Virtually every aspect of our daily life is affected by our diet and nutrition. A proper diet not only keeps our bodies healthy but can have a significant influence on our pain levels, sleep, mental health and emotional health. From the opposite perspective, inadequate nutrition can cause a range of medical issues and diseases. One of the facets that seniors don’t often associate with optimum quality of life is making sure they get the nutrients they require. If you are feeling fatigued or unhealthy, check your diet!
It is necessary for seniors to eat the right foods, as fatigue can significantly impact everyone’s day in a negative way. Those who have no energy can find it hard to exercise or stay active, which can result in a decline in mobility or physical ability. Being fatigued also makes seniors more likely to fall, which can be dangerous. This article will look at the relationship between fatigue and food – and how to structure the right diet to increase your energy.
Does Skipping Breakfast Make You Fatigued?
There are two major components to health through a good diet – the foods you eat and what time you eat them. Scientists have determined that those who do not eat a nutritious breakfast feel more fatigue throughout the day than those who eat a healthy meal when they wake up. People who experience an energy “crash” later in the day may not have been adequately nourished at breakfast. Experts recommend eating a balanced breakfast – simple carbohydrates, fresh fruit, complex carbohydrates and protein – within 30 minutes of getting out of bed. Complex carbohydrates include whole-grain bagels, cereal, or toast; and healthy proteins that offer lasting energy include eggs, yogurt, or cheese. This combination of nutrition should be incorporated into all meals and snacks.
Hydration is Essential
Water is not a source of complex carbohydrates or protein, but it is still vital in the fight against fatigue. The body needs sufficient water to support the energy creation process. When Florida is deep into our heat and humidity season, adults (including seniors) should drink as much as one gallon of water every day, and more if they are exercising or exerting themselves. Many people hear that amount of water and think it is unattainable, there are easy ways to make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. You can place water glasses around your apartment, set an alarm to remind you to drink every 30 minutes, or infuse water with fruit to make it more tasty and appealing. Get used to carrying a water bottle and drink throughout the day.
Eiminate the Foods that Cause Fatigue
Coffee and sugar provide a boost of energy, but once the immediate surge of energy subsides, you can feel even more fatigued than before. The best strategy is to eat the proper combinations of nutrients to provide sustained energy over the course of the day. For instance, give up caffeine and sugar, and replace them with whole grains, fruits, fiber, and protein.
Anyone looking to change their daily diet to battle energy loss and fatigue should consult their physician. Senior citizens especially need to ensure that there are no problems with their prescription medications, medical issues, and a new diet regimen. Once they understand their new dietary rules, a senior citizen can enlist the help of their friends and family to help them grocery shop and cook more appropriately. If your loved one is a resident in an assisted living facility, discuss your new goals with the dietician and administration to explain what is needed to eat and feel their best.
A Banyan Residence in the Villages provides professional assisted living and memory care facilities.
