Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that already exist in your senior’s intestinal tract. These bacteria help her to boost her immune system and to digest her food. Medications like antibiotics can harm that beneficial bacteria, as can a variety of other health issues. Replacing those bacteria with new beneficial bacteria can improve your senior’s quality of life greatly.
Yogurt Is One of the Easiest Ways to Add Probiotics
One of the easiest ways to start introducing probiotics into your senior’s diet is through yogurt. It’s readily available and many people love how it tastes. Your senior can start with plain yogurt and add fruit, nuts, honey, and other things to her taste. Or she can choose from pre-packaged versions in a variety of flavors. If going that route, it’s a good idea to keep tabs on sugar levels and other added ingredients.
Eating Fermented Foods Is Another Option
Yogurt isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, of course, so luckily there are other fermented foods available. Foods like sauerkraut, kefir, buttermilk, and so much more are available. It might be a good idea to try a few of these different ideas and see which ones your elderly family member enjoys eating the most. Some people love kombucha, for instance, while others prefer the spicy flavors in kimchi.
Taking Probiotic Supplements Is Easy
If your senior is a picky eater, then maybe she needs to go a different route. Probiotic supplements are really easy to add to your senior’s supplements and medications. There are a variety of different types of probiotics available and they don’t require her to change how she’s eating at all. This is also a good plan for your elderly family member if chewing and swallowing are difficult for her, because they don’t involve changing the types of foods she’s eating.
Changing Her Diet Can Be Tough
Adjusting your senior’s diet can be very difficult. If she’s having a tough time already getting the nutrients that she needs, she may need help with this. Bringing in elderly care providers to do the cooking and the meal preparation for your elderly family member can help to ensure that she’s getting the right mix of nutrients and that she’s eating regularly. This is an important part of keeping her as healthy as possible.
Your senior’s doctor may have other ideas for helping her to get more probiotics in her diet, too, so don’t be afraid to ask.