7 Foods to Help Caregivers and Older Adults Stay Hydrated This Summer
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- Published on Monday, 01 July 2013 09:00
Summer fun often includes outdoor activities. In the heat and humidity, dehydration can quickly become an issue. For older adults, dehydration is especially dangerous. They make not take in enough fluids on a normal day because of problems with mobility and other health conditions. Some medications that they take can cause fluid loss. Adding hot summer days to the mix can deplete them of fluids much more quickly. Even a 5% loss of body water can lead to heat exhaustion. A 10% loss in an older adult can lead to heat stroke.
The aging experts at Fall River Jewish Home in New Jersey have pulled together a list of 7 foods you may be surprised to learn can help to keep you hydrated this summer.
- Cucumbers. Rich in Vitamin C, this tasty little vegetable is also largely made up of water. Keeping it on hand to include in salads or to eat as a snack can help keep the senior you care for from getting dehydrated.
- Coconut Water. More than celebrities are drinking it these days. Not only does it taste great (which increases the odds that you will drink more of it!), but it also helps balance and replace electrolytes your body may lose in the heat.
- Grapefruit. This little fruit has many benefits. Its high water content helps with hydration. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has been linked to helping with weight control. A word of caution for seniors. If you are taking any medications, especially those for cholesterol, check with your physician or pharmacist before adding grapefruit to your diet. It can interfere with many prescription drugs.
- Lettuce. Another type veggie that helps keep you hydrated is lettuce. More than 90% of lettuce is water. Dark green leafy lettuce is best for both nutrition and hydration.
- Watermelon. A summer staple in most households, it is one of the most hydrating foods you can find. In addition to being composed largely of water, watermelon also contains potassium, calcium and magnesium. All three nutrients can help rebalance your body in the summer heat.
- Grapes. Throw this tasty little fruit in the freezer and you will enjoy it even more on a hot summer day. Largely made of water, just one cup of grapes contains almost one quarter of the Vitamin C and K that you need in a whole day.
- Tomatoes. High in water content, they are also rich in cancer fighting lycopenes. What is also surprising about tomatoes is how rich they are in Vitamin C. Just 3.5 ounces of tomatoes can provide you with 22% of the daily Vitamin C recommendation.
We hope this list helps caregivers in the Fall River, New Jersey area that we are proud to serve plan healthier summer menus this year.
How do you stay hydrated during the dog days of summer?
We’re here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.
