It’s not surprising to learn that seniors have a slower immune system than younger adults and need to boost immunity. As we age, immune cells aren’t as plentiful, so when a virus sets in it takes longer to bounce back. The good news is that there’s an easy way to make the immune system stronger – by eating up! Read on to learn about the best foods to incorporate into your aging parent’s diet.
Oranges and Other Citrus Fruits
Oranges and other citrus fruits offer high counts of vitamin C. It’s believed that vitamin C helps with white cell production, which helps boost immunity. A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice is tasty and beneficial, but lemon or lime juice added to a glass of water or half a grapefruit for breakfast are equally helpful.
Almonds (Vitamin E)
Almonds are another food that can boost immunity. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition took a close look at a study involving senior males who smoked. The study lasted almost five years and showed that men who took a vitamin E supplement each day had a lower risk of getting a cold. Another study performed in Finland found that vitamin E reduced the rates of pneumonia in smokers over the age of 50 by 69 percent.
While a vitamin E supplement may appeal more to an aging adult, a handful of almonds is rich in vitamin E. Almonds a quick, healthy snack that may help boost the immune system and prevent or keep colds from worsening.
Green Tea
Teas are rich in antioxidants that help with immune response. While black tea is fine, green tea is better. It’s rich in EGCG, which has antibiotic properties. The British Journal of Pharmacology found that EGCG helped lower bacteria counts and aided in keeping certain viruses from entering the bloodstream.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are a good way to boost immunity. Look specifically for things like chili peppers that have capsaicin, red peppers and tomatoes that are rich in vitamin C, and broccoli that’s high in antioxidants.
Ginger
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in keeping a sore throat from worsening. Ginger root is easily added to a stir-fry, but it can also be made into a tasty hot beverage with a little honey and lemon to round it out.
While preventative care is great, sometimes a home care services professional is equally helpful. If your parents don’t drive, a caregiver can. If they don’t like to cook or shop for healthy ingredients, a caregiver can do that too. If they do get a cold, caregivers can help with household chores so that they can rest. Talk to our home care services agency today to discover the full range of services.
For more info on how to eat your way to better health, check out this related post: Double Duty: 10 Best Foods for Heart and Brain Health
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16943455/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27757026
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3594666/