5 foods that people over 65 should not eat - Even grapefruit may cause harm
What foods should people 65+ avoid (photo: Pixabay)
As we age, our nutritional needs change. Some foods that we once consumed without any problems can become harmful to health after 65, reports Best Life.
Ultra-processed foods
People over 65 should avoid processed foods, especially processed meat.
Dietitian Federica Amati notes that ultra-processed foods such as store-bought cookies, sugary cereals, and sweetened beverages account for about 50% of Americans' added sugar intake.
"These junk foods tend to be low in fiber, high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can all contribute to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and poor gut health," she explains.
This is especially important for people over the age of 65, as aging is naturally associated with increased inflammation and an increased risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Processed meats, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats are also high in nitrates, which can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems as we age.
Grapefruit
Whether or not a person over 65 should consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice depends on the medications they are taking, which can interact with the fruit and cause potentially life-threatening side effects.
"For example, grapefruit should not be consumed by those taking statins to lower cholesterol, anticoagulants that thin the blood, and certain antihistamines," explains nutritionist Connie Elick.
Eating grapefruit can raise blood levels of these medications to dangerous levels, which can lead to harmful effects, including an increased risk of bleeding.
Fried foods
Fried foods are unhealthy regardless of age, but they can be more harmful over the age of 65.
Deep-fried foods contain unhealthy trans fats and excessive calories, which leads to weight gain, high cholesterol, and increased inflammation.
Since metabolism naturally slows down with age, frequent consumption of these foods can accelerate chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.
Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are those that have been processed to remove fiber. This process also removes key nutrients, which are then often added back in by the manufacturer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Examples of refined carbohydrates include white bread, white rice, white pasta, cakes, and many cereals.
Unpasteurized milk
If you are over 65, there are two reasons to avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
First, it can be difficult to digest dairy products because many older people experience a decrease in lactase production.
For those who experience digestive discomfort, fermented dairy products or plant-based calcium sources such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are better tolerated.
But eating any raw foods - soft cheeses, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw seafood - can be a problem.
As we age, our immune systems become more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Instead, choose hard cheeses, thoroughly cooked eggs, and seafood. Always choose pasteurized milk for safety.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
