Food Challenges In Elder Care - Part 1
Overeating -- Is It Food Addiction?
Elders and those who care for them, may experience food challenges that lead to undereating, overeating, weight extremes, or diminished health and well-being. In Part I, we will explore the area of overeating: food cravings, compulsive eating and addiction to eating. In Part II, we will introduce some simple practice tools to help overcome non-hunger food cravings and compulsive overeating. Part III of this series will address how to help elders with undereating and inadequate nutrition.
Read Full Article...
Food Challenges In Elder Care - Part 2
Overeating -- How You Can Overcome Food Cravings, Compulsive Eating or Binge Eating.
The good news is that food cravings and overeating can be overcome. The first step to recover from compulsive eating is to be aware that it is happening in the moment. Checking in with your body before eating and determining the difference between physical hunger (nutrient and energy needs) and symbolic hunger (emotional, spiritual, social needs) is very important. Compulsive eating happens when you either can’t stop eating once you have started, or when you want to eat even though your body is not at all physically hungry.
Read Full Article...
Vitamin D
It has long been known that we need vitamin D for bone health because the body needs the vitamin to absorb calcium. Levels of vitamin D in the human body are declining due to reduced sunlight exposure and lower intakes of the vitamin. The main food source of vitamin D is fortified milk, however most adults do not consume 32 ounces (4 cups) of milk daily. The other main source of vitamin D is from the sun but with the advent of sunscreen the UV radiation necessary
to generate vitamin D in the skin is blocked.
Read Full Article...
The Immune System
You cannot see it or feel it but your immune system is quietly and constantly surveying your body to find and destroy infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. As we age there is a reduction in our immune response. We get more inflammatory disease, more infections and more cancer. Maintaining the immune system is important. Some supplements can give the immune system a boost, however, not all claims about supplements have been proven.
When taken in excess, some supplements such as vitamin A, iron, selenium and
zinc can actually reduce immunity.
Read Full Article...
Fats, Fats, Fats
Cholesterol in Your Blood
- LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood increase your risk of heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol is frequently called “good” cholesterol. High levels of HDL decrease your risk of heart disease.
- (Don’t look for LDL and HDL cholesterol in food. These terms refer only to blood cholesterol.)
Read Full Article...
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common and occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously and allows some of the stomach content to rise into the esophagus. Sometimes this is referred to as acid reflux because some of the acidic digestive juices rise with the food. If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week it is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.
Read Full Article...
