[Henan Science Popularization] "Dietary Guidelines" easy to read: Dietary Guide to Elderly

Elderly people often refer to the elderly at the age of 80 and over. Elderly and weakening elderly people often have restrictions on feeding, reduced taste, smell, digestion and absorption ability, and insufficient nutritional intake.

Therefore, elderly people need high energy and nutritional density and variety of foods. Eat more nutrients such as fish, poultry, eggs, eggs, dairy products and soybeans, and high biological utilization rates. At the same time, it is equipped with an appropriate amount of vegetables and fruit.

Fine foods that are delicious, rich in taste, and soft texture to adapt to the ability of the elderly to chew and swallow. Take multiple measures to encourage eating according to specific circumstances to reduce unnecessary food restrictions.

Loss of weight loss is a sign of signs of malnutrition and the deterioration of the health of the elderly, which can increase the risk of illness, weakness and disability. The elderly should always monitor the weight. For elderly people with too light weight (BMI <20 kg/m2) or the recent significant decline in weight, they should conduct medical nutritional assessments, identify the reasons early, and take measures from diet to intervene.

For example, 80%of the dietary intake of insufficient targets should be appropriately replenished in a timely and reasonable supplementary nutrition under the guidance of doctors and clinical nutritionists, such as special medical foods, strengthening food and nutrient supplements to improve nutritional conditions and improve quality of life.

Older and weak elderly people need to adhere to physical exercise and puzzle activities, and movement is beneficial to maintain physical and mental health and delay the decline of physical function.

The core recommendation of the diet of the elderly in the "Guide" is as follows:

Diverse foods and encourage various ways to eat.

Select foods with fine texture, high energy and nutrient density.

Eat more fish, poultry, eggs, milk and beans, with an appropriate amount of vegetables with fruits.

Pay attention to loss of weight, regular nutrition screening and evaluation to prevent malnutrition.

Supplement nutrition in a timely manner and improve the quality of life.

Adhere to fitness and puzzle activities to promote physical and mental health.

While enjoying a healthy diet, the elderly should also pay attention to oral and dental health in order to maintain the chewing function.

You should develop a good habit of brushing your mouth and mouthwash after meals, remove dirt and food residues in the mouth in time, and reduce the reproduction of oral bacteria. Repair dental caries or diseases in a timely manner, severe root or crown, and difficult to repair teeth should be removed early. Lack of teeth should be carried out in time to ensure that fake teeth are comfortable.

Check the oral cavity regularly, pay attention to the abnormal conditions of teeth, tongue, gums, and oral mucosa, find problems in time to prevent dental loose and gum atrophy. Try to maintain a good chewing function of the teeth, helping to ensure the quality of eating.

(Author: Book Xiaoyan Editor: Yang Hua)

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