We may be healthy now, but health and vitality go out with age. Thus, before spending tons of money on hospital bills and complicated operations, it is best to take care of ourselves while we are still in our prime to prepare ourselves for the future better. Self-care is a worthy investment that has both short and long-term effects on our well-being.
If you are a mom with kids, juggling your responsibilities and making time for self-care must be challenging. However, with proper time management and focus, one can make time for exercise, keep some of the budgets for healthy food and appropriate food supplements that will prepare your body for the future. Here are important dietary supplements that you must consider as you prepare for your senior years.
Calcium
As we age, our bones lost their natural mass and density. Calcium deficiency may lead to health risks such as osteoporosis or arthritis later on in life. Our level of activities also decreased when we grow older. Whether we stayed in the same house or availed of a nearby residential care home service, we don’t have the same social circle or participation in the community anymore. The lack of activity may lead to muscle and bone degradation. ; One way to keep up with these changes is to take Calcium supplements to maintain bone health. In recent years, Calcium is available in several forms. One can get Calcium supplements in pills, capsules, powders, and gel tabs. There are also Calcium extracts or liquids.
Vitamin B12
Older people may have difficulty absorbing Vitamin B12 anymore, like how young people can efficiently do. Thus, one must take Vitamin B12 in their senior years. B12 is a key nutrient in cell reproduction and replenishment. Our body needs B12 in creating red blood cells in DNA. Aside from taking Vit B12 supplements, seniors should also consider including more Vitamin B12-enriched foods such as meat, poultry, milk, and milk products in their diet.
Folate/Folic Acid
Folic acid is not just important among pregnant and lactating mothers but also to seniors. On a regular day, we may not have reached our required amount of fruits and vegetables. Folate supplements will fill in that lack. Even with folate supplements, seniors should still eat breakfast cereals and a handful of fruits and vegetables, especially during breakfast.
Vitamin D
Calcium will be useless without Vitamin D in our body. This nutrient is instrumental in the absorption of Calcium in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D also protects the body from chronic diseases like cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid and multiple sclerosis. We may derive Vitamin D from sunlight. Other food products that contain Vitamin D include cereals, milk, yogurts, and juices. It is also found in salmon, tuna, and eggs.
Potassium
Our bones need Potassium, too. Aside from keeping bones strong, this is an essential mineral in producing healthy cells and preventing high blood pressure and kidney stones. However, surveys confirmed that we are not taking enough Potassium in our diet. To fill this deficiency, adding more bananas, prunes, plums, and potatoes to your diet.
Magnesium
Magnesium affects at least 300 essential physiological processes in our body. This nutrient acts as a cofactor in regulating diverse biochemical processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and glucose control, among other functions—unfortunately, our body’s ability to absorb and process Magnesium decrease with age. Thus, we need to get Magnesium from outside sources. In our regular meals, make sure to include fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, and seeds to increase Magnesium intake.
We all want to age gracefully and live happily in our senior years. To reach these goals, we must invest in a healthy lifestyle while we are still young. Don’t wait for the day when you experience the first symptoms of illnesses. ; Instead, invest in healthy food groups, as well as food supplements that can make your body healthier and stronger.
Also, there are other tips that we can follow to lead a healthy lifestyle. Don’t drink sugar-filled, calorie-laden drinks such as soda and artificial juices. When hungry, refrain from eating junk food. Instead, indulge in nuts as they are high in Magnesium, Vitamin E, fiber, and other nutrients. Contrary to what many people have been professing, coffee is totally healthy. It contains antioxidants and may increase longevity. We may have also forgotten how important water is to our bodies. Hydrating ourselves helps in the efficient burning of calories and the flushing of harmful toxins in our body. It also helps organs function properly and absorb essential nutrients. And, no matter how busy we are, make sure to get enough sleep and rest.
