What are some myths about healthy diets for seniors?
Seniors Can Overeat
If you care about your health, you must eat healthily regardless of your age. Older adults indeed need fewer calories than youngsters. However, we all should include nutritious foods like veggies, fruits, lean sources of protein, and whole grains in our diets.
Seniors, especially the ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, have a taste for sweets. This condition negatively affects the elderly, mainly those with diabetes.
If you consume too many carbs, you multiply the chances of developing mild cognitive impairment by four. Diets high in sugar also have a similar effect.
It Is Okay for Seniors to Skip Meals
Skipping meals in older adults usually has one of these unhealthy consequences:
• It may create cravings that later result in overeating.
• It can further reduce your appetite.
Also, if people with diabetes don’t regularly eat the right foods, they might have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels.
Seniors Can Replace Food with Vitamins and Supplements
As Harvard Medical School suggests, supplements may fill our nutritional gaps. But they are not enough to replace food nutrients. If people excessively rely on dietary supplements, they may harm themselves. Ingesting too much of the same nutrient over a short period can be dangerous.
As we get older, we become less capable of absorbing food. Our bodies will need less energy, leading to a decreased appetite. Suppose you have chronic health issues or take medications. In that case, you should consult your doctor before purchasing supplements or changing your diet drastically. Otherwise, you might experience adverse interactions and other difficulties.
