Salt can help improve the taste of a dish. However, adding too much salt in a dish, especially if it is to be served to seniors receiving healthcare in California, is unhealthy. Too much sodium can cause an increase in blood pressure as well as fluid retention.
A senior living in a nursing home in Oxnard, California is typically served with healthy, delicious, and low-sodium meals. Here are the common guidelines set for a low-sodium diet:
- Eliminate salty foods in a senior’s meal plan and cut back on the use of salt.
It doesn’t matter if it is rock salt or sea salt, they are the same in that they have sodium. - Choose salt-free, low-sodium, or reduced salt products.
Check the label to verify that the product doesn’t have more than 140 mg of sodium per serving. - Be creative in choosing seasonings for a senior’s dishes.
Use natural vinegar, herbs, and spices. Lemon, garlic, pepper, and ginger can replace salt, too. - Cook foods at home.
Foods you cook from scratch have considerably lower sodium content compared to the instant or boxed meals outside. - Pay attention to the older adult’s medication.
It shouldn’t have sodium components such as Alka Seltzer. Ask the doctor for other alternative medication the senior can take in place of the medication with sodium.
There are already numerous low-sodium alternatives in the market that are suitable for seniors. Conejo Valley Congregate Healthcare, Inc. ensures healthy foods for the seniors in our assisted living facilities. Call us to know more about our offered nutritional care for older adults.