What you put into your body makes a huge impact on what your body gives back to you. As you grow older, what you eat becomes even more important. Choosing the right dietary provisions for your body can help you extend your life expectancy well beyond what it might be otherwise.
If you’re getting on in years, it’s high time you start seeking out the best nutritional provisions possible. Take a few moments now for research, and check out a brief look at a few good dietary choices for senior adults.
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Everyone can benefit from a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but this addition is especially useful for the aging body. Omega-3s are excellent for reducing inflammation, which can be a contributor to a long list of troubling health complications.
Some modern research has even shown evidence that omega-3s can help to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease by preserving the brain’s elasticity and function.
If you’re seeking a suitable assisted living facility for an aging loved one, it’s wise to check their dietary provisions. Fish, walnuts, and soybeans are just a few good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods rich in calcium
The aging body needs extra calcium to maintain the integrity of its skeletal structure. Your bones need calcium to stay strong, and our bodys have a greater need for dietary assistance as age ensues.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Leafy greens and some fortified cereals may also help you get the right dose of calcium in your daily diet.
Foods rich in fiber
Fiber becomes more important as the body gets older because of the way the digestive system changes. Aging causes the digestive system to slow down and the walls of the gastrointestinal tract to thicken.
The result of these changes is often a very uncomfortable relationship with constipation. With a diet rich in fiber, the body may be able to avoid the damage that can be caused by consistent bouts of constipation.
Foods rich in iron
Iron is vital to the body, because iron is a facilitator of oxygen moving through the body. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, anemia occurs.
Being anemic means that your body isn’t getting the proper dosage of oxygen, and a lack of iron can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Foods like dark leafy greens and many types of beans will help grant your body what it needs to keep going strong.
Always include plenty of water
Water is essential for life, and it doesn’t get any less important to your body as you age. In fact, an older body needs water even more. If you’re eating a diet high in fiber, that fiber absorbs some of your body’s water. It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid experiencing the side effects of dehydration.