I would guess that growing old does not worry most
Americans. However, the loss of strength and balance that
can go together with the aging process can be frightening.
Live Lean Today can help with its anti aging fitness plans.
Is there a way to prevent the frailty that is often
associated with an older age? The solution may include
protein, selected vitamins and dietary supplements.
Frailty is characterized as low overall muscle strength, a
regular feeling of exhaustion with minimal activities, slow
walking speed, and an overall reduction in activities of
daily living. Although the number of elderly who could be
defined as frail is un-known, frailty may increase the risk
of falling as well as susceptibility to disease. In
addition, frailty also negatively affects quality of life.
A recent study published in the Journal of Gerontology:
Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences demonstrated that
the lack of specific nutrients increases the risk of
becoming frail. In this study, 802 participants were
assessed for nutrient intake and frailty. The study showed
that the risk of frailty was correlated with a diminished
intake of protein and vitamins A, D, C and the B vitamin
folate.
If a person was deficient in two or more nutrients, the
risk of frailty more than doubled. In addition, as we age,
our ability to absorb nutrients from the food we eat
decreases. The quality and quantity of food eaten also may
be influenced by a fixed income. This suggests that
nutrient insuffi-ciency may be more common in the elderly
that we believe.
Fortunately, frailty may be easily prevented and even
reversed. Meat is an excellent source of protein but, for
those on a very fixed income, may not be part of the daily
diet. However, beans and nuts can also supply a significant
amount of excellent protein at a very reasonable cost. They
also are rich in folate. Fruits and vegetables are good
source of vitamins A, C and D. Dietary supplements may also
be valuable and can provide more than adequate levels of
folate and vitamins A, D and C in a number of easily
digestible forms.
When I was in medical school, we learned that all
nutritional needs could be met by having three "square"
meals a day. We now know that nutrition and health involves
a much more complex set of interactions and that proper
amounts of protein and specific nutrients, like vitamins A,
D, C and folate are essential. Frailty may be avoidable
and, with a little effort, we all may be able to enjoy the
"golden years" a little more.
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