South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Proper nutrition key to good senior health

The benefits of healthy eating often can lead directly to a better quality of life for seniors — particularly, increased alertness and a stronger immune system.
The benefits of healthy eating often can lead directly to a better quality of life for seniors — particularly, increased alertness and a stronger immune system.

Many believe the idea “you are what you eat” has particular significance for senior citizens.

That is because following a healthy diet can often lead di­rectly to a better quality of life, including being more alert, having a stronger immune system, more energy, faster recuperation times and the ability to do a better job managing chronic health problems.

It also is said eating well can lead to a more positive outlook and better emotional balance. It can also help to keep muscles, bones, organs and other body parts stronger over time.

Stay hydrated

Part of a proper diet is making sure to drink enough water.

Se­niors can be prone to dehydration because their bodies may lose some of their ability to regulate fluid levels and their sense of thirst on a regular basis.

Drinking water with meals can help avoid urinary tract infections, constipation and possibly confusion.

Take vitamins

Even those who pay attention to nutrition can sometimes benefit from taking a vitamin supplement, particularly when it comes to getting enough vitamin B and vitamin D.

• After age 50, a person’s ­sto­m­ach produces less gastric acid, which can make it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12, which is needed to help keep blood and nerves vital.

To obtain the recommended daily intake — 2.4 mcg — of B-12, it may be ­necessary to take a ­supplement.

• As people get older, their skin is less efficient when it comes to synthesizing vitamin D, which, together with calcium, can help to protect older adults from osteoporosis, so taking a supplement may be beneficial.

In both cases, as with any vitamin or nutritional supplement, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning a supplement program.