As we grow older, our bodies start to decline in almost every aspect. Our metabolism dips to an all-time low, we get tired faster and everything starts sagging. This is because our bodies are no longer as capable of absorbing some key nutrients which may be a result of a blunt in appetite because of the declining food tasting abilities. It may also be because some foods become difficult to chew or digest in our golden years. We could also consider taking cognitive supplements to help keep the memory functioning well. Be prepared to do some research as there are many websites out there to choose from (you could check out this AlphaBrain review, for example) and see if there is anything available that meets your needs and could prove helpful.
There are several supplements we will need to keep our bodies going as we age. Here are some of them and reasons why we should be getting enough of this bunch.
1. Calcium
I am only in my early 30s and am already experiencing pain in my joints due to old sports injuries. Because of that, I try to have as much calcium as I can get from dairy products such as cheese and milk. We all know how calcium helps to fortify our bones and teeth and keep them from breaking easily but did you also know that not enough of it will cause you body to leach it out of your bones? If cheese and milk aren’t your thing, you can always reach out to your local health store for calcium supplements that work just as well.
2. Fibre
According to some health professionals, it is necessary for us to take a dump at least once a day to clear our bowels and system. However, as we get older, our bodies don’t absorb as well as it used to and what happens is we get constipated, which is really uncomfortable. Besides ensuring regular bowel movement, fibre is also required to protect against heart disease. Fibre can be found in most vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and whole grains, but if these are not items you have on your regular menu, you can seek out fibre supplements from your doctor too.
3. Omega-3 Fats
The first thing most people will think about when they see this is salmon. And salmon is a really delicious way of getting your day’s worth of this supplement. Omega-3 fats are unsaturated fats found primarily in fatty fish that have a wide range of benefits including reducing symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis and slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a disease that reduces vision in the elderly. It may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps even keep the brain sharper as we age. Talk to your doctor if you need to take supplements for this.
4. Vitamin B12
The entire B vitamin group has lots of nutrients that are required for the well-being of our bodily functions. Vitamin B12, in particular, is important in creating red blood cells and DNA and for maintaining nerve function. Unfortunately, older people don’t get a lot of it because they aren’t able to absorb it from food as well as the younger folks. Although Vitamin B12 can be found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products, it may also be a good idea to seek out your doctor’s opinion on starting you on supplements.
