seniorliving 5 super nutrients that help you age well Parents often use the adage, “You are what you eat!” to encourage children to make healthy food choices, but the saying is equally true for mature adults. Providing your body with a variety of nutrients lets you feel your best, and may even prevent disease and help you live longer. Allison Tannis is a nutritionist, author and professional consultant. She believes that aging well means eating well. She recommends these five super nutrients to help baby boomers and older adults age well and stay healthy. 1. Omega-3s “It can be hard to see fat as healthy, but omega- 3 fatty acids are potentially one of the most important nutrients for our health,” says Tannis. “Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to the maintenance and function of our eyes, brain and nervous system - parts of us that start to weaken with increasing age. Wild-caught fish like salmon, sardines and Arctic char are good sources of omega-3s. Plant sources of omega-3s include flax, chia and hemp. It can be difficult to get enough omega-3s from food sources, so supplements are a good alternative. 2. Vitamin D “Vitamin D is really only available to us from the sun,” explains Tannis. “Sure, there are foods such as milk and orange juice that have added vitamin D. For some, these foods are a great choice, but for others, it can be hard to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin through fortified foods.” Tannis suggests that everyone, no matter their age, consider a vitamin D supplement if diet and sun exposure aren’t adequate. 3. Probiotics “Probiotics fight inflammation, promote digestive health and much more,” says Tannis. “With age, there is a decrease in the most prominent probiotic in the colon, Bifidobacteria, leaving the colon prone to inflammation, which increases the risk of disease and discomfort.” Foods like kefir and yogurt are common sources of probiotics, but often it’s not enough to get the full benefits. Probiotic supplements are a great way to maintain and rebuild probiotic levels in your digestive tract. “Seek out one with lots of different probiotic species,” recommends Tannis. “Each probiotic offers its own unique health benefits to your body, so having lots of different kinds in your system can help your body be at its best.” 4. Green foods “Greens are packed with more nutrients per bite than almost anything else on your plate. They are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and more,” says Tannis. What green foods are the best? “The best greens to eat are the ones you like - you don’t have to hate your food. Love your food! Choose some greens that you enjoy and then, once a week, try something outside your comfort zone,” Tannis suggests. 5. Multivitamins No matter what your age, eating a balanced diet provides your body with plenty of nutrients. Taking a multivitamin is one way to ensure your body has the minimum amounts of the essential nutrients it needs each day to function properly. If you are considering a multivitamin, look for one that is designed for your age, activity level and gender. Courtesy BPT YOU DESERVE THE EXPERTS! • American Physical Therapy Association Certified Geriatric Specialist • American Physical Therapy Association Certified Exercise Experts for Aging Adults • Pelvic Floor/ Girlde Rehabilitation Specialist Call (516) 488-8808 today to schedule your evaluation. st347)242-3200 1999 Marcus Avenue Suite M15, Lake Success, NY 11042 and 69-61 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378 www.AgeWellPT.com “No other facility can top AgeWell.” E. Hendrics, Queens NY of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place SEE HEALTH EXPO SECTION INSIDE
QC08152013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above