Senior Nutrition

As we age, the need for calcium is even more important. The skeleton is used as a calcium reserve, and has been designed to be drawn upon in times of reduced intake or excessive loss of calcium. These withdrawals are then replaced during times of adequate intake. Calcium is stored as bony tissue, not in bone, which is a popular misconception. The body maintains only as much bone as it needs to support current mechanical loads. So if you’re...Read entire article »

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The average amount of salt in the American diet is twice the necessary DV (daily value). A key to eating healthy is choosing foods lower in sodium and salt, which is a mixture of sodium and chloride. The current DV is less than 2,400 mg of sodium a day. That is one teaspoon of salt! Too Little Salt A diet low in sodium may put people with chronic illness or the elderly at risk for hyponatremia. Hyponatremia, also known...Read entire article »

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What Is Dietary Fiber? Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber. Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber. In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. Such fibers...Read entire article »

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It’s that time of year again, when picnics and family gatherings are most popular. We all know the drill: make food at home, and family and friends will take home the leftovers. What you might be surprised to learn, however, is that some of the symptoms typically associated with the flu are the same symptoms seen in foodborne illnesses. As we get older, our immune systems weaken, making it harder to fight off bacteria and serious illness. Stomach acids...Read entire article »

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Undernutrition is a serious problem for some elderly people. As we age, the decrease in sensation of taste and smell can make foods less appealing. With age, our caloric needs also decrease, so it is important to get the most out of foods by choosing foods with higher nutritional value. Oral health may also diminish. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dentition and periodontal disease all make chewing difficult, so oral health should be prioritized. Vitamins We Need and Where to Find...Read entire article »

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