Elderly people’s diet health is an essential part of daily life that cannot be ignored, and attention should be paid to the following aspects:
1. Main food coarse and fine matching: In order to ensure a balanced nutrition, the elderly should combine refined rice and flour with coarse grains such as brown rice, oats, etc. Although refined grains are easy to chew, coarse grains are rich in more beneficial health components, suitable for elderly people with good digestive systems to add in moderation.
2. Control salt intake: Considering that many elderly people prefer strong flavors, attention should be paid to reducing salt use, with a daily salt intake not exceeding 5 grams, to avoid causing health problems such as high blood pressure.
3. Choose foods that lower cholesterol: Eating onions, mushrooms, fungus, seaweed, laver, etc., can help lower cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis, and cerebrovascular diseases.
4. Proper meal planning: Adopt a small, frequent meal pattern, use cooking methods such as boiling, stewing, braising, steaming more often, reduce frying, which is beneficial for digestion and absorption.
5. Restrict high-protein foods: Due to the weakened digestive capacity of elderly people, excessive intake of high-protein foods should be avoided to prevent indigestion and stomach discomfort.
6. Avoid hard or sticky foods: Considering the condition of elderly people’s teeth, avoid consuming foods that are difficult to chew or sticky to teeth, and consult a dentist if necessary to improve oral condition.
7. Specific foods to be consumed with caution: – Sunflower seeds: Because of their high-fat content which may affect liver function, and some fried spices may stimulate the stomach. – Tofu: Although rich in protein, excessive consumption may lead to digestive burden, especially for elderly people with a cold stomach. – Fish roe: Rich in nutrients but high in cholesterol, elderly people should consume in moderation and ensure thorough cooking to aid digestion. – Tremella: Although it has tonic effects, it is not easily digested, excessive consumption by the elderly may cause intestinal obstruction.
In conclusion, the diet of elderly people should focus on balance and moderation, promoting physical health through a scientifically reasonable dietary structure. It is hoped that these suggestions will provide practical help in maintaining the diet and health of the elderly.
