During the holidays, it is normal to consume more than expected and we all know to be mindful of our weights. But what many happy diners don’t realize is every bite taken could also be affecting the way they think and eventually lead to the need for home health care in Miami. Case in point, an article appeared in the journal, Neurology, over the summer that showed a correlation between cortisol levels and optimal brain functioning.
Apparently, the more cortisol we have in our bodies, the greater chance we have of experiencing lapses in our thinking. And unfortunately, some of the foods people traditionally eat around the holiday time have the potential to increase our cortisol levels to a point where they may become problematic So there are certainly dishes people should leave off of their holiday menu, whether they are receiving home health care in Miami for cognitive issues or not.
The chief offenders are dishes that register high on the glycemic index. As such, it’s worth avoiding the following:
- Appetizers Involving Bread or Breading (e.g. bagel pizzas)
- Holiday Desserts Made with Refined Sugar
- Espresso and Other High Caffeine Drinks
- Alcohol Rich Cocktails
- Mechanically Processed or Fatty Fondue Meats (e.g. Beef Cubes)
Instead, consider hanging around the crudités platters and salad bars. They tend to be overflowing with items that will help take people’s cortisol levels down a notch or two. A few platter and bar items to signal out in that regard are listed below:
- Raw Fish (e.g. Sardines and Oysters)
- Deviled Eggs
- Fresh Citrus Slices
- Spinach and Microgreens
- Bean or Avocado Dips
- Plain Walnuts or Pistachios
To uncover additional ways altering holiday diets may help people keep their minds healthy, please contact us. We offer home health care to Miami residents during the holidays and the rest of the year too.
