Due to the gradual decline in digestive function and changes in other organs, diet should be given more attention to the elderly.
1. Diet should be warm
The elderly have a weaker resistance to cold. Eating cold food or meals that are too cold can cause constriction of the gastric blood vessels, reducing blood supply and reflexively reducing the blood circulation of other internal organs, which is not beneficial to health.
2. Dishes should be light
Excessive salt intake can increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, leading to high blood pressure. The elderly should generally consume 6-8 grams of salt per day.
3. Food should be diverse
The six essential nutrients for the body: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water, are widely present in various foods. To balance nutrient absorption and maintain good health, one should eat a little bit of all kinds of food and avoid being picky or having a restricted diet.
4. Meals should be soft
The elderly often have loose or missing teeth, weakened chewing muscles, and reduced secretion of digestive fluids and enzymes, resulting in decreased gastrointestinal digestion function. Therefore, meals should be softer and more well-cooked. In addition, one should chew slowly and swallow carefully to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and promote digestion and absorption. If you want to lose weight, you can change the habit of eating fruit after meals to eating fruit before meals. Experts point out that people who eat fruit or drink fruit juice before meals absorb about 20% to 40% fewer calories during the meal.
