High Cholesterol and Sodium Pose Risks to Senior Health

Two significant dietary risks that seniors encounter are high cholesterol and high sodium. Eating a healthy diet is one way to limit the risks associated with both of these. It may be difficult for seniors to cook for themselves. As a result, they rely upon processed foods that can be heated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Another option is to eat out frequently at restaurants. This often results in a diet that is high in both sodium and cholesterol. Those that have home healthcare services to assist with cooking will likely eat a healthier diet. Those that have no home care help will likely have a harder time eating healthy.



Cholesterol

As people age, the amount of cholesterol in the body increases. Seniors should be aware of their cholesterol levels and have it checked on a routine basis. There are many things that affect cholesterol levels, such as weight, diet, amount of physical activity, age, gender and heredity. The amount of cholesterol in the body affects heart health.



There are both "good" and "bad" types of cholesterol. The good type is referred to as HDL, and the bad is called LDL. Most of the build-up comes from LDL. High levels of LDL can put anyone, especially seniors, at risk for stroke or heart attack.



For many seniors, being active and getting some exercise every day is difficult, especially for those with mobility issues. It is important to keep weight down and remain active when possible. Women typically have higher cholesterol than men, and as a result they should be even more aware of the risks involved and how to lower the LDL.



Following a careful diet is one way to avoid having to take medication to lower cholesterol. Eating foods with lower levels of cholesterol decreases health risks. Fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol. This is a good place to start. Follow a diet of lean meats and foods made with vegetable fats, most seafood and fish.



Avoid foods with a high content of saturated fat. Many processed items fall in this category, such as cookies, candy, crackers, fried and fast food. Also high in cholesterol are cocoa butter, coconut oil and high-fat dairy foods.



Sodium

Another dietary risk that many seniors are affected by is sodium. Although some sodium is important to help the body with its regular functions, too much can cause high blood pressure, stroke, kidney and heart disease.



Foods high in sodium are not good for health, especially for seniors. One of the most common sources of sodium is table salt. Most Americans sit at the table with every meal accompanied by salt and pepper shakers. One solution for avoiding a high-salt diet is to stop using table salt.



There are many foods that contain salt, or sodium, in them. Adding salt to them only increases health risks. Most processed foods, such as canned soup, pizza, frozen meals, sauces and gravies have a very high sodium content. Foods produced from animals, such as meat, milk, cheese and shellfish are also in the high sodium category. Seniors should limit intake of these foods when possible and focus on labels with printing such as salt-free, low sodium or no salt. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also low in sodium.