Food is a complicated subject. There are many factors that contribute to how our nutritional needs and wants changes as we age. For some people this could be weight issues, medication or lack of hunger. As we age, we are increasingly prone to malnutrition which can lead to health conditions and illness.
As we grow older, the body changes in many ways and its needs are much different. Lack of hunger can be caused by a slower digestive system as the food travels slower through the body causing you to feel fuller for longer.
The composition in the body changes as we age, meaning we have different calorific needs and decreased physical activity is often a contributing factor to this too.
Calories and Nutrients
Getting the right balance can be complicated as the body carries less muscle, but more fat as we age. So the foods that should be consumed need to contain a lot more nutrients but with a lower calorific value.
This can be achieved by eating a diet of healthy and natural organic whole foods. A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and meat is the perfect amount of balanced diet to provide the body with all the nutrients it needs, whilst keeping the calories lower than other foods such as junk foods and unhealthy snacks.
Paleo Diet
Some people find the paleo diet a good way to learn what you can and can’t eat.
The paleo diet is based on only eating foods our distant ancestors would have eaten. The foods you can eat have to have once been part of the caveman’s diet. If they couldn’t grow it or hunt it, you shouldn’t eat it.
And this stretches to HOW they grew it. In this day and age, most foods have been genetically modified, contain many chemicals or have had chemicals sprayed onto them. Without realising it, eating food that has been mass produced or grown using these methods means you could be eating too much sugar and ingesting chemicals used as preservatives or alternate flavours, which could cause health issues.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink lots of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and help your body flush out any toxins. Research has shown that many of us are dehydrated without realising it, and simply getting the hydration we need as we age can lead to a clearer head and other health benefits.
Fibre is Important
As you age, it’s essential to make sure that you have lots of fibre in your diet. You can find fibre in grains, peas and vegetables. This can help combat constipation which is a very common problem in the aging population.
Vitamins and Supplements
It’s important that you get all the vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy at any age, especially as you age. Although you may find all that you need in a jar, you should aim to get as much nutrition as possible in the food you eat.
However, you could try taking supplements to give yourself that extra boost that you may not otherwise be getting. Vitamin D and calcium are the most important vitamins that your body needs and can be taken in one supplement. They are essential for keeping your bones and body healthy.
Brittle and weak bones are a common problem in the elderly and can be crippling for people if it is not treated. Taking the best organic calcium supplement can dramatically help the bones stay strong and keep you on your feet for longer. However, before you make any changes to your diet or lifestyle it is best to consult with your GP and do bear in mind that calcium supplements can’t replace drugs and should be taken with care.
Overall it is best to keep your diet and supplement intake as natural as possible, as your body will always function best with nutritious foods. Stay away from harmful chemicals and always check the labels on food that you buy, and you’ll know you’re putting the right ingredients in to make for a healthy diet.
