Eating Healthy.

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'tvery 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.  Sometimesthey 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 least1 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 highquality protein
such as eggs, lean meats, poultry,and fish.

Carbs and fiber
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy forthe 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
preparation methods that don't include frying. 

Iron
For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen withthose who aren't eating
much.  Good sources foriron 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 folkssimply aren't getting
enough of.  Most believe that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore
they will avoid it.  They should be getting around 1,500mg of calcium a
day, and nonfat powdered milk canbe used in recipes as a substitute for
milk.  Other foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccolican also
help you meet the requirements for calcium.

Vitamin B12
In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsicfactor 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 thesame as it used to be,
proper care and the right nutrients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and
long life.