Seniors who consume too much red meat put themselves at risk for a wide array of serious health complications. Here’s a list of the risks your senior loved one faces if red meat is a major part of his or her diet.
Coli
coli is a bacterium found in unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized apple cider, and meat. The threat of E. coli is greatest in ground beef. In humans, E. coli can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure. This bacterium is particularly dangerous for seniors because they may have compromised immune systems and are at greater risk for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
Diabetes
It may be red meat, not sweets, putting your loved one at risk for diabetes. Diets containing large amounts of animal products, including red meat, can lead to obesity, which is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. As few as three extra servings of red meat a week can increase your loved one’s risk of diabetes by 50 percent.
By making healthier lifestyle choices, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Heroes Home Care, a trusted provider of homecare services. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Heart Disease
Red meat contains a compound called carnitine. Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract turn carnitine into trimethylamine N-oxide during the digestive process. This substance can cause a buildup of plaque and hardening of the arteries, which increases your loved one’s risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Alzheimer’s
Red meat is rich in iron. While iron is necessary for preventing conditions like anemia, too much of it can be dangerous. Researchers at UCLA are suggesting iron accumulation in the brain is a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease. They studied the brains of 31 people with Alzheimer’s and found the portions of the brain affected by the disease also had high accumulations of iron in the tissue.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Amarillo Heroes Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
Cancer
Eating red meat may increase your loved one’s risk of certain types of cancer. A study of nearly 150,000 seniors showed those who ate large amounts of red meat had the highest risk of colorectal cancer. The study also revealed those who ate primarily fish and poultry actually lowered their risk.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Heroes Home Care, a leading provider of elder care. Amarillo Heroes Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (806) 803-9991 today.