Following a healthy diet becomes increasingly important as you age and develop a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But following a healthy diet can help reduce your risk. To find out which foods seniors should avoid, contact Buckner Retirement Services at 903.329.6520 for nutrition education counseling.
10 Foods to Avoid After 65
In order to stay healthy and decrease their risk of developing certain health concerns, there are specific foods the elderly should eat and others they should avoid. Decreasing or eliminating unhealthy foods from your diet can lower your risk of the following medical issues:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
To decrease your risk of these serious health concerns, check out these ten foods to avoid after 65:
1. Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs can cause food poisoning, which is a concern at any age, but it is an increased risk for the elderly. This is because food poisoning can ultimately lead to sepsis and septic shock in older adults.
2. High Sodium Foods
Senior adults often struggle with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. To lower your risk, you should try avoiding highly processed foods that are high in sodium.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of heart disease and high blood pressure, which is why older adults should avoid coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated items.
4. Sodas
Soft drinks are high in both caffeine and sugar, making them a bad dietary choice for seniors. Drinking soda too often can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as harm your teeth and reduce your bone density.
5. Sugar-Free Drinks
While sugary drinks are an issue, you should also be cautious of sugar-free drinks that contain added chemicals. Certain sugar substitutes can produce adverse effects, especially in older adults.
6. Fried Foods
One of the most important foods the elderly should avoid is fried food. Fried chicken, doughnuts, and other items can all lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease.
7. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is an important food for senior adults to be cautious about. This is because grapefruit can interact with certain medications and reduce their efficacy or cause adverse effects.
8. Alcohol
Much like grapefruit, alcohol is another substance that can interact with prescription medications. If you take certain medications, alcohol can negate their efficacy and lead to side effects.
9. Undercooked Meats
Raw or undercooked meats are another one of the biggest foods the elderly should avoid. Undercooked meats can result in food poisoning, putting seniors at an increased risk for sepsis and septic shock.
10. Sugary Juices
Much like sodas and soft drinks, juices that are high in sugar can increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease. They may seem healthy, but juices might be best avoided.
What Can Nutrition Counseling Education Do?
When it comes to following a healthy diet, older adults can benefit from taking part in nutritional counseling. A professional dietary expert can advise you on the best foods elderly should eat and certain foods to avoid.Â
Nutritional counseling is often personalized based on your unique medical concerns and dietary needs, ensuring that you follow a diet that promotes your healthiest self.
Nutritional Counseling at Buckner Westminster Place
If you are struggling to follow a healthy diet or having a hard time avoiding highly processed foods, you may benefit from nutritional counseling. Buckner Retirement Services offers nutrition education counseling for seniors, among many other services. Contact us at 903.329.6520 to find out more, or reach out online.