I am aware that due to this pandemic...food is scarce. Grocery store shelves are empty all over the country and the LAST thing you want to do is read an article about what food items to avoid! But if you want to give back in a subtle way, try to avoid purchasing items that could be a literal lifesaver to someone else.
Huffington Post shares the seven items to avoid buying to help others with specific health needs.
Coconut Oil: Vital for people with liver disease, gallbladder disease
For people with liver and gallbladder disease, coconut oil is a healthy fat option. To swap it out try purchasing palm kernel oil! It is a suitable stand-in for those who don’t have liver or gallbladder disease.
If you use coconut oil because you appreciate its high-temp cooking capacity, other fats and oils that also boast a higher smoke point include refined avocado oil, clarified butter, and refined extra virgin olive oil.
Frozen Berries: Vital for people with chronic kidney conditions
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries and cranberries, though, are low in these minerals, and therefore safe. But with fresh being harder to come by and frozen so attractive right now to cut down on trips to the supermarket, many renal patients are likely missing out.
If you’re looking to enjoy similar low-sugar fruits you can swap these out for peaches, melon, tangerines, grapefuits and kiwis!
Certified Gluten-Free Products: Vital for people with celiac disease
For people with celiac disease (or a gluten allergy), obtaining truly gluten-free foods is essential. The best way to do this is to buy products that have been certified gluten-free, which means the items meet the strictest of gluten-free standards.
If you can consume gluten, try choosing regular wheat pasta and making at least 50% of the meal vegetables is the healthier alternative than the pasta itself.
Nutritional Shakes: Vital for people with COPD and those with cancer
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, an inflammatory lung disease that causes poor airflow and breathing difficulties) burn calories at an extremely high rate (10 times faster just from their body working harder to breath), making it necessary to eat a large amount of calories throughout the day. Because of this, people may rely on those shakes to maintain their calorie intake.
For those going through chemotherapy for cancer can experience appetite loss, weight loss and nausea, so keeping nutritional shakes on hand can be helpful in making sure they’re getting the necessary protein, calories, vitamins and minerals for maintaining nutrition and fighting the cancer.
If you like nutritional drinks but don't need them try homemade smoothies with protein powder.
Whole Milk: Vital for people with COPD
Whole milk in particular is necessary for people with COPD to meet their calorie and fat needs. So try purchasing lower-fat milk or milk alternatives, such as almond milk, until the pandemic is over.
Rice or Oat Milk: Vital for people with gallbladder disease, pancreatitis
Non-fat and low-fat dairy as well as dairy-free alternatives that are naturally low in fat, such as rice and oat milk ― are important to preventing the onset of pain.
If you like rice or oat milk, don’t stockpile — only buy what you need. And instead of rice or oat milk, consider going with milk alternatives that are still dairy-free but slightly higher in fat, such as almond milk.
Low Sodium Products: Vital for people with chronic kidney conditions, lung diseases, hypertension, high blood pressure
Obviously food with a high salt content leads to water retention, which is not good! People who don’t have sodium concerns should try to avoid stocking up on low sodium items and stick to the standard versions when possible. Purchasing fresh or frozen is another option or rising the can goods in water.
Source: Huffington Post
Photo: Getty images