2020 was a year of changes, self-realization, and transformations. As a family, we always focus on the right diet but visible gaps existed. We started to work on the daily intake of Vitamin C and re-worked on the requirement of micronutrients like Zinc, Selenium. The whole focus seems to have shifted towards nutrition, along with regular indoor workouts and relieving stress, for better strength and immunity. Moreover, being in the mid-’30s with the mindset of “aging healthily”, boosting the body’s natural defenses became a priority. With a whole lot of changes in the lifestyle, we decided to read more on maintaining strength and immunity through nutrition.
Well, as we age, we are more likely to contract infections due to the decreased production of our body’s T-cells – the fighter cells.[1] While the connection between nutrition and immunity is still being researched, our family doctor shared that micronutrient malnutrition becomes prominent while aging. Upon further query, we got to know that the intake of some essential vitamins and trace minerals often gets reduced with lower and less variety in diets as we age. Every calorie consumed must be packed with the right nutrition for better immunity. Often the gradual loss of bone tissues goes unnoticed, which leads to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures.[2]
How to maintain strength and immunity?
As we age, there are certain nutrients that play a very important role in the proper functioning of our body’s cells and organs. Hence the question of how to maintain strength and immunity through nutrition in India is very common.
Researches have shown that deficiency of Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Folic acid, Omega 3, and Selenium can alter our body’s immune response. These vitamins and minerals are essential for boosting immunity.[3]
Here are some nutritious foods that must be a part of our diet, as we age:
1. Whole Plant Foods:
Vitamin C-rich fruits, whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds are rich in antioxidants and various essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. Enhancing the consumption of these can help us keep our immune system strong.
2. Milk products / Foods rich in Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 absorption decreases as we age. Thus, including milk, milk products (cheese, yogurt), soybean-based fermented foods, along with B12 fortified breakfast cereals is of utmost importance.[4]
3. Breakfast cereals / fortified breakfast cereals:
Folates are essential as we age, and if the consumption of fruits and vegetables is limited then our body might have a deficiency of this essential Vitamin B (Folic acid). Thus, folate fortified breakfast cereals are a great choice.[5] We have also included “Ensure” in our daily diet, which contains 32 vital nutrients which improve and support bone and muscle strength, as we age. Including Ensurein our diet is a perfect choice for strength, immunity, and energy.
4. Calcium-rich foods and Vitamin D:
Being calcium deficient, more so as we age and after menopause in women, enhances the brittleness of bones and the probability of fractures. Thus, intake of milk-based products and calcium-rich foods like broccoli, and kale are imperative. Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium and thus helps in maintaining bone density.[6]
Along with these essentials, staying hydrated and engaging in moderate exercise are equally important. Right from jogging to moderate weight-bearing exercises are good for holistic well-being.
Well, that’s what we focus on when it comes to nutrition, as we age, to get the #StrengthToLiveNonStop. How about you?
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928693/
[2] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/
[3] https://ensureindia.in/ensure/balanced-nutrition
[4] https://www.dairynutrition.ca/nutrients-in-milk-products/other-nutrients/milk-an-excellent-source-of-vitamin-b12
[5] https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/missing-nutrients#1
[6] https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/missing-nutrients#2
Aging is inevitable. We can’t change it. But we can always good care of ourselves so postpone aging symptoms and complications.:) Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle plays big role in it.
I have made whole wheat foods a priority in my house. To the extent that my cakes and waffles are made at home with wholewheat. We are what we eat, at the end of the day.
Yes healthy aging is important aspect of our life but sometimes it remain ignored. all the points you had mentioned here so important and can help a lot in stay fit and healthy even with aging. eat healthy and exercise regularly are two important factor that can make a huge difference in overall health and well being.
I agree that it’s so important to take care of our diet and health keeping it on priority!! Thanks for such a great article which is going to help so many!!
Can I agree more! Like you I too have made a conscious effort to gain #strengthtolivenonstop. The recommendations made by you are so vital buddy, thanks much for sharing them.
With age, we indeed need to take care of the health and ensure proper nutrition as well. And consuming food that assures such nutrition plays an important role to stay healthy.
Yes Ensurw gives us the ability to stay strong from inside out. I have started my family on Ensure protien drink and can actually see a change in the energy levels.
Important article in that we need to focus on health and take care that our food and supplements and habit are all all aligned and making a stronger and better version of us.
I have to focus on calcium and vitamin D…I am lacking both…thanks for the tips
Nutritious and seasonal food consumed in right quantities is always good for health. Ensure surely helps fill the gaps, if any.
The right nutrition is one important factor to build strength and immunity, both. Very helpful post.
I actually ended up being vitamin d deficient in recent tests. Came as a shock to me. Important to have the right supplement
Right nutritious food and supplements are the ways to keep oneself fit and healthy. Ensure is surely a great product for our overall health.
Glad to say I have all the things mentioned above. Only have reduced intake of cheese somehow but nevertheless, will include it in my food sometimes.
It’s really important to focus on healthy lifestyle and healthy food also plays great role thank you for sharing this informative article.
Since the last two years, I have been facing pain issues in the calves. And my daily routine has undergone a massive shift. I am also focussed on vitamins and the food I eat. You have encapsulated this regime well.
The importance of nutrition cannot be underlined enough. Our diet and nutrition when we are young go a long way in determining our health as we age.
Good food is always better than artificial supplements. Whole foods, greens, milk, they are all really helpful.
We have to be careful about what we intake and how much we should intake as we age. Really helpful information provided in the post.