Foods Your Elderly Loved One Should Eat if They Have Chronic Kidney Disease
If your elderly loved one has chronic kidney disease, they are likely going to struggle with eating healthy. The good news is there is a lot of information out there regarding how people with this disease should eat. The main thing to keep in mind is that your elderly loved one needs to get the proper electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins. They need to stay hydrated, as well. In addition to these pieces of advice, there are some foods that you and elder care providers should make sure your elderly loved one eats if they have chronic kidney disease.
Carbohydrates
It is important that your elderly loved one is getting enough carbohydrates in their diet. These will give your loved one energy. Many people who have this disease need to be on a diet that is low in protein. This can lead to a tank in their energy. However, eating carbohydrates can give your elderly loved one the minerals, vitamins, and fiber they need. You can encourage them to eat grains, fruits, vegetables, and some sweets.
Proteins
Your elderly loved one will still need to get some protein, even if they are on a low-protein diet. There are numerous ways that you and elder care providers can make sure your loved one is getting enough protein. Some of the foods that can fill this need include pork, eggs, poultry, and fish. If recommended by your elderly loved one’s doctor, they may need protein supplement shakes, as well.
Calcium and Phosphorus
It is also important that your elderly loved one has the right levels of calcium and phosphorus. These levels will be checked on a regular basis for those who have chronic kidney disease. If your elderly loved one’s phosphorus levels are higher than they should be, the calcium in their bones will be used much quicker than it should be. This can lead to a higher risk of broken bones. Your elderly loved one should avoid foods that are high in phosphorus. This includes cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Conclusion
If you and the elder care providers can make sure your loved one is getting the foods they need, it can help to stabilize their chronic kidney disease, at least for the time being. However, it is still very important that your elderly loved one is seeing their doctor regularly. Even if they are eating everything they should be eating, if they aren’t getting regular medical care and treatment, the foods they eat aren’t really going to matter.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Chadds Ford PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
- Elder Care Strategies for Assisting Seniors in Shingles Recovery - December 29, 2023
- Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Can Maximize Benefits - December 19, 2023
- Personal Care at Home: A Guide to Senior Skin Care - December 13, 2023