"Doctor, I've been feeling sick lately and sometimes have diarrhea."
Grandpa Li's voice was slightly weak.
I inquired carefully about his daily diet, and Grandpa Li told me that he especially likes to drink mung bean soup, especially in the hot summer, and cooks a pot almost every day.
The mung bean soup is sweet and refreshing, and he thinks it can both relieve the heat and detoxify.
Hearing this, I already had some guesses in my mind.
"Grandpa Li, although mung beans have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, they are cold, and for the elderly with weak spleen and stomach, excessive consumption may cause indigestion and even diarrhea."
Grandpa Li listened to my words and looked a little surprised:
"So that's the case, I just think mung bean soup is delicious, but I didn't expect there to be so much exquisiteness."
I went on to explain:
"Yes, Grandpa Li. Everyone's physique is different, and the reaction to food is also different.
For you, it's okay to consume mung beans in moderation, but not too much.
Especially in the absence of obvious fever, more attention should be paid to the intake of mung beans. ”
"Grandpa Li, mung beans themselves are a nutritious food, rich in protein and vitamins.
But for older people with certain conditions, there are real caveats to be aware of.
However, there are a few other foods that you need to pay special attention to, though. ”
High-salt foods:
As older people age, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases and the risk of high blood pressure increases.
Foods high in salt can increase the burden on the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
High-sugar foods:
Older people have a slower metabolism and too much sugar intake can easily lead to an increase in blood sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes and its complications.
Fried foods:
Fried foods contain high amounts of trans and saturated fats, which can increase blood cholesterol levels, aggravate arteriosclerosis, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Hard nuts:
While nuts are highly nutritious, older people may not have as much teeth and digestive function as they did when they were younger, and too hard nuts are not easy to chew and digest, potentially leading to indigestion or the risk of choking.
Grandpa Li frowned after hearing this:
"I see, then I should eat less of the pickles and desserts that I usually like to eat."
I nodded in the affirmative:
"Yes, Grandpa Li. Older people should pay more attention to nutritional balance in their diet, reduce the intake of these foods, and choose some low-salt, low-sugar, easy-to-digest foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. ”
After Grandpa Li heard this, his expression became serious:
"Looks like I'm really going to have to adjust my eating habits."
I encouraged him to say:
"That's right, Grandpa Li. Change always takes time, so you can start by reducing the number of fried foods and gradually replace them with steamed or baked healthy foods.
At the same time, you can have a small scale at home to weigh food and help you control the portion size. ”
Grandpa Li nodded in agreement, and I added some specific dietary suggestions:
"You can try making some low-salt side dishes, such as cold cucumbers and stir-fried seasonal vegetables, which are all great options.
For sweets, you can use some natural sweeteners, such as honey or dates, instead of sugar. ”
In the communication with Grandpa Li, I deeply felt the importance of healthy eating and the anxiety of the unknown among the elderly.
Low salt and sugar: Reduce your intake of table salt and refined sugar to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Moderate amount of high-quality protein: Moderate intake of high-quality protein such as fish, lean meat, and soy products to maintain muscle and bone health.
High-fiber foods: Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to promote gut health and prevent constipation.
Proper hydration: Maintaining adequate water intake helps maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Diversify your diet and avoid eating too much food at one time to reduce the burden on your digestive system.
Avoid hard foods: Choose foods that are easy to chew and digest to reduce stress on your teeth and digestive system.
Varied diet: Ensure a variety of diets and consume different types of foods to get comprehensive nutrition.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation: As older adults age and hormone levels change, they are prone to osteoporosis, and supplementing with calcium and vitamin D can help protect bone health.
Moderate exercise: Moderate physical activity can enhance the body's metabolic function and improve immunity, which is essential for maintaining health.
Regular physical examination: Regular physical examination to detect and deal with health problems in a timely manner is an important part of the health management of the elderly.
Dear readers, health knows no age, but every age group has its own special health needs.
For the elderly, a reasonable diet is the key to maintaining good health.
Let's start from the dining table to contribute to the health of our parents and elders, and enjoy a vibrant, happy and healthy old age together.
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If you have any questions or need help, please feel free to contact me and let's move towards a better life together.