As we age, the physiology of the elderly gradually declines, and the need for nutrients also changes. To ensure the health of the elderly, they need to be provided with a diet that is both rich and balanced.
1. Diverse food composition
Older people should have a diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure complete nutrition. Different foods have their own unique nutritional profiles. For example, meat, fish, milk, eggs, etc. are important for high-quality proteins**, but cholesterol and saturated fatty acids in them may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, soy products are rich in protein, especially lysine, but the nutritional value of their protein is lower than that of animal protein. Cereals, as a staple food, are rich in carbohydrates and B vitamins, but they are low in lysine.
Therefore, in order to compensate for the nutritional deficiencies of various foods, older people should maintain a variety of diets. Not only does this help to complement each other's nutrients, but it also reduces the adverse effects of certain foods on the body. By combining a variety of foods, you can ensure that the elderly receive balanced and comprehensive nutrition.
2. Acid-base balanced diet
The acid-base balance of food is essential for the health of the elderly. The acid-base nature of food can affect the acid-base balance of the blood, lymph, etc. To prevent senile diseases, older people should limit their intake of acidic foods and increase their intake of alkaline foods.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy foods are rich in alkaline substances, while grains and meats are more acidic. Through the combination of meat and vegetables, as well as the combination of grains and vegetables, it can help the elderly maintain the acid-base balance of the blood and make it tend to be weakly alkaline, which is very beneficial to longevity.
3. Food cooking suitable for the digestive system of the elderly
As we age, our chewing, digestion, and absorption functions gradually weaken, and our sense of taste changes. Therefore, food for the elderly should be more delicate, light, and easy to chew and digest. At the same time, the resistance of the elderly is low, and unclean food is easy to cause diarrhea, so when cooking food, pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of food, and ensure that the diet temperature is moderate, and avoid overheating or cold.
In addition, the meal schedule of the elderly should be based on the digestion and absorption capacity of the gastrointestinal tract to ensure a good appetite during meals. The residence time of mixed food in the stomach is about 4 5 hours, it is recommended to eat breakfast at 6:30 7:30 in the morning, lunch at 12:30 13:30 and dinner between 18:00 and 18:30. Dinner can account for up to 30% of the calories throughout the day. For those elderly people who go to bed late at night, eating 1 fruit or not too sweet snack 25 grams or 50 grams before going to bed has certain benefits for the elderly who secrete more stomach acid.
In conclusion, the nutritional requirements of the diet of the elderly are varied, pH balanced, and easily digestible. By following these principles, it is possible to provide the elderly with a diet that is both scientific and healthy, helping them to live a healthy and happy old age.