Nutritional Needs of Aging - Part 1

More Information About Nutritional Need of Aging

QUALITY OF FOOD INTAKE = QUALITY OF LIFE

The quality of life experienced in our advanced years will be greatly influenced by the quality of our food intake. A well balanced diet, ear marked for age appropriate requirements will keep a person limber, energized and best of all, independent.

Medications and dental problems interfere with digestion, absorption and appetite. The addition of digestive enzymes with meals will increase nutrient assimilation and prevent or decrease gastrointestinal upsets. The foods most needed are often avoided because they are too hard to chew or difficult to prepare. Monotonous diets pose a threat usually consisting of not enough variety and processed or easily prepared meals.

Nutrients found in plants are natures wonder foods. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals; together they slow the aging process. Antioxidants play a major role in our health maintenance and cancer prevention. As we age, we require more of them to protect our cells from free radial damage, enhance our liver performance, and reduce the risk of cataracts and coronary heart disease.

EATING HEALTHY VS. TAKING SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements should complement a balanced diet. Some of the plant chemicals found in berries, seeds, grape skins and pine bark for instance are powerful scavengers of free radicals. Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, C, alpha lipoic acid, selenium and grape seed have numerous benefits contributing to strong bones, dental health, blood sugar, fighting infections, strengthening the immune system and a variety of protective functions.

Eating healthy is more important than taking supplements. However, a year long double blind controlled study of nutritional supplementation of vitamins and minerals, has shown to produce significant improvements in immune response. The effects of a test on elderly persons produced half as many infectious days, quicker recovery time from illness and higher antibody response to the influenza vaccine. Consider quality when purchasing supplements for highest nutrient absorption.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

The key to successful aging has not as much to do with our genes as it does with our diet, lifestyle, mental attitudes, exercise and the amount of joy in our life.

Michelle Honda Phd

Part Two   -   Part Three

 

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