Healthy Tips for the Over Fifties
There are many changes that occur when your body begins to age. Many times activity levels slow as does the metabolism and bit of rounded belly begins to show. Foods that you once hated now sound appealing because your sense of taste and smell diminish through the years. Your body doesn't process the food as well since stomach acid and saliva production diminishes and vitamins like B6, B12 and folic acid diminish because of reduced absorption. The body slows or ceases production of many enzymes and coenzymes that create needed building blocks or aid in the digestion of food. If this all sounds way to grim, don't worry. There are simple remedies to keep you in the pink and get your body up to optimal operation.
Firstly, if you want the stamina to live well, it is important to eat a good breakfast. Many people are fully aware of the importance of breakfast and have in the past made sure their families ate properly before they started their day. You may not do the same thing for yourself once the children have grown up and left home. Breakfast can be easy and healthy. The combination of fruit, oatmeal, toast and juice or a hot drink, can provide an excellent and balanced start to the day.
For a mid-morning snack, enjoy more fruit perhaps alongside some cheese. If you want to get creative you can create a kebab made of strawberries, cheese and grapes. As you get older, your digestion will thank you if you eat smaller meals more frequently. This not only increases metabolism and helps the absorption of nutrition, it also evens out blood sugar and stops you from getting hungry.
Sensible lunches include salads, wraps and soups. Watch out for creamed soups. Many boomers notice that milk products tend to create a multitude of flatulence. The reason may be simple, the older that people become, the less of the enzyme lactase they create to digest the milk sugar. This sits in the stomach and creates all sorts of distress from gas to diarrhea. Even though you may already realize that milk creates digestive problems, don't forget creamy dressings and creamed soups. These sneaky devils contain hidden milk that creeps up to bite you later. Aged cheese, over 60 days, contains very little lactose due to the bacteria that consumes it when the cheese is made. Cheese is the best route to get the needed calcium if you have lactose intolerance.
Watch out for food allergies you never knew you had. Just like lactose intolerance, many food allergies aren't allergies at all but the body's inability to process certain foods. Gluten intolerance plays havoc on bodies and is seldom suspected until some bright physician asks just the right questions. Gluten is found in wheat and grain products like bread and vinegar.
Supplement your diet with additional vitamins and minerals. Several companies produce vitamins created specifically for seniors. Try capsule forms for easier absorption. There are abundant amounts of coenzymes and enzymes that are available for purchase. One particularly interesting coenzyme is CoQ10. The Co stands for coenzyme. This is normally produced by the body but the production diminishes as you age. Many studies found this beneficial to those on cholesterol lowering drugs and people with beginning Alzheimer's or heart damage. Even though there has been no harmful side effects reported, it is always best to consult your doctor, particularly if taking other medications.
Keep your processed sugar intake down as each year passes. When you ingest sweets, make them healthy and in the form of fruit. When you eat right, your body tells you with increased vigor and stamina. Add a bit of exercise, whether it be walking, biking, yoga, swimming or anything else to grease the joints and you find that you feel a lot fitter.
Finally, enjoy your life, be positive and stay active. If you feel you are in a rut, be willing to make a change, even if it is only a small one. Make healthy eating interesting and exciting. Learn to cook new meals and develop healthy yet tasty menus. The baby boomers changed the world, isn't it time to change the way we age?
For nutritious recipes and other healthy food ideas, you can find a wealth of material on nutritious food at LifeStyleHealthy.com