Chinese medicine believes that in order to prevent diseases, ensure health, and delay aging, special attention should be paid to the dietary allocation of the elderly. Based on the physiological characteristics of the decline in the function of the elderly organs and the reduced ability to absorb nutrients, the special nature of the elderly's dietary nutrition is determined, which is a balanced diet with low calories, adequate high-quality protein, minimal fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure comprehensive nutrition in order to achieve longevity for the elderly.
Nutritional principles for elderly men
1. Diversify the diet
In daily meals, the elderly should ensure the intake of staple foods such as grains and beans, and also include a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits. In addition, lean meat in moderation can also benefit the health of elderly men, but due to the decline in digestive and absorption functions, it is not advisable to eat too much.
2. Emphasize light and eat more porridge
As people age, the function of the spleen and stomach declines, and the requirements for food and nutrition become more stringent. Salty or greasy foods are not conducive to the digestion and absorption of the elderly, so their nutritional effects will not be achieved. It may even harm the organs such as the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Therefore, the elderly should emphasize lightness. Due to the relatively poor digestive ability, the elderly should eat more porridge, such as walnut porridge, corn porridge, and longan porridge. It not only aids digestion but also strengthens the body and promotes longevity.
3. Use medication as an adjunct
Sun Simiao believed that "after the age of forty, one should not be separated from medicine." Therefore, elderly men should pay attention to scientific medication supplementation and choose appropriate medications based on their own conditions and seasonal changes to replenish vitality, nourish the kidneys, and harmonize yin and yang.
4. Eat in moderation
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the process of nutritional supplementation for elderly men should be moderate and follow the principles of not overeating, not drinking excessively when hungry, eating at regular intervals, and having small meals. This can promote nutrient absorption and overall health.
Nutritional requirements for elderly men
1. Coarse and fine grains
The three meals should be a combination of dry and wet, coarse and fine, and meat and vegetables. They should mainly include protein-rich meat, aquatic products, legumes, and vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming liquids can provide hydration for the elderly, while coarse grains can provide B vitamins and dietary fiber to prevent constipation. The combination of meat and vegetables can achieve nutritional balance.
2. Less oil and salt
Due to the gradual weakening of heart and kidney function with age, the food consumed by the elderly must be light, low in oil and salt. When cooking, it is important to use less oil and focus on steaming and stewing dishes. It is beneficial to consume fresh vegetables, legumes, red dates, sesame, fish, shrimp, and lean meat. It is also advisable to drink some bone soup and have a fresh egg daily.
3. Eat smaller meals more frequently
The dietary characteristics of the elderly are best suited for smaller, more frequent meals. The elderly should avoid consuming processed foods such as canned and pickled products, avoid excessive tea consumption, and not drink too much water. The diet should not be too watery. Excessive water intake can dilute the blood and reduce its quality, which is not conducive to overall health.
4. Moderate alcohol consumption
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial to the health of elderly men, and medicated wines prepared with special techniques have magical effects. Medicinal wines not only contain various nourishing nutrients but also have the effects of resolving phlegm, promoting blood circulation, and tonifying blood and qi.
However, more is not always better when it comes to alcohol consumption. Only moderate and timely consumption can have a beneficial effect, while excessive drinking can damage internal organs. Drinking alcohol and then immediately going to sleep after a full meal can often lead to liver and spleen damage and various health problems. Since alcohol has a warming effect, drinking alcohol in winter is more beneficial to health.
Elderly men often enjoy drinking medicinal wines to nourish their bodies, but caution should be exercised in the selection of medicinal wines. Different ingredients and methods can produce medicinal wines with different effects. Some can nourish yin, some can tonify yang, and some can tonify blood and qi. Therefore, wine should be warm for those with cold constitutions, clear for those with heat constitutions, and tonics should be consumed by those with deficiencies. Those with poor blood circulation should drink medicinal wines that promote blood circulation and dredge meridians.
Friendly reminder: Eating smaller meals is a more scientific and reasonable dietary method for elderly men. This can reduce the burden on the intestines, promote full nutrient absorption, and effectively prevent the degeneration of cell membranes, keeping cell functions intact and delaying aging. It can improve the health level of elderly men.
