All About Nutrition
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of healthy aging. However, as we age, our nutritional needs change. You don't usually need that many calories. But you need to make sure you're getting enough of certain key nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
As we age, we often find it difficult to eat properly, such as decreased appetite and difficulty chewing and swallowing food. That's why it's so important to talk to your doctor about nutrition. Here are some frequently asked questions:
How can I know if I'm getting all the nutrients I need?
Research shows that many Americans, especially older Americans, don't get enough of the nutrients they need.
Many overweight people are also deficient in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are getting a lot of calories, but they may not be getting enough nutrition.Unfortunately, long-term nutritional deficiencies can develop before symptoms appear.
Early signs of this are:
• unusual fatigue
• Brittle or hair loss
• A rash or sore that does not heal
• Cracked mouth corners
• Pale tongue
A physical examination can alert your doctor to an unbalanced diet. Blood tests can tell if you're getting enough important nutrients, such as iron and vitamin D.
Will my medication affect my appetite or the taste of food?
Many drugs can interfere with good nutrition, including many commonly used by older people.
For example, some pain relievers and arthritis medications irritate the stomach. Some antibiotics, stool softeners, and chemotherapy drugs can affect the taste of food. Antidepressants, diuretics, pain relievers, and some heart medications can reduce appetite.
Does anything I'm taking get in the way of nutrients I need?
A variety of treatments can stifle the body's ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. These include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications.
I'm not very hungry when I know it's time to eat. Is that normal for someone my age? There are many reasons why older people often have poor appetites. They are typically less active than younger people, so they need fewer calories. Also, reduced flavor can mean that the food isn't as appealing as it used to be.
However, severe loss of appetite and weight loss can also be signs of depression or other serious health problems. If you notice changes in your appetite or lose weight without effort, talk to your doctor. Should I take a multivitamin?
Experts are divided on whether older Americans should take multivitamins. Most nutritionists agree that the best way to get nutrients is through food, not pills.
If you cannot eat a balanced diet, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including supplements. What about taking other supplements?
Some people may need to take additional supplements of certain nutrients.
For example, you may need a supplement if you don't eat calcium-rich foods like dairy products.Consult your doctor before taking tablets.
Should I cut back on salt? If you have high blood pressure, or even if your blood pressure is at the high end of the normal range, try reducing your salt intake.
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone keep her sodium intake below 1,500 milligrams per day. They estimate that if people did this, high blood pressure nationwide would drop by 25%.
Up to three-quarters of the salt we eat is in processed foods, so reading labels is especially helpful.
What is a safe amount of alcohol? Moderate amounts of alcohol reduce the risk of heart disease.
That doesn't mean you should start drinking. However, if you already drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about a safe amount. Drinking too much can lead to serious health problems.
Can you cut back on some of your medications by following a healthier lifestyle? Many older people can reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol, or other medications by eating healthier and exercising more. We have discovered that it is possible to stop
Ask your doctor if a healthier lifestyle means taking fewer pills.Don't stop taking your medicines on your own.
Should I see a registered dietitian? Doctors understand the importance of eating healthy, but they often don't have the time to provide comprehensive nutritional advice.If you have more questions than your doctor can answer, a registered dietitian is recommended. ask your doctor to Medicare and private insurance companies often offer nutritional advice.
As we age, we often find it difficult to eat properly, such as decreased appetite and difficulty chewing and swallowing food. That's why it's so important to talk to your doctor about nutrition. Here are some frequently asked questions:
How can I know if I'm getting all the nutrients I need?
Research shows that many Americans, especially older Americans, don't get enough of the nutrients they need.
Many overweight people are also deficient in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are getting a lot of calories, but they may not be getting enough nutrition.Unfortunately, long-term nutritional deficiencies can develop before symptoms appear.
Early signs of this are:
• unusual fatigue
• Brittle or hair loss
• A rash or sore that does not heal
• Cracked mouth corners
• Pale tongue
A physical examination can alert your doctor to an unbalanced diet. Blood tests can tell if you're getting enough important nutrients, such as iron and vitamin D.
Will my medication affect my appetite or the taste of food?
Many drugs can interfere with good nutrition, including many commonly used by older people.
For example, some pain relievers and arthritis medications irritate the stomach. Some antibiotics, stool softeners, and chemotherapy drugs can affect the taste of food. Antidepressants, diuretics, pain relievers, and some heart medications can reduce appetite.
Does anything I'm taking get in the way of nutrients I need?
A variety of treatments can stifle the body's ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. These include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications.
I'm not very hungry when I know it's time to eat. Is that normal for someone my age? There are many reasons why older people often have poor appetites. They are typically less active than younger people, so they need fewer calories. Also, reduced flavor can mean that the food isn't as appealing as it used to be.
However, severe loss of appetite and weight loss can also be signs of depression or other serious health problems. If you notice changes in your appetite or lose weight without effort, talk to your doctor. Should I take a multivitamin?
Experts are divided on whether older Americans should take multivitamins. Most nutritionists agree that the best way to get nutrients is through food, not pills.
If you cannot eat a balanced diet, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including supplements. What about taking other supplements?
Some people may need to take additional supplements of certain nutrients.
For example, you may need a supplement if you don't eat calcium-rich foods like dairy products.Consult your doctor before taking tablets.
Should I cut back on salt? If you have high blood pressure, or even if your blood pressure is at the high end of the normal range, try reducing your salt intake.
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone keep her sodium intake below 1,500 milligrams per day. They estimate that if people did this, high blood pressure nationwide would drop by 25%.
Up to three-quarters of the salt we eat is in processed foods, so reading labels is especially helpful.
What is a safe amount of alcohol? Moderate amounts of alcohol reduce the risk of heart disease.
That doesn't mean you should start drinking. However, if you already drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about a safe amount. Drinking too much can lead to serious health problems.
Can you cut back on some of your medications by following a healthier lifestyle? Many older people can reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol, or other medications by eating healthier and exercising more. We have discovered that it is possible to stop
Ask your doctor if a healthier lifestyle means taking fewer pills.Don't stop taking your medicines on your own.
Should I see a registered dietitian? Doctors understand the importance of eating healthy, but they often don't have the time to provide comprehensive nutritional advice.If you have more questions than your doctor can answer, a registered dietitian is recommended. ask your doctor to Medicare and private insurance companies often offer nutritional advice.
21 Dec 2022
