There are several things your senior loved one can eat and drink to mitigate the effects of the flu virus. Consider including some of these foods and drinks in your loved one’s diet when he or she has the flu.
1. Ice Pops
The cold temperature of ice pops soothes the throat while making sure your loved one stays hydrated. Consuming enough fluids helps mucus become thinner so the body can get rid of it easily. Look for pops made with natural fruit juices.
2. Turkey
Eating a simple turkey sandwich gives your loved one’s body the energy it needs to fight the flu. The lean protein found in turkey meat builds the immune system.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Prestige Home Care Orlando is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Vegetable Juices
While it’s important to watch the sodium level in vegetable juices, your loved one can drink some while he or she has the flu. Drinking vegetable juices can help your loved one stay hydrated and support his or her immune system by providing important antioxidants and nutrients.
4. Chicken Soup
If you encourage your loved one to eat a bowl of chicken soup during a bout of flu, he or she may start to feel better. Eating chicken soup eases congestion in the lungs and clears mucus from nasal passages.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. Windermere families can rely on Prestige Home Care Orlando to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
5. Ginger
Encourage your loved one to consume some ginger when he or she comes down with the flu. Your loved one can add ginger to foods or drink flat ginger ale. Consuming ginger fights flu-induced nausea, and it has also been shown to stop inflammation.
6. Tea
Both green and black tea contain important antioxidants. Breathing in the hot steam clears stuffy nasal passages. Tea can also help your loved one stay hydrated.
7. Bananas
Bananas are easy to digest and can even stop cramps. When your loved one has the flu, eating bananas can be an effective way to treat diarrhea and nausea.
Preventing illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia is important because they can lead to more significant health issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Orlando seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Prestige Home Care Orlando at (407) 604-0504 today.