The Bethlen Home Messenger, 1995 (1. szám)
1995-09-01 / 1. szám
Jîfrimt tl}£ esk ai tlje ^tcttctan by Edith Kovács RD The US FDA Government Printing Office printed a few years ago that almost all the experts agree that nutrition is a factor in the aging process, although it is not really clear why. The problem is that health experts don't know enough to tell the elderly what they should be eating. Most of the physical and even the psychological changes that take place when a person ages are influenced by the habits of their lifetime, like the foods eaten, physical activity, smoking and drinking habits and taking various drugs. Dr. Myron Winick, Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition (at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons) says "There is not a single nutrient for which there is a recommended daily allowance for men and women 65 and older. Even worse, there is no data base on which to formulate such recommendations." As the person grows older, the use of energy tends to decrease. Usually lean body tissue decreases, but body fat increases. Appetite usually decreases, nothing is enjoyed like it used to, because of many fold reasons: reduced vision, decreased smell and taste, poor teeth condition, depression, loneliness, sickness or income limitations, more use of medicine and often of alcohol. Less exercise, decreased absorption of nutrients cause deficiencies or nutrients, protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. Direct consequences are bone problems, metabolic disturbances, etc. Laxatives can adversely affect nutrient intake and can affect absorption. For example, Vitamin D malabsorption can make a poor calcium balance even worse. Mercury containing laxatives can cause depletion of phosphorus from the bones. Mineral oil, a widely used constipation remedy can interfere with the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E and K, and interfere with anticoagulants given for blood clots. Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide contribute to phosphate deficiency, aspirins may cause gastrointestinal bleedings which lead to iron depletion, also may cause excessive elimination of folic acid in the urine. Aspirin users may need additional Vitamin C, folic acid and iron. Another mineral that may be inadequate in some elderly people is zinc, which is essential for various metabolic processes. Writes Chris W. Lecos, a member of FDA's communication staff, Zinc is important to healing of wounds and proper function of the immune system in the body, and important for various metabolic processes. Meat, seafood and eggs are good sources, and usually no serious deficiencies found among the aged population. Nutrition experts generally stress well balanced diet of wide variety of foods to promote healthy life in all ages. The National Institute on Aging advise at least two servings daily of milk or milk products as cheese, cottage cheese or yogurt, etc. Daily two servings of high protein food as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans, peanut butter or nuts. Daily four servings of fruits and vegetables including juices and dark leafy or green or yellow vegetables. Also daily four servings of starches as breads, potatoes, cereals, rice or pasta. Food and drug interactions can be very harmful for the aging population. It also often happens that medicine taken with food it helps to prevent gastrointestinal disturbances. Dietary deficiencies are promoted by certain drugs like antacid, aspirin or laxatives. A person taking lots of aspirin may need lots of iron, diets high in folic acid and Vitamin C. Constipation, often caused by insufficient fluid intake, poor diet and lack of exercise. Laxatives can adversely affect nutrient consumption, Vitamin D absorption, mineral loss, poor calcium balance, etc. Mine^l oils as laxative can interfere with absorption of A,D,E and K Vitamins and with anticoagulants given to prevent blood clots. Research about feeding the elderly is an ongoing process. We know that human behavior can be influenced: fiber consumption increased, the use of table salt decreased, fat consumption is decreasing, because of advocating sound nutrition, informing the public promoting better nutrition for every age. It is of utmost importance that aging residents enjoy their food and eat with appetite. Only this way will they really benefit of their consumed food. I am always encouraging the families to take out to the patios their loved ones, that they could benefit of the outdoors: fresh air, little breeze and the good, old sun will do the best for their appetite. We have nice patios with sun protection happy colored umbrellas, comfortable furniture where families, residents, little ones and grown-ups can enjoy the birds and the trees, the flowers and the plants. After such outings everyone eats and sleeps better and with happier heart can say thanks to God "for the beauties of the earth".
