
Wheat Allergy or Other Allergies
Seniors suffering from allergies after eating wheat may have digestive issues afterwards. They may have severe cramping or pain that leads them to stay away from ingesting too much gluten or wheat products.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Personal Care at Home in Novi, MI please contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Health, LLC today. 734-259-4200
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