Diabetic Cooking:Nutrition For The Elderly

Healthy eating and nutrition for the elderly is greatly impacted by several factors, one of them being a change in body composition. During the later years in life, the body will lose bone and muscle and gain fat because the hormones aren't very active anymore.

 

There are many factors which hinder an elderly person's health. The information below will help you to lead a healthy life - no matter how old you may be.

Water Water in the body decreases with age, so many older folks will become dehydrated very easily. Sometimes they won't feel thirsty, while other times it's too much work to pour a glass a water. With this in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight.

Protein At this stage in life, protein is very important. Protein is needed to support a healthy immune system and prevent the wasting of muscle. Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poulty, and fish.

Carbs and fiber Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the entire body. You can find carbs in bread, cereals, pasta, and other grain products. A diet that's high in fiber and water will help to prevent constipation as well.

Fat Fat intake for the elderly should be limited, not eliminated. You can limit fat by choosing lean meats, low fat dairy products, and food preperation methods that don't include frying.

Iron For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen with those who aren't eating much. Good sources for iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.

Zinc Zinc intake is normally with the elderly, and to make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well either. Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part of your diet to help you meet the requirements for zinc.

Calcium Calcium is one ingredient that most elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of. Most believe that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they will avoid it. They should be getting around 1,500 mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can be used in recipes as a substitute for milk. Other foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccoli can also help you meet the requirements for calcium.

Vitamin B12 In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsic facotr must be produced by the stomach. Most elderly people suffer from a deficiency in B12 because they have a condition known as atrophic gastritis. This condition causes inflammation of the stomach, bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor. Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be absorbed.

Each one of the above nutrients are needed to keep an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals should try to stay active and strive for a well balanced diet. Even though the aged body isn't the same as it used to be, proper care and the right nutrients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and long life.

 

Diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence (Dunnville Chronicle)

Judy Kubias brings her Novo Pen to the table, injecting insulin into her stomach with every meal.[...]

DMH offers monthly prescription drug reviews (Herald & Review)

DECATUR - Between the two of them, Judy Cornell, 68, and herhusband Jim, 71, take about 25 prescriptions, over-the-counterdrugs, vitamins and supplements for conditions such as heartdisease, diabetes, glaucoma and acid reflux.

Living with Alzheimer's (The Gilroy Dispatch)

As many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). And while you may know that that this progressive and fatal brain disease is associated with memory loss, there are some specific symptoms to be aware of. The association provides this list of 10 warning signs. If you or someone close ...

On Tap: community calendar (The Community Connection)

ONGOING EVENTS: USED BOOK SALE The Labyrinth Used Books and Gifts, First United Methodist Church, 414 High St, Pottstown. There is a wonderful selection of secular and religious books available for bargain prices at the Labyrinth. Many popular authors are available. There are also self help, reference and travel books, cookbooks, and children’s books. Small gift items are also available at a low ...

Lynn Little: Include whole grains in your healthy diet (The Herald-Mail)

Health experts tell us to eat plenty of whole grains, but what exactly are whole grains? How much should we really be eating? What are the benefits of whole grains?