If you are elderly, getting the proper nutrition can be challenging for a variety of reasons. Inability to chew, lack of appetite and certain illnesses are all contributing factors to how much food you take in and the weight you maintain. If your doctor recommends that you go on a high calorie diet, there are things to consider before getting started. The goal should be to reach a target weight and be able to maintain it.
Significance
Initially, finding the cause of your weight loss or lack of gaining weight should be a priority. This begins with your medical doctor. He should be able to pinpoint the problem and identify any underlying medical conditions that are contributing to your weight loss. Illnesses such as cancer, gastrointestinal conditions, cardiac problems, diabetes and depression can lead to weight loss, explain the American Academy of Family Physicians. He will be able to tailor a diet based on the nutritional needs of your medical condition.
Benefits
Supplementing your meals with high fat and high calorie substitutes can help you gain weight. The Colorado State University Extension explains that as you age, your body experiences sensory changes. Changes to the senses including sense of taste and smell can affect what you eat and how much you consume. If your vision is ailing, it may be more difficult for you to read nutrition labels and understand what foods are good for you. As the body ages, you lose lean body mass. This can affect how you body gains weight, requiring you to eat more in order to gain or maintain a healthy weight level.
Types
In addition to adding foods from the main food groups, milk, oils, meats and beans, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you can double up on your menu and add more meats and fats to your diet. When eating chicken, leave the skin on and when eating meat, refrain from trimming the fat off. The USDA Pyramid explains that you can use discretionary calories or extra calories that are left over after you eat from the food groups. If you are underweight, the Pyramid suggests eating higher calorie forms of food such as whole milk, sweetened cereal and solid fats to help to increase fat and calories in your diet.
Solution
If you are having trouble swallowing your food, you could experience weight changes. Factors include dentures that no longer fit due to structural changes from weight loss or problems with swollen lymph nodes or thyroid. Once you have these medical issues addressed and are seeking treatment, you can begin to eat full meals to meet your nutritional needs. Parent Giving suggests adding liquid nutritional supplements to each meal to help to ensure you get the proper nutrients and fats in your diet.
Effects
It is important for you to maintain good health as an elderly person. The psychological and physical changes the body goes through impairs your immune system and weakens your body further, resulting in failure to thrive or get better. When the proper nutrients are not absorbed by the body, it can begin break down and cause malnutrition. Eating properly and eating high calorie snacks throughout the day can help you add fat to your muscle and give you strength.
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