As our bodies age, our metabolism tends to slow as our activity levels reduce and it is not uncommon to get a bit of a tummy. Stomach acid and saliva production are reduced making it more difficult for the body to process food. As a result, we are less able to obtain the nutrition from the foods we eat. In particular, we can easily become deficient in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. As well, many enzymes and coenzymes that are essential building blocks of the body or digestive aids, are produced in far fewer numbers or in some cases are not produced at all. This can all sound a bit too scary, but don't worry. There are some simple steps you can follow to keep you healthy and your body functioning at optimal level.
Start your day with a balanced breakfast. Most people learn over the years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but they don't take heed because it is also the busiest time of the day. Don't overload your plate with heavy fatty foods but keep the meal light and healthy. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast and a cup of coffee, decaffeinated preferred is a well balanced meal.
Create a fruit kabob made with a halved strawberry, small slices of cheese, and grapes as a snack for later in the morning. One of the keys to healthy living is the consumption of smaller more frequent meals. Since the digestive system slows, the smaller meal allows the food to be processed more easily. The more frequently you eat small meals, the more your blood sugar levels out and reduces the hunger pangs.
Sensible lunches include salads, wraps and soups. Watch out for creamed soups. Many boomers notice that milk products tend to create a multitude of flatulence. The reason may be simple, the older that people become, the less of the enzyme lactase they create to digest the milk sugar. This sits in the stomach and creates all sorts of distress from gas to diarrhea. Even though you may already realize that milk creates digestive problems, don't forget creamy dressings and creamed soups. These sneaky devils contain hidden milk that creeps up to bite you later. Aged cheese, over 60 days, contains very little lactose due to the bacteria that consumes it when the cheese is made. Cheese is the best route to get the needed calcium if you have lactose intolerance.
Our ability to process different foods in general can change over time. If you begin to experience symptoms which you interpret as a food allergy, you may be experiencing a digestive problem. For example, many people become gluten intolerant as they age. Gluten is found in many grains including wheat. If you bloat or have stomach cramps or nausea after eating anything containing grains, it would be helpful to get tested for gluten intolerance.
To make sure your body is supplied with all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to properly function, it is important to take a good quality daily supplement. Many companies sell combination of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for older people. Capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets. You can also purchase enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is usually made by the human body and has been found to benefit people with damaged hearts, the onset of Alzheimer's or taking cholesterol lowering medication.
As you get older, try to keep your intake of processed sugar to a minimum. This means sugar in tea or coffee, cakes, cookies, and sweets. Satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit and you will be rewarded with good health and improved fitness. If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you will have more energy and feel a great deal better. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk or having a swim.
Most of all stay active, positive and enjoy life. Sometimes a change of mind creates a completely new outlook. Focus on healthy eating as a challenge and develop interesting menus and new ways of looking at food. Remember, you are the power generation that changed the face of youth; it's time to change the face of aging.
Start your day with a balanced breakfast. Most people learn over the years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but they don't take heed because it is also the busiest time of the day. Don't overload your plate with heavy fatty foods but keep the meal light and healthy. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast and a cup of coffee, decaffeinated preferred is a well balanced meal.
Create a fruit kabob made with a halved strawberry, small slices of cheese, and grapes as a snack for later in the morning. One of the keys to healthy living is the consumption of smaller more frequent meals. Since the digestive system slows, the smaller meal allows the food to be processed more easily. The more frequently you eat small meals, the more your blood sugar levels out and reduces the hunger pangs.
Sensible lunches include salads, wraps and soups. Watch out for creamed soups. Many boomers notice that milk products tend to create a multitude of flatulence. The reason may be simple, the older that people become, the less of the enzyme lactase they create to digest the milk sugar. This sits in the stomach and creates all sorts of distress from gas to diarrhea. Even though you may already realize that milk creates digestive problems, don't forget creamy dressings and creamed soups. These sneaky devils contain hidden milk that creeps up to bite you later. Aged cheese, over 60 days, contains very little lactose due to the bacteria that consumes it when the cheese is made. Cheese is the best route to get the needed calcium if you have lactose intolerance.
Our ability to process different foods in general can change over time. If you begin to experience symptoms which you interpret as a food allergy, you may be experiencing a digestive problem. For example, many people become gluten intolerant as they age. Gluten is found in many grains including wheat. If you bloat or have stomach cramps or nausea after eating anything containing grains, it would be helpful to get tested for gluten intolerance.
To make sure your body is supplied with all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to properly function, it is important to take a good quality daily supplement. Many companies sell combination of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for older people. Capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets. You can also purchase enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is usually made by the human body and has been found to benefit people with damaged hearts, the onset of Alzheimer's or taking cholesterol lowering medication.
As you get older, try to keep your intake of processed sugar to a minimum. This means sugar in tea or coffee, cakes, cookies, and sweets. Satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit and you will be rewarded with good health and improved fitness. If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you will have more energy and feel a great deal better. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk or having a swim.
Most of all stay active, positive and enjoy life. Sometimes a change of mind creates a completely new outlook. Focus on healthy eating as a challenge and develop interesting menus and new ways of looking at food. Remember, you are the power generation that changed the face of youth; it's time to change the face of aging.
About the Author:
For nutritious recipes and other healthy food ideas, you can find a wealth of material about nutritious food at LifeStyleHealthy.com
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