Eating a well-balanced diet provides the right amount of vitamin C to allow the body to function properly. However, certain health conditions and medications can make it difficult for seniors to absorb enough vitamin C from their diet unless they make an effort to consume more. Seniors who get enough vitamin C can enjoy the following benefits for their health.
Protect Against Cancer
Vitamin C boosts the immune system, which plays a role in protecting against certain types of cancer. Most of the foods that contain high levels of vitamin C are also loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which establishes an overall general level of good health that prevents cancer and leads to a better outcome when receiving cancer treatments.
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Manage Vision Impairment
Age-related macular degeneration tends to worsen as time goes by. However, seniors who get enough of this vitamin tend to find their symptoms progress slower or halt altogether. It’s also been found that seniors who have high levels of vitamin C in the body have reduced rates of cataracts. Although researchers aren’t sure why, it’s clear that getting proper nutrition enhances the ability of the eyes to heal and prevent certain common vision conditions.
Heal from Illness and Injury
Vitamin C is a primary nutrient the immune system needs to function. While most people already know that having enough vitamin C prevents seniors from coming down with the common cold, they may not know it also helps with healing. Seniors who have proper vitamin C levels bruise less easily and experience less inflammation in the body following an injury, which helps them recover faster at home after they get hurt or undergo a surgery.
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Increase Metabolism
Weight management is an issue many seniors face as their metabolism slows down over time. Vitamin C is shown to increase the rate of metabolic action in the body, which promotes weight loss. Reducing weight prevents obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, or it can help seniors manage preexisting conditions. Often, the symptoms of diabetes and high blood pressure go down when seniors begin to practice proper weight management.
Enhance Overall Appearance
Your loved one’s overall appearance can change when he or she begins to get enough vitamin C in the diet, because this vitamin plays a role in helping the skin cells rejuvenate through the production of collagen. Since collagen levels begin to wane in the senior years, having the body produce more eases the appearance of wrinkles. Once your loved one sees smoother and more youthful skin, it won’t take much convincing to get him or her to eat more foods that are rich in this vitamin.
Taking vitamin C can benefit the health of family caregivers as well. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Albuquerque, NM, families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To schedule a free consultation, call 505-798-0800 today.
