The Importance of Nutrition and Aging

Eating a healthy diet is important for all ages. Our bodies quite literally get the fuel they need from the nutrients we provide through meals, snacks, and supplements. Good fuel makes the engine run smoothly and helps avoid breakdowns. Poor fuel can cause problems. Nutrition plays an increasingly important role in our physical and mental well-being as we age. Good nutrition can prevent illness, speed up healing, maintain mental clarity, and provide the energy to live a full life. There are some vitamins and minerals that are key players in senior health.

As we age, our bodies start to run on a deficit of certain minerals and vitamins if we don’t pay attention and replace what we lose. Wellness products such as vitamin blends and mineral supplements play an important role in the nutritional landscape of our later years.

Vitamins and Minerals for Senior Health

Vitamins do a great deal for us, from supporting our immune systems to helping our blood clot properly. Vitamins occur naturally in our bodies and environments. Minerals are natural substances too and are found in food, as well as throughout the planet. Most of the minerals and vitamins that we need to function well can be delivered through foods that are varied and properly prepared.

As people age, they take in and absorb fewer nutrients because:

• Their metabolism slows down
• They require less food
• Their bodies become less efficient at absorbing and utilizing needed nutrients
• They often take medications that interfere with the way the body uses nutrients. Nutrient interference as well as nutrient-wasting are real problems.

It is very important to find workarounds to ensure that, as you age, you continue to consume and utilize the vitamins and minerals you need for health.

How To Get What You Need

Most people would agree that eating for health is more enjoyable than taking supplements for health. Besides, getting what you need in the foods you eat is generally better for you, as foods full of nutrients have other benefits, such as fiber.

Talk to your medical professional about whether you have a depletion of certain critical minerals or vitamins and should take a dietary supplement for what you lack. Taking the right dose is important. Taking too little does you no good, but more is not necessarily better and can be bad for you. Plus, you don’t want to pay for 8,000 milligrams if you only need 1,000. Ask for advice – in addition to physicians and nurse practitioners, pharmacists can also offer great tips about brands and dosages.

Supplements – What and How Much

Some of the basic vitamins and minerals that are especially important after age 55 are listed below. All of them are available in foods, but you may need to supplement. When it comes to how much you should take, check with a professional. Dosages for each will differ, and women and men do not require the same amounts.

• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Sodium – still necessary, but with sodium, you require much less after age 50
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• The B vitamins:
  • B6
  • B12
  • B1 (Thiamin)
  • B2 (Riboflavin)
  • B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin K
• Folate

Stay Healthy

Nutrition for health is important for anyone of any age. We don’t necessarily think about how our bodies change as we age because we are busy living our lives, and most people don’t feel old on the inside. But staying aware of your changing needs is a good idea. Have a conversation with a trusted medical professional and make sure you are getting your vitamins and minerals from A to Z.

Happy Holidays & a Very Happy New Year!

From our family to yours,

Dr. Ranat