First, it is important to determine whether the thinness is constitutional or due to malnutrition. If it is constitutional, there may be a family history and the elderly person may be thin but still have normal mental state, appetite, and physical strength. In this case, it is not necessary to force them to gain weight. However, if it is due to malnutrition, it may be characterized by progressive weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, and poor resistance. Blood tests may reveal anemia, low plasma albumin, and low lymphocyte count. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the diet to enhance the constitution and improve health.
1. Identify the underlying cause, such as underlying chronic diseases like tumors, diabetes, chronic liver disease, or chronic gastrointestinal diseases that increase energy consumption or affect absorption. Treat these diseases promptly. Aging-related digestive and absorptive disorders, loss of teeth, and decreased taste should be managed by preparing food in different ways, such as finely chopping or stewing, to stimulate appetite and facilitate digestion and absorption.
2. Increase protein intake, especially animal protein. In this case, it is not necessary to excessively focus on cholesterol content and limit the consumption of meat.
3. Sweet foods are easily absorbed and high in calories, so they should be consumed in moderation.
4. Foods rich in fiber not only take up space but also affect the absorption of other nutrients, so they should be controlled appropriately.
5. Eat multiple meals per day and try to increase the total amount of food consumed.
6. Supplement with various vitamins to adjust the overall organ function. Supplementing with zinc appropriately can improve appetite.
Example of a diet for thinness:
1. Ginseng and astragalus stewed chicken: 30g ginseng, 30g astragalus, 150g chicken meat, 5 red dates, 3 slices of ginger. Put all ingredients in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of water, cover tightly, and stew over water for two hours. Season with salt and MSG, and eat the meat and drink the soup. This is suitable for those who are thin, short of breath, prone to sweating, and susceptible to colds.
2. Angelica and ginger lamb soup: 30g angelica, 15g ginger, 150g lamb, add an appropriate amount of water and cook until the lamb is tender. Season with salt and other seasonings, and eat the meat and drink the soup. This is suitable for those who are thin, have dull complexion, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, numbness in limbs, and sensitivity to cold.
3. Soft-shelled turtle bone marrow soup: 1 soft-shelled turtle (remove internal organs and claws), 150g pork spinal cord, 3 slices of ginger. Put all ingredients in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to boil over high heat, and then simmer until the ingredients are tender. Season with salt and other seasonings, and eat the bone marrow and drink the soup. This is suitable for those who are thin, experience restlessness and heat, have sore lower back with seminal emissions, weak lower limbs, dry mouth, and throat pain.
