In addition to that, it's largely recognized that excess added sugar can lead to heart disease, some kinds of cancer and chronic inflammation. If you have arthritis or joint pain, getting away from sugar could help you feel better more often without pain medications.

The American Health Association suggests that men should eat no more than nine teaspoons of added sugar a day 36 grams , while women should opt for six teaspoons or less 24 grams.

It's a bit of a misunderstanding that "all sugar is bad. Natural sugar occurs naturally in the foods you eat every day. For example, lactose in milk is a natural sugar. The natural sugars in fruits and other foods tend to be combined with protein and fiber, which means you're less likely to get a blood sugar spike and more likely to feel full longer.

The same can't be said for added sugars. Added sugars are included in addition to natural sugars to sweeten up a product, but they're not always paired with the vitamins and nutrients that would help balance them out.

For instance, did you know that sugary drinks contain an average of 39 grams of added sugar? If you go by the American Heart Association's guidelines, that's more added sugar than anyone should have in a day, let alone in a single drink. So, the answer to the question above, "Should you remove sugar from your diet?

Keep in mind that the World Health Organization doesn't place a limit on natural sugars , so if you're hoping for something sweet to eat, try a sweet fruit to soothe your sweet tooth.

The American Heart Association suggests some great tips for cutting down on added sugar in your diet. Here are several ideas to keep in mind that you can implement in your own life starting today.

Taking these steps will help you feel better and keep the amount of added sugar in your diet under control. Over time, better control could mean a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity and other serious illnesses.

Text Size. The Truth About Sugar for Seniors and How to Reduce It in Your Diet There's nothing quite as sweet as adding a little sugar to your tea or meal, but is it good for you?

Is Sugar Bad for Seniors? Examples of added sugar include: Brown sugar Corn syrup Fructose Dextrose High-fructose corn syrup For example, an orange has nine grams of natural sugar balanced with fiber and other nutrients.

Do You Need to Remove Sugar From Your Diet? What Can You Do to Reduce Sugar in Your Diet? Stop drinking soda. If you can opt for water or a diet drink, both are better than drinking a sugar-laden pop.

The brain is the biggest consumer of glucose, and it demands a steady supply. Less seriously, if your patient skips a meal, they may temporarily have difficulty concentrating or remembering.

Those who sporadically consume too much sugar may become dehydrated, fatigued, and develop headaches. Glycogen from the liver helps keep the brain supplied. Incidentally, storage of excess carbs causes more obesity than is caused by consuming fats.

You likely care for patients experiencing the consequences of frequently overeating sugar. As individuals age, their metabolism slows, and they often become less active. Their bodies lose efficiency in regulating blood sugar levels. Consistently high blood sugar increases the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes, among other health issues.

Excess sugar also accelerates aging. That includes damaging the skin , resulting in:. Cells lose their ability to function properly. Few people consciously consume excess sugar. Natural sugar occurs in foods like fruit, vegetables, and milk.

Some sugars touted as natural, such as agave, are refined. Refined makes them so processed that they are classified as added sugars. Added sugars, also called hidden sugars , generally have no nutritional value. Processed foods billed as low-fat often include added sugars. Many people consume several times the healthy amounts of sugar through foods with hidden sugar.

Hidden sugars are in foods sweetened with any kind of syrup, such as rice syrup. Honey, molasses, nectars, and any ingredient with sugar as part of the name is an added sugar.

Soft drinks , fruit drinks, and sports or energy drinks contain huge amounts of sugar. Sweet treats and snacks also are full of added sugars. Teach your patients how to read nutrition labels rather than relying on the claims on the front of packages. Pegasus expert in-home caregivers in Toluca Lake and our other locations teach clients how to follow healthy eating practices.

They understand that small amounts of sugar are beneficial, but excessive amounts are detrimental to health. Career home health care nurses assist individuals in balancing all the nutrients their bodies need, including appropriate amounts of sugar.

Pegasus Home Health Care values and supports our nurses and team members. We offer the support and training each needs to advance their career. Skip to main content Skip to footer Commitment to Care, Passion to Serve Telephone: Fax:

However, when the cells become full, they will reject these sugars and protect themselves from them by transforming into insulin-resistant cells. As a result, your pancreas will keep on producing more insulin because they sense the high sugar level in your blood.

Eventually, this excess sugar and insulin will travel into your brain and then drown the cells to death. Besides killing the brain cells, too much sugar in the brain can also cause slowed cognitive function and even memory and attention problems for seniors.

Furthermore, it weakens and damages the blood vessels, which again leads to a declining mental capacity. Additionally, weakened blood vessels can cause you to experience ministrokes in the brain , leading to various kinds of dementia.

Research published in found evidence that consuming excess sugar can cause inflammation in the body and brain. These fats attached to the vital organs of your body will then release inflammatory protein, which leads to inflammation in the body and brain, leading to memory problems.

Fortunately, brain inflammation and slowed cognition caused by excess blood sugar can still be reversed through a proper diet, preferably one with less sugar in it. Here are five tips on how you can reduce sugar in your everyday meals.

Stay away from processed foods as they are the ones that contain lots of added sugars but have little to no nutrients. Other foods that you should only eat in moderation include:. Another major source of unhealthy sugars that seniors in memory care in Oceanside should avoid are drinks containing added sugars.

This includes your carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, juice and sports drinks. Drink at least seven to eight glasses of water daily to flush out the wastes and toxins in your body. You can also incorporate roasted coffee beans, plain tea, and milk into your daily beverage roster.

A great and healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings is to munch on foods with natural sugars in them. This can be fresh, frozen, or canned berries, mangoes, pineapples, cherries, apples, and pears.

These fruits contain healthy sugar that can curb your sweet tooth and even supply you with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

When managing sugar intake, one area to pay close attention to is beverage choices. Soda, fruit juices, and sweetened coffee or tea contain substantial added sugars, leading to increased calorie intake and potential health complications.

Instead, opt for healthier alternatives such as:. Infused Water — Staying hydrated with plain water is e ssential for overall health and helps avoid unnecessary sugar intake. Herbal Tea — Unsweetened herbal teas offer a variety of flavors without adding sugar.

They can be enjoyed hot or iced, providing hydration and potential health benefits. Unsweetened Alternatives — Seniors can choose unsweetened coffee or tea and gradually adjust their taste preferences by reducing sugar or sweetener added over time. Additionally, check the total grams of sugar per serving and compare it to the recommended daily sugar intake.

Comparing the sugar content among different brands can also be a great way to lower the sugar content when selecting similar products. This includes incorporating lean proteins such as poultry, fish, and legumes, along with whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.

Fiber-rich vegetables should also be included to provide essential nutrients while naturally containing lower amounts of added sugars. Caregivers or senior care service providers can assist in offering sample meal ideas that encompass these food groups. For example, a balanced dinner could consist of grilled chicken breast, quinoa pilaf, and steamed broccoli, while snacks may include fresh fruit with a handful of nuts or yogurt topped with berries and a sprinkle of granola.

These ideas help seniors visualize well-rounded meals that are not only nutritious but also delicious. Seniors sh ould eat slowly, savor their meals, and recognize their hunger and fullness cues. By practicing portion control, seniors can enjoy their favorite foods in moderation.

Social gatherings and dining out can present challenges when managing sugar intake, as sugary foods are often prevalent.

However, there are strategies seniors can employ to navigate these situations while still maintaining their sugar intake goals. One approach is to choose healthier options when available, such as opting for fresh fruit or a small serving of a low-sugar dessert.

Additionally, open communication with friends, family, and restaurant staff about dietary preferences and needs can help create a supportive and understanding environment.

By making mindful choices and planning, seniors can enjoy social gatherings while managing their sugar intake effectively.

Consulting healthcare professionals, such as dietitians or nutritionists, who can provide personalized advice and support can be helpful. Here are some key points to emphasize:. Seniors can highlight their dietary needs during routine or annual physical exams with the primary care physician.

They can offer valuable insights, meal planning strategies, and practical tips to make healthier choices. Joining support groups or community programs focused on healthy eating habits can help seniors share their experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

Being part of such programs can help you stay motivated, gain knowledge, and build a sense of community. Reducing sugar intake is a process that takes time and patience. Make gradual changes instead of attempting drastic alterations all at once.

Seniors can seek support from loved ones, friends, or support groups during the journey. A support system can provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability, making it easier to sustain healthier habits.

Try taking proactive steps to healthier habits. Celebrate small victories along the way. Progress is not always linear, and setbacks may occur. Stay committed, seek support when needed, and focus on the long-term benefits of reducing sugar intake for overall health and well-being.

On the journey to live a better and healthy life, the best medical clinic Elite Care Health Center can provide valuable resources and services to help seniors navigate the challenges and make healthier choices in their daily lives.

Our bodies change as we get older, and staying hydrated is one area that requires extra care and attention. Water makes up a sizable.

Not drinking enough water can make the problem worse. Along with the sense of taste, the sense of smell also declines as we age. This makes it more difficult for a senior to taste all the flavors in their food and makes them want to eat more salty or sugary foods.

However, it is best for seniors to decrease their intake of foods that are high in salt and sugar. Seniors should get their sodium and sugar levels checked regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They can use a blood sugar machine to monitor glucose levels and visit the hospital to check their sodium levels.

Many seniors crave sweets because they are not eating often enough or are not getting enough carbohydrates in their diet. Instead of sweets, they should be eating whole grains, protein, and fats in their meals.

A lot of times, a little bit of sweetness can be added to meals for seniors, and this can be done in a healthy way to satisfy the craving. However, craving excessive sweetness can lead to an issue with calories or carbohydrates.

Also, many seniors suffering from diabetes can enjoy sugar-free treats to satisfy their sugar cravings. They should always consult their doctor before starting a new diet. Here are a few tips for seniors to reduce their sugar intake and live a healthy life.

whole grains, protein, and fats in senior meals. There are many options for sweet treats that are healthy and that seniors can enjoy. Here are a few ideas:. If your senior loved one enjoys sweet, sugary drinks, but is having health problems, it is important to work on eliminating them.

You should start with lowering the amount of sugar over time in their favorite drink such as coffee or tea. This will help them get used to the change in sweetness. Make sure that the senior lowers the amount of processed food they consume, as these foods usually contain a lot of salt.

It is crucial that you read the labels and avoid sugar in condiments, smoothies , dairy products, and any other foods they consume. If your senior loved one is having major sugar cravings that are causing them to have health problems, they should substitute eating sugar with a healthy activity.

This includes walking, calling a friend, listening to music, etc.