National Seafood Month is a great time to look at the health benefits of seafood and omega-3 fatty acids.
Why are omega-3 fatty acids essential to your well-being? In-Home Care for your senior may be someone you can count on to help ensure your senior gets these essential nutrients.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids are found in the body’s cellular membranes. The body also uses them for energy.
You find ALA in certain oils, seeds, and beans. ALA is prevalent in soybeans, flaxseed, and canola oil. DHA and EPA are found in fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, etc.) and other types of seafood. The body can convert some ALA into the other fatty acids, but it can’t convert enough to make up the amount you need. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the diet ensures the body has enough of them for cellular health and organ function.
What Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help With?
Cell health is the biggest reason to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Signs of deficiency include dry, red, itchy skin. Mood swings and issues with circulation can be other signs.
If your mom or dad has issues with dry eye disease or ocular rosacea, daily omega-3 supplements may be prescribed by an eye doctor. Often, the doctor will prescribe both flaxseed and fish oil supplements to help the cells in the retina maintain high levels of DHA.
Suppose your mom has rheumatoid arthritis. Some patients with RA find the pain and inflammation decrease when they take daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Paired with other RA treatments and daily exercise, it can help ease the stiffness and swelling.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of high triglycerides and some forms of heart disease. Some studies show omega-3 fatty acids might help reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function. These fatty acids can also help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
It is essential to talk to your mom or dad’s doctor about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Your parents shouldn’t take the supplements without a doctor’s recommendation if your parents are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Have you considered hiring In-home care services to help care for your aging parents? When conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, or macular degeneration are present, a few hours of care a day isn’t enough. Your parents need around-the-clock caregivers for companionship, meal and snack preparation, and assistance with medication reminders.
Schedule 24-hour home care services today. Pick up the phone, talk about your parents’ health issues, and arrange to have caregivers covering all of the hours your parents need care.
Amelia Home Care provides traditional In-Home Care in Staten Island, NY, along with virtual caregiving and remote patient monitoring. Our service area includes; Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call today (929) 333-3955.
Sources:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
We proudly provide non-medical home care services to individuals with disabilities, injuries, difficulties with mobility, or illnesses. Our team is composed of highly trained and competent staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services in the comfort of our client’s home.
Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.
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