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Problem Foods to Avoid As You Age

Some food items can cause serious health problems in ageing adults. Avoiding or limiting its consumption can help prevent health issues from developing. Take a look at the article to know more.

1. Foods with empty-calorie

These types of foods are usually high with calories, added sugars, saturated fats, carbohydrates and sodium. They do not offer any essential nutritional value and indulging in these foods frequently can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, food digestion problem, heart disease and even some cancers. Examples of these foods include egg rolls, doughnuts, chips, burgers, candy, etc.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

Ageing adults should refrain or limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages as studies have found that too much alcohol intake may affect sleep quality and even increase blood pressure. In addition, it may also increase the risk of hypoglycaemia in older adults who are diagnosed with diabetes.

3. High-sodium foods

As you age, adjust your diet and restrict your sodium intake within the recommended range as eating food with high sodium content can increase the risk of hypertension, heart problems and stroke. The AHA suggests daily sodium intake limit of 1,500 mg for older adults, especially for the ones with high blood pressure. Some examples of high-sodium-containing food to avoid are salad dressing, instant pudding, frozen foods, etc.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine is known to cause sleep problems which can affect your quality of life. Besides making some people feel jittery or anxious, it can also increase heart rate which can be harmful for adults with heart complications. Experts recommend to lower caffeine intake over time to avoid withdrawal and opt for healthy beverages or water instead.

5. Dairy

Food digestion problem is a common issue affecting ageing adults, especially when it involves milk and other dairy products. However, this doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate dairy products from your diet as they are vital sources of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, protein, etc. One should include dairy products in moderate amount as it will not cause stomach distress.

6. Raw sprouts

Raw sprouts like radish, clover, almond, sesame, etc., are generally very nutritious. However, they can pose great health risks for older adults and individuals with weaker immune system as they are more likely to retain germs and harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

7. Grapefruit

Grapefruit are good sources of vitamin C but their juice can interfere with active medications taken for high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, etc. It can intensify the effect of these medications and may also increase the risk of developing side effects. Consult your health care provider before including this fruit in your diet.

8. Sodas and sugary beverages

High intake of soda and other sugary beverages can lead to adverse health effects, especially for ageing adults. They generally offer little to no nutritious value and contain high amount of sugar per serving. Various studies have associated frequent consumption of sugary beverages with problems like weight gain, tooth cavities and decay, gout, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and so on.

9. Raw or undercooked meat, eggs and seafood

Raw or undercooked foods like eggs, seafood and meat are some of the most common causes of food poisoning. They can cause food digestion problem and also increase the risk of sepsis and septic shock in older adults due to low immune system.

10. Processed peanut butter

Processed peanut butter is a food to avoid as you age because it contains excessive amount of processed and hydrogenated vegetable oil along with high level of added sugar. It may increase your cholesterol level and can have a negative effect on your overall health.

Conclusion

As you grow old, you should be more cautious about your diet. Make sure to have a well-balanced healthy diet as it is important for healthy ageing process and overall well-being.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the Wellness Corner.

Source: NCOA.org, WebMD, MedicineNet

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 01, 2023

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