Important vitamins as you age

Important vitamins as you age

As we age, our bodies can get less and less efficient at producing and storing the individual nutrients and vitamins we need to stay healthy. This is why many mineral deficiencies only start to become prominent later in life. With a rise in the diagnosis of deficiencies amongst ex-servicemen, there has been a growing need for nursing homes for veterans in the last couple of years.

Most of these deficiencies could have been avoided if people were educated in advance. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the really important vitamins that you need to keep on top of as you reach your golden years.

Calcium

As you get older, your body begins to release more calcium than it actually absorbs. When this happens, your bones become weaker. Calcium is vital in the prevention of brittle bones and muscle problems. The best way to get lots of calcium is through good sources of dairy.

Vitamin B-12

B-12 helps in the creation of your blood and nerve cells. It is found naturally in animals. If you eat lots of good quality meat, fish and eggs, you should get enough of it. If your diet is low in high-fortified B-12 foods, you can supplement with B-12 pills or eat more meat.

Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin. Your body uses Vitamin D to absorb calcium. On top of that, your bones, muscles, and immune system all need vitamin D to function. If you are healthy, you should get enough Vitamin D from sunlight. If you do not absorb Vitamin D as well or do not get a lot of sunlight, you may need to supplement this. You can also find lots of Vitamin D in fatty fish like sardines and salmon

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Vitamin B6

B6 is especially useful in your body’s defence against germs. It makes your brain grow and is also a key to your energy levels and memory. Eat lots of liver, fatty fish, and fortified food to up your B6 levels.

Magnesium

Magnesium is used to help keep your blood sugar stable. Found in leafy greens and nuts, many elderly people are lacking in Magnesium. The best way to increase Magnesium is to supplement it.

Probiotics

Inside your gut is lots of friendly and helpful bacteria. After eating fermented foods, these bacteria take residence inside your stomach. They then go on to help with your digestion and can even protect you from allergies.

Omega-3

Fatty acids like omega-3 are important for your eyes, brain, and sperm cells. They help prevent Alzheimer’s and other age-related diseases too.

Zinc

Most of the population has a low zinc level. This special nutrient helps against inflammation and gives your body a hand when fighting infections. Oysters are actually the best source of zinc available.

There you have it, make sure you are getting enough of the above vitamins and minerals, and give yourself and your body a fighting chance as you get older.

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