Senior Citizens and Their Diets

As a general rule the senior citizens diet is the same the diet that suits most adult eaters. The quantity of intake, however, is brought down a certain degree because the metabolism of food slows down in older years, and excess intake of food leads to obesity and health problems. A variety of changes should be made to avoid this.

Sweets and greasy/fatty food are the first foods seniors need to limit. Oil, salt, coffee, tea, alcohol, and synthetic food need to be controlled. Fluid intake (especially water) should increase. Of course, this is a healthy diet for any age, but senior citizens can especially benefit from eating this way.

The most frequently encountered problem with senior citizens diets is the problem of digestion. To keep the stomach and bowels working well, adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber is needed in food. These come from food sources like whole grain breads, cereals, vegetables and fruits. Many foods are now enriched with fiber, so it is especially easy to get all the fiber you need in your diet.

Many senior citizens are worried about mental degradation. Fruits can prevent this. By eating a diet that includes apples, pears, oranges, prunes, and other fruits, you can greatly positively influence your mental health. Studies have also shown that leafy green vegetables have slowed the rate of cognitive decline for seniors. Vitamin E is thought to be the cause of this.

Vegetables are usually eaten with salad dressings that are rich in fat. Fat is already known to increase the absorption of vitamin E in the body. In this case, a little fat can be a good thing! However, fat should not be taken in excess, especially by senior citizens, because it is not easy to digest and its accumulation can be the cause of obesity and cardiovascular problems.

If you are worried about your health in later years of life, the best policy is always to talk to your doctor. He or she can provide you with more information about diet and answer concerns you may have. It is important to ask for your doctor's advice before starting any kind of new senior citizen diet or changing your current diet in order to be sure it is right for you and your body. Remember, as a senior citizen, health is very important. A healthy diet can go a long way in preventing illnesses common among seniors.
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