November 11, 2016
It’s the truth: we’ve come into the season of sweet treats! From butter cookies to cherry pies to candy canes and peppermint cocoa, it’s challenging to ignore the array of amazing treats that are presented to us, and the lovely memories they call to mind, in particular near the holidays. But what outcome does this increased sugar consumption have on our health and well-being, particularly for aging adults?
Sugar’s habit forming qualities are widely known. It releases dopamine while activating the reward center of the brain, and any time too much is consumed, people build a tolerance to these effects, requiring even more sugar – a vicious circle.
As if that were not troubling enough, added sugar (compared to naturally-occurring sugar) has been known as a toxin that elevates inflammation and raises risk of obesity, coronary disease, and even perhaps breast cancer. For older persons, a large amount of sugar can increase cognitive impairment and bring about problems with chronic conditions that a great many seniors grapple with.
Though we surely don’t desire to take away the holiday joy from older adults, it’s important to remember the fact that there are more healthy, yet still festive alternate options.
Contact Continuum at 314-863-9912 for trusted home care services in St. Louis. We can help with putting together healthy and balanced, great tasting meals that abide by dietary plans without compromising one’s overall health, along with a full range of in-home senior care services.