As we age, our bodies need particular types of nutrients and vitamins. To ensure that senior citizens are getting the sustenance they require to maintain a healthy lifestyle, some turn to nutritional supplements. But such a move comes with potential risks that are important to consider. In this article, we will explore both the pros and cons of nutritional supplements for seniors.
1. Navigating Nutritional Needs for Seniors
As a person older in age, your nutritional needs may be slightly different than that of someone younger. Understanding what these specific needs are and determining the best way to achieve them can be overwhelming, but is incredibly important. Here are a few tips to .
- Account for Calorie Intake: With age, it becomes more important to be aware of the amount of calories consumed. While one may not be as active as in younger days, a balanced diet with an appropriate amount of healthy calories is still key.
- Include a Variety of Foods: Eating a diverse selection of foods is important for any age. Specifically for seniors, try to focus on nutrient-dense, low-fat, high-fiber options for overall health.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying sufficiently hydrated is even more important than with younger people. Senior citizens should aim to drink eight glasses of liquid each day. Water, unsweetened juices and herbal teas are all good options.
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements can be a good way to pass rough patches of dietary indiscretions, but should be used sparingly. Remember that whole food sources such as fruits and vegetables are always a prime choice in order to take in all the necessary dietary nutrients.
It is never too late to re-focus on an eating plan to accommodate for the nutritional needs of a senior. Whether one is eating three meals per day or several smaller meals, the whole goal is to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.
2. Discovering the Benefits of Supplementation
Knowing the benefits of supplementing your diet with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients is an important part of ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Supplementation helps replenish nutrients lost in processing, cooking, and other forms of food storage and preparation, and can provide a wide range of benefits, including:
- Helping to fill nutrient gaps in your diet
- Increasing energy and lowering fatigue
- Improving your concentration and ability to focus
- Promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails
Certain supplementation may also help in the prevention of certain diseases and health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. There are also supplements that can help support healthy weight loss and maintenance. The key to building a healthy and effective supplement program is to choose products that have been scientifically proven to provide the necessary nutrients, while avoiding those that are not backed by research.
Choosing the Right Supplements
Finding the right supplements for your needs can be a daunting task. Start by consulting with a physician or nutrition professional who can provide advice on which products are most appropriate. When selecting your supplements, it’s important to look for products that are all-natural, made with quality ingredients, and free of harmful additives. Additionally, look for supplements with third-party certificates, which indicate their potency and are a guarantee of quality.
3. Weighing the Risks of Supplementary Vitamins
It’s no surprise that vitamin supplements come with some risks – they are, after all, a form of medication. Many health professionals find that the benefits generally outweigh the risks, but there’s still a chance that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Here are a few key things to consider when weighing the risks of taking vitamins:
- Interactions with Other Supplements and Medications – Certain vitamins can interact with other drugs, such as blood pressure medication, and even other dietary supplements. It’s important to know the potential side effects and alert your doctor so they can monitor you accordingly.
- Potency – Vitamins can be potentially dangerous if taken in excessive amounts. Follow directions carefully and talk to your doctor about the right amounts to ensure safety and see results.
- Overmedicating – As with any supplement or medication, it’s wise to consult with your doctor to ensure that you’re not inadvertently taking too much. Just because something is deemed “natural” doesn’t mean too much won’t have negative repercussions.
It’s important to remember that taking vitamins can be incredibly beneficial to overall health and the effects can be unparalleled. With the right approach, the benefits can far outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor and assess what’s best for you and your individual health needs.
4. How to Choose Healthy Supplements for Senior Citizens
It’s no secret that consuming the right kinds of supplements can make all the difference when it comes to your health and well-being, especially for senior citizens. The key is to make sure that the supplements you choose are healthy and beneficial for your particular age group. Read on to discover four top tips for picking out healthy supplements for senior citizens.
1. Pick Supplements that Actually Benefit Seniors
Do your research and find out which supplements are beneficial to those of a more advanced age group. There are specific micro-nutrients and vitamins that a senior body generally needs more of, such as Vitamin D, Calcium, Fiber, Magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also look for multivitamins specifically tailored to seniors that contain the right combination of vitamins and minerals to maintain health.
2. Don’t Trust Unreliable Brands
Take extra caution when it comes to supplements originating from unreliable brands. It’s important to ensure the products you are buying contain no harmful or hazardous ingredients. Having all the necessary certifications and being FDA approved is a sign of a trustworthy brand.
3. Consider the Benefits and Risks
While it’s important to pick supplements that contribute to your overall well-being, it’s also important to be aware of any potential risks. For example, taking excessive amounts of calcium and vitamin D could be harmful, since both of these ingredients, when taken in too large of a quantity, can actually increase the risk of bone fractures. Do some extra research to make sure your chosen supplement isn’t known to bring any alarming side-effects.
4. Consult with your Doctor
Last but not least, it’s highly recommended that you get your doctor’s opinion before taking any new kinds of supplements. While supplements can prove immensely beneficial, it’s important to remember that they can interact with different medications. Your doctor can also advise you on the right quantity and dosage for the supplements that you feel like adding to your daily routine.
5. Maximizing Beneficial Nutrients for Seniors
Good Nutrition is Essential for Healthy Aging
As we age, the body’s need for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients increases. Unfortunately, many seniors don’t consume healthy, balanced meals, making it all the more necessary to ensure appropriate amounts of beneficial nutrients. For seniors, there are a number of strategies to maximize consumption of beneficial nutrients in their daily meals:
- Increasing consumption of healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish, nuts, and avocados
- Incorporating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into the daily diet
- Opting for proteins which are lower in cholesterol and saturated fat
- Including plant-based proteins such as legumes, beans and lentils
Making gradual changes can help seniors enjoy good health while minimizing risks associated with poor nutrition. For example, adding whole grain breads and cereals instead of white bread and pastas can provide seniors with extra sources of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Replacing snacks like candy and chips with healthier choices like dried fruits, whole grain crackers, and natural nut butter is another great way to supplement beneficial nutrients into a daily diet.
Supplementation may also be helpful for seniors who have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs, and/or those who have specialized health concerns. However, it is important to discuss supplement use with a healthcare professionals to avoid potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.
Seniors should assess their individual needs and discuss the pros and cons of using nutritional supplements with their health care providers. There are benefits and risks to consider in order to determine if a dietary supplement is appropriate for their lifestyle and medical conditions. Understanding the role dietary supplements can play, if any, can help seniors make a more informed decision about their own nutritional needs.
