There is a saying among the people: having an old person in the family is like having a treasure. In fact, it is the greatest blessing for us younger generations if our elders can live a healthy and happy life. However, due to the declining physical resistance of the elderly, they may suffer from some diseases. So how can we ensure that they live a healthy and happy life? How can the elderly eat healthily without taking medication? In terms of daily health care, how should the elderly take care of themselves to be the healthiest? What are the common knowledge that the elderly should pay attention to in terms of diet every morning?
How many meals a day is correct for the elderly
It is more suitable for the elderly to have several meals a day. Many elderly people only eat two meals a day because their activity levels decrease after retirement. However, this habit is very unhealthy.
The reasons are as follows:
1. If the elderly only eat two meals a day, the glucose obtained from the food is not enough to meet the physiological needs of the brain. If the brain's nutritional supply is not adequate for a long time, it will seriously damage memory and other brain functions, and may even cause memory loss or dementia.
2. People who only eat two meals a day usually do not pay much attention to breakfast, they just eat some dry food to get by. This can cause significant damage to the stomach and other digestive organs. As the saying goes, "Eat well in the morning, eat full at noon, and eat less in the evening." This is very scientifically reasonable, especially for the physiological condition of the elderly.
Therefore, the elderly should eat small meals frequently instead of only eating two meals a day. If the elderly have stomach problems, they should eat small meals more often.
The best time for the elderly to have breakfast is between 8 and 9 a.m.
When we sleep at night, most of our organs have rested after a day of work, but the digestive system is still busy digesting and absorbing the food that remains in the gastrointestinal tract until morning. In life, many elderly people believe that going to bed and getting up early is good for their health. They wake up at five or six in the morning, hastily finish breakfast, and then exercise. Little do they know that this may lead to gastrointestinal diseases.
The stomach and intestines need at least 2-3 hours of rest in the morning to restore normal function. If the elderly have breakfast too early, it will disturb the rest of the stomach and intestines, increase the burden on the digestive system, and over time, it may lead to gastrointestinal diseases.
Nutrition experts suggest that the best time for the elderly to have breakfast is between 8 and 9 a.m.
What are the common misconceptions about breakfast for the elderly
1. It is not advisable to eat bananas. Bananas contain a rich amount of potassium, which can promote sleep and are beloved by many elderly people. However, bananas also contain a large amount of magnesium. Eating them on an empty stomach can suddenly increase the magnesium content in the blood, and magnesium is one of the sensitive elements that affect heart function.
2. It is not advisable to eat pineapples. Pineapples contain strong enzymes, and eating them on an empty stomach can harm the stomach. The nutrients in pineapples can be better absorbed after a meal.
3. It is not advisable to drink vinegar or eat garlic on an empty stomach in the morning. Drinking vinegar on an empty stomach can lead to excessive stomach acid and harm the stomach. Garlic can irritate the stomach mucosa and intestinal walls, causing stomach spasms.
These details are everywhere in life, but they have a big impact on the elderly. Pay attention to the details in life.
