Ways to Prevent Malnutrition in Adults

Malnutrition is when your body does not get enough nutrients from the food you eat to function properly. Nutrients include fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These give your body energy and muscle strength. They help your body grow and repair tissue. They also regulate bodily functions such as breathing and your heartbeat.

Malnutrition in the elderly can lead to many health problems, including:

• Unintentional weight loss.
• Tiredness and fatigue (feeling exhausted).
• Muscle weakness or weakness. This can lead to falls, which can cause fractures or fractures.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.
• The immune system is weak. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections.
• Anemia.

Why does malnutrition occur?

Malnutrition occurs when a person does not have enough food or does not eat enough healthy food. A number of factors can affect the amount and type of food that adults eat. These include:

• Health problems: – Older adults may have health problems that cause loss of appetite or difficulty eating. This can include conditions such as dementia and other chronic illnesses. They can be on a restricted diet that makes food taste better. They may have dental problems that make it difficult to chew or swallow food.
• Lack of diversity in diet: – Fast food and processed foods do not always have the full amount of nutrients the body needs. Older adults sometimes tend to eat the same foods that they like or easy to prepare over and over again, missing out on a variety of nutrients.
• Medications: – Some medicines can reduce food intake or affect the taste and smell of food.
• Low income: – Older adults can be on a fixed salary. They may be paying for expensive medicine to help manage their health. They may have a problem paying for groceries, especially the healthy food they need.
• Disability: – Older people with dementia or physical disabilities may not be able to buy food or cook for themselves.
• Social problems: – Mealtimes can be fun times. As we grow older, we may begin to lose friends and family. Older adults who often eat alone may lose interest in cooking and eating.
• Excessive drinking can reduce appetite and affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
• Depression in adults can lead to loss of appetite.

Because of these health problems, malnourished adults often visit their doctors, the hospital, and even the emergency room.

To improve the nutrition of your loved one, try one of the following:

• Encourage healthy food choices: – The best foods are those that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Help your loved one reduce his intake of saturated fats, sugars, alcoholic beverages, and salt. Suggest ways to replace unhealthy foods with healthy decisions.
• A snack on a healthy diet is a great way to get extra nutrients and calories between meals. It can be very helpful for older adults who get full quickly at meal times.
• Make the food taste good too: – If your loved one has a limited diet, herbs and spices can help restore the taste of bland food. Just remember to avoid vegetables or compounds of heavy salt spices.
• Consider adding supplements to your loved one’s diet. He may benefit from a diet supplement or other healthy dietary supplement. Talk to their doctor about these options.
• Encourage physical activity: – Even moderate exercise can help to enhance your loved one’s appetite and keep his or her bones and muscles strong.
• Organize community activities: – Make mealtimes and use the fun activity. Take your loved one and walk around the block. Encourage him to meet a neighbor or friend for lunch. Many restaurants offer discounts for seniors.

Conclusion: – Managing your health and eating healthy as you grow older can seem like a daunting task. You need to focus on yourself as well as keep a good check upon other members of your family too. Keeping a good lifestyle will help you achieve your health goals.