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Imagine a scenario: a grandmother in her seventies, who is generally in good health, heard that mung bean soup has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, making it very suitable for the elderly. So, she drinks a bowl of mung bean soup every morning.
However, recently she found herself often feeling bloated, having a poor appetite, and sometimes experiencing diarrhea. She couldn’t understand why her health condition was deteriorating. Could it be because she drank too much mung bean soup?
Mung beans are indeed a nutritious ingredient with the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, diuretic, and reducing swelling. However, not everyone is suitable for consumption, especially the elderly. The digestive system and kidney function of the elderly start to decline, and excessive consumption of mung beans may have adverse effects on the body.
For example, there is a retired teacher who drinks a bowl of mung bean soup every morning, thinking it can clear heat, detoxify, and prevent overheating. But she found her appetite getting worse and often feeling bloated. The doctor told her that mung beans are cool in nature, and overconsumption can lead to spleen and stomach deficiencies, affecting digestive function, especially for elderly individuals whose spleen and stomach functions are originally weak, they should be cautious in consuming mung beans.
Another example is an elderly woman who thinks mung beans have a diuretic effect and can help eliminate toxins from the body, so she cooks mung bean porridge every day. The doctor explained that mung beans are high in fiber, excessive consumption can stimulate the intestines, causing diarrhea, especially for elderly people with sensitive intestines and stomach, they should consume mung beans in moderation to avoid excessive burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
For instance, an elderly man heard that mung beans can lower blood sugar, so he eats mung beans every day hoping to control his blood sugar. But he found that his blood sugar control is not good, and he often feels tired and weak. The doctor told him that although mung beans have a certain effect in lowering blood sugar, they cannot replace medication. Excessive consumption may also lead to nutrient imbalance, affecting overall health.
Through these examples, we can see that although mung beans have many benefits, if the elderly consume them excessively or for a long time, it may have a negative impact on the body. Especially for elderly people with spleen and stomach deficiencies, sensitive intestines and stomach, or other health issues, they should be cautious in consuming mung beans.
Next, let’s continue to explore from the doctor’s perspective, besides mung beans, what other foods should elderly people avoid to maintain their health. These foods are commonly consumed by many people, but if not carefully considered, they may have adverse effects on health.
Excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood sugar, increase the risk of diabetes, and diabetes can cause a series of complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
There is an elderly woman who loves to eat sweets, she eats cakes, candies, etc., every day, resulting in weight gain and consistently high blood sugar. The doctor advised her to control sugar intake, reduce the consumption of high-sugar foods, eat more fruits, and other naturally sweet foods to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
While moderate alcohol consumption has a certain protective effect on cardiovascular health, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, etc.
There is an elderly man who drinks several glasses of liquor every day, resulting in consistently high blood pressure, and his heart function being affected. The doctor suggested him to reduce alcohol consumption, not exceeding one glass of red wine per day, and preferably gradually quitting alcohol, which is more beneficial for overall health.
Another food that is easily overlooked is high purine foods, such as animal offal, seafood, etc. High purine foods can increase uric acid levels, leading to gout attacks.
For example, there is an elderly man who enjoys eating seafood very much, always eating a lot, which often causes joint pain and was diagnosed as gout. The doctor advised him to reduce the intake of high purine foods, drink more water to help the body excrete uric acid, and reduce the frequency of gout attacks.
Walking is a simple and effective aerobic exercise that can promote blood circulation, improve cardiopulmonary function, and enhance physical fitness. After a period of persistence, his blood pressure stabilized, weight decreased, and overall health condition improved significantly.
Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, reduce muscle and joint stiffness, and enhance physical agility. Spending 10-15 minutes each day doing simple stretching exercises, such as stretching arms, bending to touch the ground, rotating the waist, etc., can effectively prevent common problems in the elderly, such as back pain, joint stiffness, etc.
There is a retired engineer who does stretching exercises every morning and evening, and as a result, his back pain was relieved, and his flexibility improved.
Another beneficial practice is practicing yoga. Spending 30 minutes each day doing some simple yoga movements, such as Mountain Pose, Downward Dog, Cat-Cow Pose, etc., can help improve blood circulation, enhance balance, and agility.
An elderly woman practices yoga at home for 30 minutes every day, through various stretching and relaxation movements, her blood pressure is under control, and her body becomes more flexible. The doctor explained that deep breathing and meditation in yoga can help lower stress hormone levels, reduce the burden on the body.
Improving indoor air quality is also crucial to maintaining good health. Regular ventilation, using air purifiers, and planting air-purifying plants at home can help improve indoor air quality.
There is an elderly woman whose living environment has poor air quality, often feeling chest tightness. The doctor suggested her to plant some green plants at home and use an air purifier. Through these measures, her respiratory problems and overall health condition improved.
Emotional tension and high stress can easily trigger various health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, etc. There is a retired engineer who often feels anxious due to family problems, leading to high blood pressure and heavy physical burden. The doctor advised him to take some time out each day for meditation. Through relaxing body and mind, his blood pressure and overall health condition were relieved.
Through these examples, we can see that maintaining good health not only requires attention to diet but also can strengthening the body through simple and effective movements and methods.
Stretching exercises, deep breathing exercises, yoga, improving indoor air quality, maintaining a serene mindset, are all important methods to help us maintain good health. If you also want to protect your health, why not try these methods? I believe you will see significant improvements.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle and some simple tips can help us effectively protect our bodies and enjoy a healthy life. Wishing everyone a healthy body and staying away from the troubles of diseases.
What are your thoughts on mung beans? Feel free to discuss in the comments section!
