You may be chuckling about some of mom or dad’s cravings for sweets and junk food and have determined it is due to age or a medically related issue. However, it’s suspected that many otherwise healthy seniors have nutrient deficiencies that cause such cravings. Were you aware that the lack of certain vitamins in your parent’s diet could cause them to crave foods?
Iron
If your mom or dad has an iron deficiency, they may crave meat. It’s possible your mother or father is a vegan or vegetarian by choice or dietary need. By maintaining a proper diet of dark leafy greens, your parent should not be iron-deficient.
However, if they are, they may be drawn to the smell and savory need for a greasy burger or fried chicken, foods they usually do not eat. To satisfy these cravings and fulfill this deficiency, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and dried fruits to counteract low iron levels are recommended.
Vitamin B
Anxiety or depression may be a result of a deficiency in vitamin B. If your mom or dad starts binge eating, or not eating, you may notice other changes in their mood and personality too. It’s recommended to discuss these changes with your parent’s medical provider. Whether they are due to vitamin B deficiencies or other medications, his or her doctor will recommend changes that should be made and will monitor your parent to restore a proper balance.
Zinc
Zinc is vital for your parent’s health. It helps with metabolism and is part of the structure of insulin, which regulates blood sugar. This chemical also plays a critical role in wound healing and maintaining the immune system. Older adults often do not get enough zinc daily, experts recommend a high fiber diet to achieve wellness.
The next time your mom or dad craves odd types of food, it might be caused by a nutrient their body is lacking.
Healthy Meal Preparation
If your parent is becoming deficient in nutrients due to the lack of cooking, our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care can help with meal preparation services. Within our home care services, we can prepare healthy, nutritious meals for your loved one to fight stubborn cravings.
Give us a call at (239) 337-4263 to schedule a free consultation regarding our home care services.
