For your body to work effectively and heal or grow, it needs to have the right mix of vitamins and minerals. If you skip any of the, it can impact how well your immune system can work. It can lead to drier skin, weaker bones, and many other issues.

A balanced diet is the best way to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to function properly. This means a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, contains enough protein, includes whole grains for fiber, and provides the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

What Are the Important Vitamins and Minerals?

There are more than a dozen vitamins out there and many minerals. You should focus on these.

Calcium – Calcium helps the bones and teeth stay strong. It’s found in dairy products and some vegetables.

Magnesium – Magnesium is believed to help lower blood pressure and aid the immune system. It also helps the body absorb other nutrients like calcium and potassium. It’s found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Potassium – Potassium is important for the heart and muscle function. It’s found in many vegetables, dried fruits, dried beans, and dairy items.

Sodium – Sodium is a tricky one. It helps manage the water in your cells. If you eat too much of it, it can impact your health negatively by raising blood pressure. If you don’t get enough, it can damage the organs.

Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 helps with the production of red blood cells. It also helps your nervous system function properly. It’s found in fortified cereals and beverages, dairy, eggs, fish, and meat.

Vitamin D – Like calcium, vitamin D helps with bone strength and the immune system.

When you’re a family caregiver, stress from the duties you provide can drain you emotionally and physically. A healthy diet helps your body better manage stress.

How Do You Find the Right Balance?

When you’re planning your daily meals, the current recommendations are to divide your plate up into quarters. Fill two-quarters of your plate with vegetables or fruit. Fill another quarter with a whole grain like barley or quinoa. Finally, the remaining quarter should have your protein like broiled fish or cooked beans.

One thing you should consider in addition to a healthy diet is the benefit of having caregivers give you a break. You go off and take care of your errands, responsibilities, or social needs. Your parents have caregivers to help them with daily activities, transportation, and meals. It’s a win-win situation when you hire caregivers.

If you are considering caregivers in Blue Ridge, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.