The main causes of nutritional loss in the elderly
The aging of the digestive system leads to tooth loss and reduced saliva secretion, which reduces chewing function; reduced gastric juice secretion and digestive ability; decreased intestinal function and digestion and absorption capacity, and decreased defecation ability.
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Decreased levels of sex hormones
The decline in sex hormone levels in middle-aged and elderly people can cause changes in body metabolism, which can lead to a negative balance of nutrients in the body to varying degrees under various conditions.
For middle-aged and elderly people, gastrointestinal function deteriorates. As they age, the gastrointestinal motility weakens and the body may not be able to obtain enough nutrients, which will inevitably lead to malnutrition over time.
What will happen if the elderly suffer from long-term malnutrition? If the elderly have a good physique and a balanced diet, they can avoid many adverse health problems. However, as they age, their body functions gradually weaken, their gastrointestinal and other physiological functions decline, and their ability to absorb nutrients also declines. Therefore, in view of the above situation, it is particularly important for the elderly to supplement various nutrients needed by the body in a timely and correct manner. However, the elderly must not be blind when choosing nutritional supplements. They must learn to target their own “problems” and “order the right ones” to improve their health more effectively.
The nutrients that people get from food every day, including water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals, are called the seven major nutrients . These nutrients are the essential material basis for human growth and development and for maintaining life activities.
Water accounts for 70% of the human body. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the cheapest detoxifying and beauty-enhancing agent.
Protein accounts for about 20% of the human body weight and is used to build muscles, blood, skin and many other body organs. The sources of protein in food are fish, meat, beans, eggs and milk. Women need about 55 grams of protein per day, men need about 65 grams, and children need about 40 grams.
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