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With aging, bodily functions like the production of specific enzymes meant for breakdown and digestion of foods get affected. Also, a lot of seniors have issues with swallowing and chewing because of physical challenges like dentures and these can seriously affect their nutrition. In order to make sure that the nutrients are optimally absorbed, it is necessary that a senior food focuses on foods that can be easily chewed, swallowed and digested. It goes without saying that there should be an awareness of the side effects of supplements and medicines that can be interference in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Since there is a greater risk of being affected by chronic diseases, senior foods should be free from additives and should contain higher anti-oxidant content. Packaged meals and frozen foods should be eliminated from the diet and should be replaced with vegetables, berries, whole grains and legumes.
Sometimes, the elderly become very moody and they loose their senses, wanting to eat flavors like sugar and salt the overuse of which should be avoided since they can lead to some serious health issues like heart problems and type 2 Diabetes. It is therefore advisable to take the saltshaker off the table and instead, encourage using spices as flavors while limiting their sugary treats.
What’s most unfortunate is that a lot of senior adults do not have the resources for healthy senior food because of various reasons ranging from limited income to poor transportation facility to the supermarkets. Organizations such as Project Angel Heart can be used for those who need financial or physical aid with healthy and nutritious, home-cooked meals.
Guidelines for Nutritive Senior food:
The following are nutritional guidelines for healthy senior food which have been recommended by the Health and Research Center, TUFTS University and the USDA:
Proteins are a must as they are required for the repair and maintenance of muscles, skin and nails and they also serve in injury repair. Hence, it is necessary to include food items like fish, meat, seeds, lentils, nuts, cheese and eggs in the diet in at least two servings a day.
Carbohydrates are essential for the proper functioning of the organs and for the maintenance of optimal energy levels. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy items should be included in at least three servings a day.
Senior food should include high fiber content as it helps in maintaining stability in the blood sugar level and in lowering cholesterol. Foods with high fiber content include vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
While most people think that fats should be completely avoided, there are some healthy fats that are essential for the maintenance of optimal energy levels and these are found in nuts, fish and certain oils that contain omerga-3 fatty acids. These fats should be properly differentiated from the unhealthy ones which should be only sparingly consumed.
Fluids play an important role in a healthy senior’s diet as they keep the body hydrated and help in digestion and temperature maintenance. Of course, the best is water, and it goes without saying that loads of water needs to be included. Other fluids like green tea and vegetable and fruit juices are high on antioxidants and nutrients and would make a healthy inclusion in the diet.\
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