Your mental and physical health is always important, regardless of your age. However, once you reach 65-years-old, your health should be more of a priority. As a senior, our bodies often cannot bounce back after the flu or infection like they used to. There are many ways to practice good health habits, such as eating healthy to promote a healthier mind and body. If you want to start a new health journey, here are six reasons to eat healthy past 65.
1) Healthy gut
As we grow older, we can experience digestive system problems, such as heartburn, bloating, gas, and constipation. Eating a healthy diet is essential when promoting a healthy gut. A healthy gut contributes to strong heart health, immune system support, better sleep, improved mental health, and more!
One of the ways you can improve your gut health is by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber, which is essential to build up good gut bacteria and protect your gut. When you are low on fiber, your gut microbiome can become inflamed. To maintain a healthy gut, you should avoid processed foods and foods that contain loads of salt, sugar, and fat.
2) Better mental health
A healthy diet affects not only your body but also your mental health. According to a 2016 Clinical Nutrition research study, foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help lower the risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Eating healthy past 65 can help fluctuate your mood, allow you to focus better, and become overall happier. Healthy bacteria can positively affect neurotransmitter production, which is essential in your Golden Years, considering it’s common for senior citizens to become more susceptible to depression as they age.
3) Benefits heart health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S. Some reports conclude that 80% of premature heart disease and strokes can be preventable if people make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet.
The American Heart Association states that almost half of U.S. adults live with a type of cardiovascular disease. You can eat foods that will reduce blood pressure, risk of strokes and heart attacks. There are plenty of foods out there that can benefit your heart health, such as fish, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. It would be best if you tried to limit your intake of fatty foods and sodium.
4) Manage weight
An unhealthy weight can lead to a variety of health conditions, with diabetes being a top one. Over 14 million of America’s senior citizens have diabetes. Whenever you maintain a healthy weight, you can lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, obesity, and heart disease.
A diet that does not contain processed and sugary foods is an excellent start to managing your weight. When at the grocery store, look for foods high in fiber and lean proteins, as these foods can help promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight.
5) Support healthy bones
When we age, our bones can become less dense and sometimes even brittle. Osteoporosis is very common in senior citizens, especially women. Osteoporosis makes your bones feel solid, but in reality, there are holes in your bones to where it looks like a honeycomb. With this information, you will want to ensure you eat healthy foods that support healthy bones.
Foods that are high in magnesium and calcium are great for strong and healthy bones. Try incorporating broccoli, leafy greens, nuts, vegetables, tofu, and cabbage into your diet so you can get those minerals. It’s recommended that seniors consume at least 1,000mg of calcium and at least 300mg of magnesium every day. If these foods don’t sound good to you, look into calcium and magnesium supplements.
6) Immune system support
A healthy immune system is essential to fight off viruses and prevent harmful germs from entering your body. Studies have shown that your diet can influence your immune system in all parts of life. Your blood cells, microbiome, and inflammatory processes can be impacted whenever you have a healthy immune system and the proper nutrition.
Considering our immune system is our defense against disease and illnesses, a poor diet can make you more susceptible to immunodeficiencies. Eating healthy past 65 is essential since our immune systems can become weak as we age. Try incorporating daily vitamins into your diet to give you that extra boost and support for a healthy immune system.
Final thoughts
After reading these six reasons to eat healthy past 65, you might begin to realize how much the food you eat affects your mind and body. Everyone’s bodies are different, so speak with a dietician to create a health plan and counsel you on your nutrition and eating habits.
