Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body, such as those that cause cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or other illnesses. These free radicals cause harm when their levels become too high in the body. Your body contains its own antioxidants to keep these free radicals at a healthy level.

Foods are a great way to incorporate natural antioxidants into your body. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins E and C are effective at balancing your body’s free radical levels. Coffee, dark chocolate, green tea, and berries are great sources to incorporate into your diet. Meat and seafood contains antioxidants, but not as much as plant-based items.  

Oxidative stress is caused when free radical levels are too high. This leads to problems like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Several environmental factors that can lead to this include:

• Air pollution
• Smoking 
• Alcohol use
• Infections
• Sun exposure
• High blood sugar 

It is important to note that excessive intake of isolated antioxidants can cause an imbalance in your body, putting you at risk for oxidative stress.  

Antibiotics 

Antibiotics are a medication that kill bacteria which causes infection. Most natural bacteria in your body is harmless and actually necessary for your health. When negative bacteria multiply to unhealthy levels, it can cause serious issues and even death. Antibiotics are a drug that can only be prescribed by a doctor in the right circumstances. 

Side effects can occur with any drug. Most are mild but some can be allergic to certain antibiotic types. Antibiotics can also interfere with other medications and cause a reaction.  

With taking antibiotics comes the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. This means that bacteria start to adapt and change to the point where the drugs are no longer effective in fighting it off. Some ways to prevent resistance includes: 

• Only take them when prescribed by a doctor
• Do not take them for a viral infection
• Don’t skip doses 
• Take the entire amount that is prescribed – don’t save any for later 

Proper diet and medication management is important in keeping everyone, especially seniors, healthy. If you are unable to monitor your senior loved ones health, consider the use of caregiving services to ensure they are keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle.  

Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging loved one deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with a Caregiver from Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands. Each trained caregiver is a professional trained to make sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.

 

Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 523-0322
www.homecaresantaclarita.com