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The need for a Healthy Diet
Eat Yourself Fitter!
A recent Age Concern report highlighted the problem of malnutrition amongst elderly patients in hospital. This is a timely reminder to everyone to eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet. This is especially important for the elderly, as a poor diet increases the likelihood of hospitalisation with 40% of all elderly people admitted to hospital found to be malnourished.
A balanced and varied diet will help you to enjoy food and provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. To achieve this try and follow this guidance.
Eat and drink regularly and try to eat meals 3 times a day. Vary the foods that you eat across the week and avoid eating identical meals. If you have a poor appetite have smaller more frequent meals. A healthy and balanced diet should comprise -
• Foods containing starch and fibre such as bread, rice, cereals, potatoes and pasta. Fibre is also found in fruit, vegetables, oats and lentils. These foods are also a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
• Foods containing iron such as meat, fish, cereals, peas, beans and lentils. Iron is needed by your body to prevent anaemia.
• Foods containing Vitamin C such as fruit, especially citrus fruits, fruit juice and vegetables. Vitamin C helps the body fight infections.
• Foods containing calcium and Vitamin D. Milk, cheese, yoghurt and some green vegetables contain calcium that strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Oily fish and margarine contain Vitamin D that is also needed for healthy bones.
• Lots of fluids as dehydration can be a major cause of confusion. Try to drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic fluids per day.
Finally, try to avoid refined sugar products, highly processed foods and caffeinated drinks.
If you have someone helping you shop and/or prepare your meals then talk to them about this so that they can help you eat properly and stay fitter.
This information is brought to you by Carewatch for the benefit of all members of our community. Carewatch can be contacted on 01823 325554.
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